Soak in Pine Flats Hot Springs
Lowman, Idaho
Details
Distance
0.61 miles
Elevation Gain
131 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Dusty Klein
Dip in a natural geothermal pool beneath a waterfall with views of the Payette River and soak up that unparalleled Idaho magic.
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.
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Reviews
There’s multiple pools, the ones higher up are hotter. Cool little area and each time I’ve seen a few people but have gotten my own little hot pool each time.
5.0
We went in late march, the views were amazing and it was fun to explore the area. The pools are a bit on the smaller side and not too hot.
4.0
A short and beautiful hike to the springs, right along the river! It’s a pretty steep climb up the hill when you finally get there but my 4 and a half year old made it up with some help :) We didn’t even get to the other side where most of the pictures of the springs were taken because we found another pool towards the top on the front side. Beautiful view! A little hot though haha
4.0
I went in October. The water was just warm enough that I could get in, but it wasn’t warm enough that I wanted to stay in. This would be a much better hike/swim in the summer months. The hike was easy and the area is beautiful. I would love to camp in the campsite at the trailhead :)
4.0
This hot springs is much smaller than I expected. Either way we did have fun but for this time of the year it was almost not worth it. The water is more like a lukewarm bath. When your sitting it the water probably covers most of your legs but not completely. Also we packed out with a bag of trash like cigarette butts, beer cans and sandwich bags. Very sad people aren’t cleaning up after themselves
3.0
Sentimental... nice springs. Camping is ok... not too many hiking trails around that we found.
3.0
Close to civilization, far enough for some quiet--though maybe less than most, due to accessibility. A great "beginner" hot spring, especially later in the summer into fall. You could choose to get to the waterfall pool by hiking up and over the steep, loose terrain, or you can wade through the river (when the conditions are right). Rocks have been strategically placed so you can make it with or without shoes. It is chilly, though! Before you get there, you'll wade through a shallow pool of lukewarm water along the edge of the river, and pass a few other pools tucked up out of view. Be sure to look for those if the main attraction is busy (you'll want to look up anyway, because it's beautiful!). Plenty of room for everyone at Pine Flats Hot Spring.
4.0
I was there recently and entire area (campground and springs) is closed
1.0
I heard the campground was burned out this summer. Can someone verify?
4.0
From the campground it's a short but difficult hike. Bring sturdy shoes to get down to the springs and be ready for a steep sandy climb up.
4.0
Leave No Trace
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