At 149°F, the source water at Kirkham Hot Springs 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.
Kirkham Hot Springs sits right where 149-degree water cascades over rock ledges into soaking pools along the South Fork Payette River. Located in the Boise National Forest near Lowman, these springs are among the most accessible and photogenic thermal features on Highway 21, with multiple pools at varying temperatures formed by mixing river and spring water.
Steam rises from small waterfalls that pour over moss-covered rock faces and into a series of stone-lined pools at the river's edge. The South Fork Payette River rushes past just feet away, its cold green current available for a bracing contrast dip. Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs line the narrow canyon above, and the air carries the faint sulfur scent typical of alkaline springs. At 4,000 feet elevation, the canyon traps warmth even on cold mornings.
History of Kirkham Hot Springs
The springs discharge from fractures in the Idaho Batholith, the massive granitic intrusion underlying much of central Idaho. With a pH of 9.1 and very low mineral content, the water is among the softest hot springs in the state. The Boise National Forest has maintained the site for public use, adding staircases and a short trail from the adjacent Kirkham Campground to the pools below.
A developed Forest Service campground sits just 300 feet from the springs, with reservable sites available through Recreation.gov. The pools are hottest at their source and cooler near the river, so visitors can find a comfortable temperature by moving between them. Snow blankets the area in winter, with the region averaging 156 inches annually, but the springs remain accessible year-round.
Is Kirkham Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Kirkham Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
28°Jan
30°Feb
37°Mar
41°Apr
49°May
61°Jun
72°Jul
72°Aug
61°Sep
47°Oct
34°Nov
25°Dec
Annual Precip: 34.3 inAnnual Snow: 155.9 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 25°F · Water 149°F · +124° contrast
JanuaryAir 28°F · Water 149°F · +121° contrast
FebruaryAir 30°F · Water 149°F · +119° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
125.2°F
(51.8°C)Measured Oct 26, 1992
Water ChemistrySampled 1979-02-27
The water at Kirkham Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.1).
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 Kirkham Hot Springs?
Kirkham Hot Springs has a water temperature of 149°F (65°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Kirkham Hot Springs located?
Kirkham Hot Springs is located in Boise County, Idaho at 4,000 feet elevation, near Idaho City. Coordinates: 44.0720°N, 115.5430°W.
How do I get to Kirkham Hot Springs?
Kirkham Hot Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Kirkham Road (346 ft from the road).
Is Kirkham Hot Springs free to visit?
Kirkham Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Kirkham Hot Springs?
Yes, Kirkham is located nearby (0.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Kirkham Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.1 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Kirkham Hot Springs?
The water at Kirkham Hot Springs 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 Kirkham Hot Springs crowded?
Kirkham Hot Springs sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Kirkham Hot Springs?
Essentials for Kirkham Hot Springs: 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 AccessShort Walk
Nearest RoadKirkham Road
Distance to Road346 ft
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitBoise National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use