Goat Hot Springs
Goat Hot Springs hides deep in the Boise National Forest, requiring a hike of over a mile through Valley County backcountry at 4,320 feet elevation. The alkaline water registers a pH of 9.3 and holds 65 mg/L of sodium, creating a slippery, mineral-soft feel that distinguishes it from most Idaho springs.
The trail winds through dense conifer forest where the only sounds are wind through the canopy and water moving over rock. At this elevation, snow piles to over 13 feet annually, burying the landscape from November through April. The surrounding terrain rolls between steep drainages and forested ridgelines. Summer brings wildflowers to the clearings, and the air carries the sharp scent of pine resin and damp earth.
The spring emerges along a geothermal corridor in the South Fork Salmon River drainage, where deep faults channel heated water upward through granitic basement rock. USGS measurements confirm a source temperature of 122°F. The Boiling Springs area nearby hosts several thermal features, indicating a substantial geothermal system beneath this stretch of the Boise National Forest.
This is a committed backcountry destination. The hike exceeds one mile each way, and winter access is effectively impossible due to 160-plus inches of annual snowfall. The reservable Boiling Springs Cabin sits about 3 miles away and provides a base for exploring multiple hot springs in the area. Bring all water and supplies.
Is Goat Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Goat Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.3).
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...