At 149°F, the source water at Dutch Frank 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.
Dutch Frank Hot Spring runs at a scalding 149 degrees F along Middle Fork Road in the Boise National Forest, making it one of the hotter accessible springs in the Idaho backcountry. At 4,100 feet elevation in Boise County near Idaho City, the water emerges just 87 feet from the road with a pH of 9.6 and extremely low mineral content.
The spring sits in a forested canyon where ponderosa pine and Douglas fir line the Middle Fork drainage. Steam rises visibly from the source in cooler months, drifting through the canopy and carrying a faint sulfur note. The creek runs nearby, its cold water a sharp contrast to the thermal outflow. This stretch of forest sees heavy snow, averaging over 10 feet annually, and the surrounding hills hold white well into spring while the hot water keeps its channel clear.
History of Dutch Frank Hot Spring
The Boise National Forest sits atop the Idaho Batholith, a massive granitic intrusion where deep fractures channel rainwater miles underground before it resurfaces superheated. Dutch Frank's chemistry, dominated by sodium at 57 mg/L with minimal calcium and magnesium, is typical of these deep-circulating batholith systems. The spring's 149-degree temperature suggests a reservoir well below the surface. The area saw placer mining activity in the 1860s gold rush centered on Idaho City.
The Barber Flat Cabin, a 1935 CCC-built rental about 6 miles away, offers reservable lodging with historic character. The spring itself is roadside but extremely hot at 149 degrees F. Do not enter the source pool. This is National Forest land with open public access. Snow exceeds 10 feet annually, so winter visits require preparation. The nearby town of Idaho City has services.
Is Dutch Frank Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Dutch Frank Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
27°Jan
30°Feb
36°Mar
41°Apr
50°May
62°Jun
72°Jul
72°Aug
61°Sep
47°Oct
34°Nov
25°Dec
Annual Precip: 29.9 inAnnual Snow: 121.1 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 25°F · Water 149°F · +124° contrast
JanuaryAir 27°F · Water 149°F · +122° contrast
FebruaryAir 30°F · Water 149°F · +119° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
149.0°F
(65.0°C)Measured May 28, 1981
Water ChemistrySampled 1981-05-28
The water at Dutch Frank Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.6).
Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id)5.6 mi away
Overview
The Barber Flat Cabin site was established for administrative use by the Forest Service in 1923, and was used prior to that by the Barber Lumber Company. At the time, the Forest Service used a cabin already on-site as a guard station and then built a new one in 1927. The current cabin and outbuildings were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, and the cabin today looks much as it did back then.
Guests can drive to Barber Flat Cabin in two-wheel drive passenger cars or tr...
What is the water temperature at Dutch Frank Hot Spring?
Dutch Frank Hot Spring has a water temperature of 149°F (65°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Dutch Frank Hot Spring located?
Dutch Frank Hot Spring is located in Boise County, Idaho at 4,100 feet elevation, near Idaho City. Coordinates: 43.7890°N, 115.4340°W.
How do I get to Dutch Frank Hot Spring?
Dutch Frank Hot Spring has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Middle Fork Road (88 ft from the road).
Is Dutch Frank Hot Spring free to visit?
Dutch Frank Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Dutch Frank Hot Spring?
Yes, Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id) is located nearby (5.6 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Dutch Frank Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.6 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Dutch Frank Hot Spring?
The water at Dutch Frank Hot Spring reaches 149°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 Dutch Frank Hot Spring crowded?
Dutch Frank Hot Spring is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Dutch Frank Hot Spring?
Essentials for Dutch Frank Hot Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, 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
149°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp149°F (65°C)
Avg Air Temp47°F
Above Ambient+103°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessRoadside
Nearest RoadMiddle Fork Road
Distance to Road88 ft
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitBoise National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use