At 147°F, the source water at Haven Lodge 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.
Haven Lodge Hot Spring runs 147°F through Boise National Forest land at 4,000 feet, just a short walk from the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route near Idaho City. With alkaline water registering a pH of 9.2 and over 100 degrees above ambient air temperature, this is one of the hotter springs along this stretch of central Idaho backcountry.
The spring sits in dense conifer forest typical of the Boise National Forest, where annual snowfall tops 155 inches and the air averages a brisk 46°F year-round. The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route threads through the canyon below, and the South Fork Payette River carves through the drainage nearby. Steam rises visibly from the source in cooler months, drifting through stands of Douglas fir and ponderosa pine.
History of Haven Lodge Hot Spring
The spring taps into the same deep geothermal system that feeds the better-known Kirkham Hot Springs barely a mile away. Water chemistry shows very low calcium at 1.4 mg/L and elevated sodium at 79 mg/L, characteristic of deep-circulation alkaline thermal water moving through Idaho's granitic batholith. The Boise National Forest manages this area, which saw heavy prospecting during the 1860s Idaho City gold rush.
Kirkham Campground sits roughly one mile away and accepts reservations. The spring is about 700 feet from the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route, making it a short walk in. Highway 21 between Boise and Stanley provides year-round access, though winter conditions require chains or four-wheel drive. Water at 147°F is far too hot for direct contact without mixing.
Is Haven Lodge Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Haven Lodge Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
27°Jan
30°Feb
36°Mar
41°Apr
49°May
61°Jun
72°Jul
71°Aug
61°Sep
46°Oct
34°Nov
25°Dec
Annual Precip: 34.3 inAnnual Snow: 155.9 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 25°F · Water 147°F · +122° contrast
JanuaryAir 27°F · Water 147°F · +120° contrast
FebruaryAir 30°F · Water 147°F · +118° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
146.3°F
(63.5°C)Measured Mar 13, 1979
Water ChemistrySampled 1979-03-13
The water at Haven Lodge Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.2).
Overview
Kirkham Campground is located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Visitors enjoy soaking in popular Kirkham Hot Springs on the banks of the river and exploring the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail.
Recreation
Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is located at the river's edge within the campground. A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools and small steaming waterfalls.
The South Fork Payette River offers...
What is the water temperature at Haven Lodge Hot Spring?
Haven Lodge Hot Spring has a water temperature of 147°F (64°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Haven Lodge Hot Spring located?
Haven Lodge Hot Spring is located in Boise County, Idaho at 4,000 feet elevation, near Idaho City. Coordinates: 44.0770°N, 115.5530°W.
How do I get to Haven Lodge Hot Spring?
Haven Lodge Hot Spring has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Ponderosa Pine Scenic Route (0.1 mi from the road).
Is Haven Lodge Hot Spring free to visit?
Haven Lodge Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Haven Lodge Hot Spring?
Yes, Kirkham is located nearby (0.6 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Haven Lodge Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.2 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Haven Lodge Hot Spring?
The water at Haven Lodge Hot Spring reaches 147°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 Haven Lodge Hot Spring crowded?
Haven Lodge Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Haven Lodge Hot Spring?
Essentials for Haven Lodge 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
147°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp147°F (64°C)
Avg Air Temp46°F
Above Ambient+101°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessShort Walk
Nearest RoadPonderosa Pine Scenic Route
Distance to Road0.1 mi
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitBoise National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use