Pine Flats Hot Springs

The secret is out about Idaho's plethora of hot springs... but this one truly is special. It's highlighted by a warm waterfall that pours into a pool on the banks of the Payette. These springs are only about an hour and a half drive from Boise.

To get there from the City of Trees, head north on Hwy. 55 towards McCall and hang a right on Banks Lowman Highway. 28 short and beautiful miles later, Pine Flats Campground is on your right.

Since these springs are in a campground, it's understandable that the summer months are busy. You'll need to go on a weekday or in the offseason to get the springs to yourself. When the campground is closed, you can park at the gate and walk down to the springs. For kayakers, the pools can be accessed by the river.

There's a sign for the hot springs that mark the start of about a quarter mile hike. Once there, hike up and around the rocks to reach the waterfall pool. NOTE: The hike down to this particular pool by the river is steep and through loose rock. Shoes are recommended to get down there. Sober soakers are encouraged.

As always when adventuring in the great outdoors, pick up after yourself and respect the surrounding environment. We like to pack an extra trash bag when visiting places like this so we can leave it better than we found it.