At 154°F, the source water at Council Mtn Hot Springs 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.
Council Mountain Hot Springs surfaces at 154 degrees Fahrenheit in Payette National Forest, running a full 109 degrees above the local average air temperature. That extreme differential, among the highest in the dataset, indicates deep geothermal circulation beneath Adams County's forested mountains near Council.
A walk of roughly 1,224 feet from the nearest road leads to the spring at 4,526 feet elevation. The surrounding Payette National Forest terrain is steep and densely timbered with mixed conifers. Annual snowfall approaches ten feet, burying the access route for months. During warmer seasons, the spring produces visible steam where the 154-degree water meets cooler air. The area receives over 32 inches of precipitation annually, keeping the forest floor damp and supporting thick understory growth.
History of Council Mtn Hot Springs
No water chemistry data is recorded for Council Mountain, which limits understanding of its geothermal source. However, the 154-degree temperature and location within the Idaho Batholith's western margin suggest deep fault-controlled circulation similar to other high-temperature springs in the region. The spring sits on US Forest Service land with formal public access designation, a status that has kept it open for decades.
Amanita Campground near Lake Cascade sits about 14 miles away with reservable sites at 4,850 feet elevation. The campground offers access to boating, fishing, and swimming on the reservoir. The spring itself is far too hot for direct contact at the source and extreme caution is warranted. Winter access is effectively blocked by heavy snow. Check with the Council Ranger District for current trail conditions.
Is Council Mtn Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Council Mtn Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
25°Jan
27°Feb
34°Mar
40°Apr
49°May
59°Jun
70°Jul
69°Aug
59°Sep
45°Oct
33°Nov
24°Dec
Annual Precip: 32.6 inAnnual Snow: 118.5 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 24°F · Water 154°F · +130° contrast
JanuaryAir 25°F · Water 154°F · +129° contrast
FebruaryAir 27°F · Water 154°F · +127° contrast
December offers 46°F more contrast than July
Nearby Camping
Amanita8.8 mi away
Overview
Amanita 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. A boat ramp is located at the neighboring Rainbow Point Campg...
What is the water temperature at Council Mtn Hot Springs?
Council Mtn Hot Springs has a water temperature of 154°F (68°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Council Mtn Hot Springs located?
Council Mtn Hot Springs is located in Adams County, Idaho at 4,526 feet elevation, near Council. Coordinates: 44.6690°N, 116.3050°W.
How do I get to Council Mtn Hot Springs?
Council Mtn Hot Springs has Short Walk road access (0.2 mi from the road).
Is Council Mtn Hot Springs free to visit?
Council Mtn Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Council Mtn Hot Springs?
Yes, Amanita is located nearby (8.8 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Council Mtn Hot Springs?
The water at Council Mtn Hot Springs reaches 154°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. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Council Mtn Hot Springs crowded?
Council Mtn Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Council Mtn Hot Springs?
Essentials for Council Mtn Hot Springs: 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.
Temperature
154°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp154°F (68°C)
Avg Air Temp45°F
Above Ambient+110°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessShort Walk
Distance to Road0.2 mi
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitPayette National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use