About Sunbeam Hot Springs
Sunbeam Hot Springs is a drive-up soak right off Highway 75 on the Salmon River, about 11 miles east of Stanley. Hot water cascades down a rocky hillside from a 160F source into a series of small visitor-built pools. The upper pools are dangerously hot; the lower pools near the river cool to comfortable soaking temps where river spray and natural cooling take effect.
Directions to Sunbeam Hot Springs
44.268, -114.748
From Stanley, drive east on Highway 75 about 11 miles. The springs are on the south side of the highway along the Salmon River. Watch for a small gravel pullout with room for several vehicles. Steam is visible from the road. From the pullout, descend a steep 50-foot path to the pools. No high-clearance vehicle needed.
Best Time to Visit
July through October for low river levels and the most available pools. August-September adds salmon spawning. Highway 75 stays plowed in winter, but the steep slope to the pools gets icy.
Tips
- ✓Start from the cooler lower pools and work up; upper pools near the source can scald.
- ✓Wear shoes with good grip for the steep, slippery descent to the pools.
- ✓Late summer low water exposes the most pools and gives the best soaking.
- ✓Highway noise is constant; dawn and dusk are quieter.
- ✓Watch for spawning salmon in the river during August and September.
- ✓Pack out all trash.
- ✓Don't block the pullout; leave room for other vehicles to pull off safely.
