It’s never too hot for a trip to the hot springs! No matter what the temperature is outside, you will love a day trip to one of Idaho’s natural hot springs. The Treasure Valley has quite a few nearby hot springs that you can enjoy with the family.

        A few months ago, my husband and I took the kids to Gold Fork Hot Springs in Donnelly. While my husband and I relaxed in the larger pool, the kids enjoyed the smaller, cooler pool, complete with sand on the bottom. There are three pools total at Gold Fork; each pool smaller and cooler than the one before. The hot springs flow directly into the largest pool, then down to the other two pools.

        The largest, and hottest, pool is perfect for adults, with built-in seating along the sides. The two cooler pools are great for small children to play in—only about two feet deep.

        For the kids, it was like a giant bathtub to play in, and for us it was extremely relaxing; a win-win! Taking your kids to enjoy one of Idaho’s hot springs is a great, and inexpensive, way to enjoy a summer day trip with them.

If you plan on enjoying the hot springs this summer, here are a few things to remember:

•  Bring towels.
•  Bring flip-flops or sandals.
•  Leave valuables at home. 
•  Bring water. Hot springs can lead to dehydration, so make sure to bring plenty of water to drink.
•  Pack lunch. Bring lunch and have a family picnic while you’re enjoying the springs!
•  No glass. Most hot springs don’t allow glass, so leave these containers at home. 

        Hot springs can be either public or private. Public hot springs are located on public land and are open, and usually free, to the public. Private hot springs are on private land and usually involve a fee. Many privately owned hot springs also have cabins, or some form of lodging or campground, so you can always make it a weekend trip! For more information on local hot springs, visit www.idahohotsprings.com.

Janelle DiOrio is a local writer and big hot springs fan.

Local Hot Springs

Public

Secesh Hot Springs,

    Payette National Forest, McCall Area

Mile-16 Hot Springs,

    Boise National Forest, Warm Lake Area

Little Anderson Hot Springs,

    Boise National Forest, Garden Valley Area

Private

Silver Creek Plunge,

    Boise National Forest, Garden Valley Area

Givens Hot Springs,

    Melba

Gold Fork Hot Springs,

    Donnelly

Burgdorf Hot Springs,

    Warren Area