Ground Hog Hot Springs
Ground Hog Hot Springs holds at a perfect 100°F in the Boise National Forest at 4,180 feet, one of the few Idaho springs where the source temperature matches ideal soaking conditions without any need to mix in cold creek water. Reaching it requires a hike of over a mile through backcountry terrain near the South Fork Salmon River.
The trail passes through mixed conifer forest where the canopy filters light into shifting patterns on the forest floor. This corner of Valley County receives over 13 feet of snow each winter, and the landscape reflects it: thick moss on deadfall, lush undergrowth, and the steady sound of running water from nearby drainages. The spring emerges in a clearing where thermal warmth keeps the ground bare even when surrounding terrain lies under snow.
USGS records document the source at 115.7°F, slightly above the surface measurement of 100°F, indicating some cooling as the water reaches the accessible pools. The spring sits within the same geothermal corridor that feeds Boiling Springs and other thermal features nearby, all driven by deep fault systems cutting through the granitic Idaho Batholith.
The hike is over a mile each way with no maintained trail infrastructure at the spring. The Boiling Springs Cabin, reservable and roughly 2.2 miles away, serves as a base camp for visiting multiple springs in this drainage. Winter access is impractical due to extreme snowfall. The 100°F water is comfortable year-round for those who make the hike, with no need to seek cold-water mixing.
Is Ground Hog 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...