Natural geothermal pools and waterfalls cascading into a riverside canyon, offering scenic soaking opportunities with easy access and rustic amenities.
General Information
Day use only; no overnight camping permitted
Interagency passes accepted for entry
How to Get There
From Boise (80 mi): Take ID-55 north to Banks, turn east onto Banks-Lowman Road (ID-17), then continue on ID-21 east past Lowman to the signed parking area near milepost 77.
Overview
The Kirkham Hot Springs is one of Idaho’s most iconic geothermal destinations, nestled along the South Fork of the Payette River in the Boise National Forest. A short walk from the parking area leads visitors to a series of natural pools and steaming waterfalls that cascade over a rocky hillside into the river below. The site’s unique layout allows for a variety of soaking experiences, from shallow warm pools to a natural hot shower beneath a geothermal cascade. With no hiking required and rustic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, Kirkham is both accessible and scenic, making it a favorite for families, road trippers, and hot spring enthusiasts alike.
Though open year-round, Kirkham is best visited from late spring through early fall when road conditions are safest and the pools are most accessible. Winter visits offer a magical, steamy landscape but require caution due to icy roads and limited services. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and to bring essentials like water shoes, towels, and cash for the day-use fee. Whether you're soaking under a steaming waterfall or relaxing in a riverside pool, Kirkham Hot Springs offers a rejuvenating escape into Idaho’s geothermal wonders.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Kirkham Hot Springs, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
