Hot Springs in Idaho

Idaho has more wild hot springs than any other state in the lower 48, a result of the Yellowstone hotspot's ancient path across southern Idaho heating groundwater along deep fault lines. The main soaking corridors are the South Fork of the Payette River near Lowman, where you can hit several springs in one day; the Stanley/Sawtooth area, a natural basecamp for spring-hopping; and Highway 12 along the Lochsa River in the north, with forest-lined pools like Jerry Johnson and Weir Creek.

Springs range from drive-up pulloffs to multi-day backcountry hikes in the Frank Church Wilderness. Most sit on national forest land (Boise, Salmon-Challis, Nez Perce-Clearwater) and are free to visit. Leave No Trace ethic is taken seriously here: pack out everything and skip the soap.