Dash Creek Hot Springs
Dash Creek Hot Springs pushes 138-degree water to the surface at 4,100 feet in the Boise National Forest backcountry, roughly half a mile from the nearest road. The spring sits in a cluster of thermal features near the Boiling Springs area of Valley County, where geothermal activity is concentrated along deep fracture zones.
The walk in covers about 2,900 feet through heavy forest where snowfall averages over 13 feet per year. The terrain is rugged and wooded, with the spring emerging in a drainage surrounded by conifers that block most wind. In winter, the steam plume is visible from a distance against cold air. USGS measurements record the source at 66.5 degrees Celsius. The Boiling Springs area nearby contains additional thermal features, and the whole zone carries a pervasive mineral smell that signals the underlying geothermal activity.
The concentration of hot springs in this drainage reflects a major geothermal upwelling zone within the Idaho Batholith. Dash Creek's 138-degree output is among the hotter springs in this cluster, and the lack of published water chemistry data suggests it has received less scientific attention than neighboring features. The Boiling Springs Cabin nearby has served as a Forest Service administrative site and is now available as a rental, giving visitors a base from which to explore several thermal features.
At 138 degrees Fahrenheit, the source is far too hot for direct contact. Look for cooled pools downstream or where the outflow mixes with creek water. Boiling Springs Cabin is 1.4 miles away and reservable through Recreation.gov, offering a roof and proximity to multiple hot springs. The half-mile walk requires sturdy footwear. Snow typically closes access from November through May or June.
Is Dash Creek Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Overnight camping trips
Overview The cabin area is open to the general public.Boiling Springs Cabin is a popular destination for those who enjoy soaking in mineral hot springs that are adjacent to the cabin. Other hot springs are within the vicinity as well. Guests who stay here also have a variety of other recreational activities to enjoy, such as fishing, hiking, and off-road motor vehicle riding. The cabin offers many conveniences, but guests should bring some supplies like water and equipment to ensure a comfort...