At 160°F, the source water at Cabarton Hot Spring is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Cabarton Hot Spring pushes out 160-degree Fahrenheit water in Valley County near Cascade, making it one of the hotter springs in the region. The 116-degree temperature difference above ambient air is among the largest in Idaho. A short walk of about 558 feet from Cabarton Road leads to the source at 4,720 feet elevation, where the alkaline, sodium-rich water emerges from fractured rock.
The walk from Cabarton Road follows a path through mixed conifer forest and meadow before reaching the spring's steaming outflow. At 160 degrees, the source water sends visible plumes of steam into the mountain air even on warm days. The surrounding terrain receives over three feet of precipitation annually and nearly 12.5 feet of snow, keeping the forest green and the creek drainages running well into summer. Mineral deposits line the outflow channel in white and pale yellow crusts. The smell of dissolved minerals is noticeable near the source.
History of Cabarton Hot Spring
Cabarton's elevated temperature and chemistry, with 110 mg/L sodium, 43 mg/L sulfate, and 40 mg/L chloride at pH 9.0, indicate a deeper geothermal source than many neighboring springs. The zero magnesium reading is notable and suggests the water reaches temperatures underground that strip this mineral entirely. The Cabarton area along the North Fork Payette River corridor has seen human use for thousands of years, with thermal features drawing both indigenous peoples and later settlers.
The spring is dangerously hot at 160 degrees and absolutely cannot be entered at the source. Look well downstream for areas where cool creek water mixes to create soakable temperatures. French Creek Campground on Lake Cascade, about 14 miles away, is reservable and offers boat access and fishing. The walk from Cabarton Road is short but unmarked. Snow limits access from late November through April. Bring footwear suitable for uneven, wet ground near the outflow.
Is Cabarton Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Cabarton Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
25°Jan
27°Feb
34°Mar
38°Apr
47°May
58°Jun
69°Jul
68°Aug
58°Sep
44°Oct
31°Nov
23°Dec
Annual Precip: 36.3 inAnnual Snow: 149.0 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 23°F · Water 160°F · +137° contrast
JanuaryAir 25°F · Water 160°F · +135° contrast
FebruaryAir 27°F · Water 160°F · +133° contrast
December offers 46°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
145.4°F
(63.0°C)Measured Jul 18, 1991
Water ChemistrySampled 1979-06-26
The water at Cabarton Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.0).
Overview
French Creek Campground is located next to scenic Lake Cascade in west-central Idaho. It is near the town of Donnelly, at an elevation of 4,850 feet. Boating, fishing, swimming and hiking are popular activities in this scenic region.Recreation
Lake Cascade offers excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Anglers enjoy casting for rainbow trout, coho salmon, smallmouth bass and perch. Many hiking and biking trails are in the area as well.Fac...
What is the water temperature at Cabarton Hot Spring?
Cabarton Hot Spring has a water temperature of 160°F (71°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Cabarton Hot Spring located?
Cabarton Hot Spring is located in Valley County, Idaho at 4,720 feet elevation, near Cascade. Coordinates: 44.4160°N, 116.0310°W.
How do I get to Cabarton Hot Spring?
Cabarton Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Cabarton Road (0.1 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Cabarton Hot Spring?
Yes, French Creek is located nearby (8.6 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Cabarton Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.0 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Cabarton Hot Spring?
The water at Cabarton Hot Spring reaches 160°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Cabarton Hot Spring crowded?
Cabarton Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Cabarton Hot Spring?
Essentials for Cabarton Hot Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.