Soak in Kirkham Hot Springs
This legendary hot spot is one of many along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. It features geothermal pools and waterfalls of varying temperatures and is nuzzled up to the beautiful South Fork of the Payette River.
Soaking in Kirkham is like soaking in a dream. Numerous geothermal springs of varying temperature await at the bottom of a small wooden staircase. Hot water pours over the cliff into pools below and literally feels like a natural shower. If that's not enough, enjoy the rush and beauty of the Payette River beside you.
From Boise, head north on Highway 21 through Idaho City and through Lowman. 5 miles past Lowman you'll spot the steam from Kirkham Campground, home to one of the most famous hot springs in Idaho. Insider Tip: there are many geothermal pools along this highway so keep your eyeballs out for signs and steam rising if you're looking to tour some more springs. Kirkham sees a lot of visitors in the summer months so prepare to engage with other soakers. If you brave the roads and hike through the snow in the winter you will be rewarded with a vacant world-class, all-natural spa.
This is one of those charming spots that you've got to experience firsthand. There is a $5 fee to park in the campground and it's recommended to keep your pups at home. As always, be respectful of your environment and pick up after yourself. Have a great soak!
Pack List
When visiting Kirkham Hot Springs, be sure to bring:
- A swimsuit!
- A towel
- Water sandals for climbing on and over wet rocks
- A $5 bill to take care of the parking fee
Also keep in mind that this is a campground! If you're lucky enough to stay here you'll want to bring the overnight goods. Make your campsite reservations on Recreation.gov.
| Activities | Chillin, Camping, Photography, Swimming |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Season | Year Round |
| Features |
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Hot Springs
River
Scenic
Waterfall
|
Reviews
Leave a ReviewOverall rating:
Perfect Saturday morning adventure
Absolutely worth the drive. It was beautiful! So warm and relaxing :) My 4-year-old son and I went up this morning, got there around 10-10:30. There were a few people but there’s plenty of room! It people started to pile in around 12-12:30 so we left just before 1. It was amazing though, we really enjoyed it!
Beautiful
We had a great time. The river water is so clear. You can see the bottom. We will go again.
Bring Water Shoes
We had every intention of heading up earlier, but drug our feet and arrived around 11:45am It was during a snow storm and there were still people around, but not super busy/crowded (one group in a separate pool, another couple, us, and over time maybe 2-3 more couples came through) it was still an intimate experience as most people kept their distance. We didn’t even think to bring water shoes & really regretted that but otherwise loved everything about this place.
