Loftus Hot Springs - Hot Springs in Idaho

Sufficiently large pools and an elegant geothermal waterfall.

This place is like the Rolls-Royce of wild hot springs.

Pete Creek Hot Springs

Along the Middle Fork Boise River, there are countless wild hot springs, and naturally, not all of them are conveniently located just before the river.

Sometimes, like Pete Creek (Vaughn) Hot Springs, it can be difficult to reach a destination that's right before your eyes.

From late August to early October when the river's water level drops, it seems possible to cross on foot, but during my visit the water level was somewhat dangerous.

I contented myself with merely gazing at the geothermal waterfall where steam rose.

Curtain-like Waterfall

Alpaca

Is this a Toyota RAV4 ad?

I like it.

Capybara

Loftus Hot Springs was located six minutes down the road from the Pete Creek Hot Springs, following the Middle Fork Boise River.

From the state capital of Boise, it's a 2-hour and 15-minute drive via Arrow Rock Dam.

Access is available year-round, but winter conditions can be extremely dangerous.

Across the road, on the opposite side of the river, there was a large parking area.

From there, just a few seconds up the hill, I discovered two pools.

The upper pool was a massive one that could easily hold twenty people.

The pool, dammed by rocks and earthen walls, was elegantly draped with cascading geothermal water.

You could even go behind the waterfall, where candles left by previous soakers were placed.

Like the Pete Creek Hot Springs, the sources seemed to be much higher up the slope.

As I carefully climbed the slippery hill, the slope was stained a yellowish-brown color.

Water temp at the sources: 129 degrees F.

Amid the heat, colorless, odorless, and tasteless hot water gushed forth.

The hot water naturally cooled as it flowed down the slope, reaching a comfortable temperature of 106 degrees F in the upper pool.

From there, it flows into the lower pool, a lukewarm pool at 99 degrees F.

The drainage flowed under the dirt road and finally emptied into the Middle Fork Boise River.

Along that riverbank were two rock pools, each at 90 degrees F.

This area has wild poison ivy growing, so be careful not to get a rash.

Without crossing the river, you can enjoy the finest soaking experience—truly the region's premier natural hot springs.

Summary