Kirkham Hot Springs: Everything You Need to Know to Visit These Iconic Idaho Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs is an Idaho hot spot in more ways than one, and after visiting this gem, I totally get the hype. Read on for everything you need to know to visit these iconic Idaho hot springs, including directions, what to pack, how to prepare, and pro tips for an enjoyable experience for all. Let's get steamy!
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Table of Contents
Hot Springs Etiquette
Before we dive in, let's review a few very important details about hot spring etiquette!
Shower beforehand, if possible. Hot springs are very delicate, and it's super easy to accidentally introduce foreign bacteria that can disrupt its delicate chemical balance. Showering before entering can help their long-term health.
Keep it down. We visit hot springs to relax, and while Rainbow Kitten Surprise is calming for you, your neighbor might not agree. Read the room.
Never use soap. Again, hot springs are very delicate, and any foreign substance can hugely alter its natural balance. This includes biodegradable soaps and shampoos!
Stay hydrated! Hot springs are, well, hot, and can cause serious dehydration if your'e not careful. It's important to drink lots of water to ward off those "fainting spells" hot springs are known to cast. When it's time to leave, get up slowly. I never visit a hot spring without my 34-oz reusable, insulated water bottle.
Leave the glass behind. Breaking glass is (hopefully) never intentional, but accidents happen, and when they do, it can be dangerous, and broken glass can be nearly impossible to see.
Avoid peak times. Overcrowded springs aren't fun for anyone–it increases the negative impact on the springs, increases the chance of COVID exposure, and you could end up without a spot. Try to visit on weekdays if possible, and mornings are always best.
Are the hot springs on private land? If so, remember that this is a privilege. You're there as a guest.
Check for fees/permits/reservations. Every spring has its own rules and many do require fees, permits, or reservations to keep human impact to a minimum. Know before you go.
Check road conditions. Wilderness springs, while amazing, can be pretty grueling to get to. Do your research ahead of time to make sure you're appropriately prepared. Are there potholes? How deep is the snow? Will you need 4WD?
Pack out what you pack in. Hot springs see a lot of visitors, and we all have our little luxuries we like during a hot soak, but all of those cans, snack wrappers, and underwear (this is more common than you think) need to accompany you back home as well. Many of these hot springs, especially those in national forests like Astoria, aren't regulated as well as they could be. Therefore, what you bring in will stay there until someone else packs it out for you. Don't put that burden on them. Do your part, respect the land, treat it as if it were your own property, and keep it clean and pristine for future use.
Don't pee in the springs! Just like pools and hot tubs, peeing (or pooping) in public springs is so not okay. Pools at least have chlorine and a cleaning system in place. Hot springs are as natural as can be, and any foreign substance can throw it off balance. We all know hot water loves to test our bladders, so consider peeing before getting in. (Make sure to pack out your toilet paper too!)
Leave your fur puppies at home.
Camping is allowed at Kirkham Hot Springs during the warmer months. Reserve in advance!
Leave it better than you found it!
Getting There:
From Boise, you have two options: highway 55 or highway 21. I nearly alwaysss opt for the scenic route, and with just a five minute difference, we thought the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (highway 21) was a no-brainer. It ended up being a gorgeous, snowy drive through Idaho’s Sawtooth mountains with, yep, Ponderosa pines for days.
Note that it’s a very windy road with one lane going each way, so if you’re on a tight time crunch, Highway 55 may be your best bet!
If you drive Highway 55, check out Pine Flats on your way! It’s another Idaho hot spring that’s well worth a stop if you have the time! Read more about Pine Flats here.
After about 78 miles (if you’re driving from Boise), you’ll arrive at your destination. The campground is closed during winter, so find a spot to park in the pullout just outside of the camp’s gates.
Kirkham Hot Springs:
Location: 44.07237, -115.54165
Hours: Day Use Only (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Entrance Fees/Permits: There is a $5 fee per-vehicle / per-day use fee for parking outside of the closed gate.
Native Lands: Shoshone-Bannock
Level: Easy
Length: 0.2 miles RT
Open: Year-round
Temperature: 95-110 degrees.
Activities: Soaking, camping, fishing, hiking, swimming
Toilets: Vault at campground
Best time to visit: Early morning on a weekday in winter.
Clothing: required
Driving in, I saw clouds of steam wafting towards the sky–we had to be close. The campground closes in winter (this was a January trip!) so we parked outside of the gate, paid our $5 visitor’s fee, threw on our swimsuits, bundled back up in a warm coat, socks, and hiking boots (because the cold was no joke), pulled on our microspikes and walked on in. A snowy footpath led us through the campground’s parking lot.
The clifftop pools have stunning views of the river below, but we opted to venture down for a riverside soaking experience. It’s a choose-your-vibe type of deal so go with whatever interests you!
A narrow ice-covered path was the only thing between us and the riverbed–I only recently found out that it’s a wooden staircase in the warmer months. Thanking the adventure gods we remembered out spikes.
Once down, we saw what all the hype was about. We were instantly met with the crown jewel of this popular spring: the steamy waterfall. I literally threw off my jacket and ran under it. Ever shower with your window open? I love the feeling of hot water mixed with cold, fresh air, and this was just like that but like, 100000000x better.
Don’t miss Pine Flats hot springs while you’re here! It’s just 15 minutes away!
The waterfall was rad but not really an ideal place to hang out–I was looking for a less loud, less splashy vibe–so after a few photos, I reigned in my excitement and we continued down river to find our soakings pot for the day.
There are plenty of pools along the river, the hot water trapped by circles of rocks. We dropped our stuff and waded in.
Pro tip: The closer you are to the river, the colder the spring. Why? The river water is FREEZING and cools down the pools as it seeps between the rocks. If you’re the type who loves a scalding experience (samesies), head to the pools on the cliff! We got lucky with a riverside pool that was the perfect temperature for that chilly day in January.
Keep an eye out for wildlife! A buck decided to keep us company on the other side of the Salmon River. Pretty freaking magical if you ask me.
What to Pack:
Swimsuit – I layer my one-piece under my clothes to get in the pool as fast as possible.
Changing poncho. I loveeee my Nomadix microfiber changing poncho for adventures like these! They’re quick to absorb, warm, and make changing back into my clothes so easy in public!
Water – I like to bring along my Hydroflask insulated water bottle follows me on all my hot springs adventures. Stay hydrated, friends!
Snacks – Something fresh like an orange (pack out those peels!) tastes 10x better when enjoyed in a spring.
Rumpl Everywhere Mat – I throw my clothes on top of my Everywhere Mat to keep my clothes dry while soaking.
Spikes – This trail can get slipper in the winter. Spikes can make all the difference!
Trashbag – For your trash and others'!
** Don't forget to pack everything out with you!
Pine Flats
Other Nearby Hot Springs
Pine Flats (14 minutes from Kirkham Hot Springs) is easily one of my all-time favorite Idaho hot springs. Many of Idaho’s springs are smack on the side of the highway, no joke, but Pine Flats requires a 10-minute walk along the South Fork Payette River before you start seeing steam. This means no noise pollution, a little less people, and peak nature vibes. It also has a sweet pool that’s filled by a massive waterfall–what’s not to like?
I didn’t have the chance to visit Bonneville Hot Springs (20 minutes from Kirkham Hot Springs), but I’ve heard good things! You’ll find more waterfall-filled riverside pools here with a fraction of the crowds. There’s also a sweet private soak shack with a literal tub–pretty dang cool!
If you’re heading to Kirkham Hot Springs, consider doing the Epic Idaho Hot Springs Loop!
