Soak in Kirkham Hot Springs
Lowman, Idaho
Description
Added by Dusty Klein
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!
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Reviews
This was a very accessible hot spring with a very short hike. Parking is on the side of highway 21. The day we arrived there was a park service employee there collecting park fees. Some people weren't paying and it looked like they were getting ticketed. There's an old campground (maybe it's open at certain times of the year) that you walk through to get to the Spring. Great place to picnic at. At the end of the campground is one tub but keep going and you'll find several pools and a small waterfall. The waterfall was like a shower!!! But it was so hot, I could not stand completely under it. The payette river was flowing strong the day we visited so be careful and stay close to the rock wall. Totally worth the stop and the fee to enter/park.
5.0
Stop in during the early morning and you may be the only one there. We went at 7am and enjoyed the peaceful sounds and saw a herd of mule deer grazing on the hilltop across the river.
5.0
We watched a heard of deer watch us soak. Multiple pools at multiple temperatures! Definitely recommend.
5.0
This place is awesome, the pools were amazing and varied with temperatures. We went in late March, the campground was still closed. We were there around 8pm and had the whole hot springs to ourselves.
5.0
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!
5.0
We had a great time. The river water is so clear. You can see the bottom. We will go again.
5.0
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.
5.0
Unfortunately we didn’t stay long. There was a group of college kids with boom boxes blasting music, smoking pot and drinking, also cussing. We had our kids with us so this atmosphere was not going to work. We notified law enforcement so hopefully they’ll swing by every now and then and keep the place proper for future visitors.
3.0
I drove out from Boise for a hike in the mountains and a soak in the Springs. It couldn’t have worked out better for me. The soak is easily accessible from the parking lot and was the perfect way to warm up after a chilly hike. Fee pay station is closed for the season.
5.0
Perfect way to break up a long drive. A bit crowded but very cool to go from hot water to cold river. Also some fun cliff jumping front the rocks if you swim to other side of river
4.0
Leave No Trace
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