At 167°F, the source water at Warm Springs Creek 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.
Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs discharges at 167°F, one of the hottest springs in Boise County. USGS-confirmed at 75°C with 307 mg/L total dissolved solids, pH of 8.4, and sodium-dominant chemistry (90 mg/L sodium). It surfaces just 2.8 meters from Castle Meadow Drive at 3,520 feet elevation, requiring no hiking.
The spring emerges in a forested canyon along Warm Springs Creek in Boise County, northwest of Idaho City. At 3,520 feet, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir line the canyon walls while cottonwoods and willows mark the creek bottom. Annual precipitation reaches 30.7 inches with 100 inches of snowfall. Castle Meadow Drive follows the creek through a relatively narrow valley. The North Fork of the Payette River drainage lies to the west, while the Boise River system extends south and east. Exposed granitic rock outcrops are visible along the road cuts.
History of Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs
Historical records for this spring are limited. The descriptive name refers to its location along Warm Springs Creek rather than any individual or event. The spring remains undeveloped and unimproved. Swinging Bridge Campground, 10.4 km away near Banks, is a reservable Forest Service site at 4,000 feet along the North Fork Payette River, a corridor known for expert-level whitewater kayaking. The area around the spring has seen no commercial development.
Castle Meadow Drive provides direct roadside access, but road surface quality varies by season. Source water at 167°F causes immediate burns; do not touch the source. Best conditions occur May through October. Swinging Bridge Campground is reservable and located 10.4 km away along Highway 55. Banks, at the junction of Highways 55 and 17, provides basic services. The North Fork Payette corridor offers whitewater viewing and fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.
Is Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Easy day trips
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
27°Jan
31°Feb
38°Mar
44°Apr
54°May
63°Jun
74°Jul
73°Aug
63°Sep
48°Oct
35°Nov
27°Dec
Annual Precip: 30.7 inAnnual Snow: 100.0 in
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryAir 27°F · Water 167°F · +140° contrast
DecemberAir 27°F · Water 167°F · +140° contrast
FebruaryAir 31°F · Water 167°F · +136° contrast
January offers 47°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
167.0°F
(75.0°C)Measured Nov 27, 1978
Water ChemistrySampled 1978-11-27
The water at Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.4) with 307 mg/L total dissolved solids.
Overview
Swinging Bridge Campground is located 10 miles north of Banks, Idaho just off Highway 55 at an elevation of 4,000 feet.
The North Fork Payette River flows next to the highway, where extreme kayaking is a popular activity.Recreation
The North Fork of the Payette River is a very popular location for expert kayaking. Whitewater rafting is nearby on the Main and South Fork sections of the Payette River.
Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.Facili...
What is the water temperature at Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs?
Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs has a water temperature of 167°F (75°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs located?
Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs is located in Boise County, Idaho at 3,520 feet elevation, near Idaho City. Coordinates: 44.1540°N, 115.9930°W.
How do I get to Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs?
Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Castle Meadow Drive (9 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs?
Yes, Swinging Bridge is located nearby (6.5 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 8.4 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 307 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs?
The water at Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs reaches 167°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. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs crowded?
Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs 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 Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs?
Essentials for Warm Springs Creek 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.