What more can I say that hasn’t already been said about Kirkham Hot Springs? Which is excellent, in terms of textile soaking. When driving past the full pullout for Skinnydipper on the way in, I noticed that even the pullouts before and after were akin to overflow parking. Pine Flats and Hot Springs campground had a couple vehicles and sole campers each. Timing for Kirkham was just right, as four groups of people all left upon approach. Two other groups pulled-up and parked as my ride sped off down highway 21, long after a great soak was had.

Minimal trash was a welcome surprise and all people encountered were of the friendly lot. There was about four pools prime for soaking. The largest pool had some nice depth to it as well. Watching the sun set and moon rise from the hot springs was the icing on the cake.

Sadly, just like the rest of Idaho and the northwest, there was a severe lack of snow evident for this time of the year. It practically looked like September outside. Unless paramount snowfall occurs, this summer will see a multitude of wildfires.

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So, you’ve finally got some extra time and hot springs have been on your mind. Good news ole chap, there are plenty of options for the intrepid soak-seeker!

Old man winter may be hindering access to many of Idaho’s geothermal delights, but not all of them.

The quintessential hot springs listed below are usually accessible during Idaho’s winter months. Just to be safe, make sure to check road conditions before rolling out.

Boise, Idaho Area Winter Hot Springs

Fairly accessible, family friendly, privately owned, with facilities of some sort and with a usage fee:

• Gold Fork Hot Springs - view all posts
• Miracle Hot Springs - view all posts (has private pool options)
• Roy Stone Hot Springs - view all posts

Accessible via short hike (snowshoes may be needed), family friendly, located on public land, no facilities, no fees:

• Bonneville Hot Springs - view all posts (snowshoes advised)
• Pine Flats Hot Springs - view all posts
• Kirkham Hot Springs - view all posts
• Hot Springs Campground - view all posts

There are, of course, many other public and commercial hot springs. However, the springs listed above are the most (relatively) accessible from the Boise area during the winter months.

First time hot springing in Idaho? Check out the guides, pick up all trash and don’t bring glass – and enjoy!

The gate to the campground was still closed despite the lack of snow. A walk through the campground and surrounding area revealed minimal trash, very nice. Usually, this time of year, it’s bad news. I ran into a couple young ladies that were setting up camp for the night after hiking the interpretive trail. Best time of the year for that. No campground host + No other campers = No competition for the soak.

Read the complete trip report with pictures on IHS

Kirkham natural Hot Springs in the Boise National Forest. This video is from visiting Kirkham on the way back from a trip to Stanley, Idaho. The hot springs campground was almost free from winter snow and signs of spring were plentiful. As always, pick up all trash and please don’t bring glass to hot springs.

Pictures from a recent visit to Kirkham Hot Springs in Idaho…

View Kirkham on IHS

From the FindHotSprings.com Forums:

• Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs near Sun Valley Idaho in Great Shape After Forest Service Recovery

• Access condition updates for Hot Springs in the Lowman Idaho Area: Bonneville, Kirkham, Pine Flats and Tenmile

This particular Kirkham Hot Springs video features the “Crappy Ole String Band” playing Cripple Creek.

Which, just happens to feature my good friend Bart, on banjo.

The rest of the band:

Steve Rayne on Bass, Sherry Young on Guitar, Terry Young on Guitar, Makaela Shippy (8 yrs old) on Fiddle and Lanie Shippy (5 yrs old) on Fiddle. Makaela is actually a former Idaho State Fiddle Champ!

The video of Kirkham Hot Springs was shot on 01.06.08.

View the complete listing for Kirkham Hot Springs on IdahoHotSprings.com

A quiet hike into scenic Kirkham Hot Springs in Idaho. Located about 2 hours from Boise. Yes, this is the same hot springs where a lesbian gang related scalping took place, unfortunately.

View the complete listing for Kirkham Hot Springs on IdahoHotSprings.com

View from Kirkham
Originally uploaded by disruptive

The sun came out in between snow storms!!

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