Warm Spring
A 68-degree spring at 5,170 feet elevation in Cassia County, Idaho, flowing 18.5 degrees above ambient temperature with moderately mineralized water at 501 mg/L total dissolved solids. Chemistry shows calcium at 63 mg/L and notably high chloride at 162 mg/L with pH 7.6. The spring requires a 100-meter walk from the road near Burley.
Located in the broad agricultural valley country along the Utah-Idaho border, the spring emerges in terrain receiving 9.2 inches annual precipitation and 20.2 inches of snow where average temperatures reach 49.5 degrees. The high basin landscape combines working farmland with native sagebrush and grassland vegetation. The Snake River Plain extends northward while the Albion Range rises to the south. The spring's position in this valley reflects deep groundwater circulation through sedimentary and volcanic rocks underlying the region's agricultural belt.
Historical details specific to this spring remain undocumented in available sources. The generic "Warm Spring" designation suggests no distinctive development narrative was preserved. Cassia County's settlement began in the 1860s following the California Trail and intensified after the 1879 county formation, with springs serving irrigation and livestock operations throughout the basin country. The elevated chloride content may indicate mixing with older groundwater from deep sedimentary formations.
Visit April through October when weather is most favorable; winter conditions bring cold temperatures and snow to this high-elevation location. The 100-meter walk from the road crosses terrain that may be privately owned; verify access permission before visiting. The modest temperature makes this a cool rather than hot spring experience. No nearby developed campgrounds are listed in federal databases; plan for day visits or camping in more distant national forest locations.
The water at Warm Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 7.6) with 501 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).