Cove Creek Hot Spring
Cove Creek Hot Spring delivers 131-degree Fahrenheit water with 320 mg/L sodium and 310 mg/L chloride at just 2,350 feet elevation, one of the lowest-elevation thermal springs in Idaho. Recent USGS measurements recorded 74 degrees Celsius, suggesting the source may run even hotter at depth than the historical figure indicates.
A short walk of about 944 feet from Skow Road crosses dry, open terrain in Payette County near the town of Payette. At this low elevation, the landscape is arid rangeland rather than forest, with less than 13 inches of annual precipitation and minimal snowfall. The spring's mineral-heavy water leaves white and yellowish deposits along its outflow channel. The surrounding area feels more like the western Snake River Plain's desert benchlands than the timbered mountains most associate with Idaho hot springs.
Cove Creek's sodium-chloride-sulfate chemistry, with 320 mg/L sodium, 310 mg/L chloride, and 270 mg/L sulfate, points to deep circulation through sedimentary formations rather than the granitic batholith system that feeds most Idaho thermal springs. The near-neutral pH of 7.4 and negligible discharge of 0.01 cubic feet per second suggest a constrained flow path. Low calcium at 20 mg/L alongside high sodium indicates significant ion exchange at depth.
Mann Creek Campground lies about 27 miles away near Mann Creek Reservoir with reservable sites and access to boating and fishing. The low elevation and dry climate make this spring accessible year-round, though summer temperatures in Payette County regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The source water is far too hot for soaking. Verify land access status before visiting, as no public land manager is listed in the records.
Is Cove Creek Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Cove Creek Hot Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.4). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation), and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
Overview Mann Creek Campground is located near the Mann Creek Reservoir in the foothills of the West Central Mountains in western Idaho near the Payette National Forest. The reservoir is a popular boating and fishing destination. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation....