Gold Fork Hot Springs Underwater

Located near the quaint recreation towns of Cascade and Donnelly, deep within Central Idaho's rugged mountains, lies Gold Fork Hot Springs. I actually saw people drinking massive amounts of water right out of the hot springs on this trip! I know Gold Fork has some of the best quality of water around, but really? The water feels a little different here, heavier, and softer.

Mountain Village Resort Hot Springs Video Clip

Video Features: The hike out to the soak shack, inside the soak shack overview, hot springs pool and soak

View the complete listing for the Mountain Village Resort, located in Stanley, Idaho.

Commercial Hot Springs Updates in Idaho

It is surely Spring. The time when Idaho commercial hot springs owners and operators begin sending in their updates to IdahoHotSprings.com.

New info. has been added/updated for the following commercial (fee use) hot springs located in Idaho:

1. Indian Springs Hot Springs Resort and RV Park (see previous post for info.)
2. Easley Hot Springs in Idaho: listing and link update
3. Durfee Hot Springs in Almo, Idaho: Google Map location update and new listing added
4. Riverside Inn & Hot Springs in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho: listing update
5. Riverdale Resort Hot Springs in Idaho: listing and link update

Related Links:

View Interactive Map of All Commercial Hot Springs in Idaho

Strawberry Hot Springs (vid) in Colorado

Looks enticing, and reminds of Gold Fork Hot Springs, near Donnelly and Tamarack in Idaho.

Map of Commercial Hot Springs in Idaho

The below map features every commercial hot springs in Idaho that I have information on. Please leave a comment if you know of another that should be on the map.


View Larger Map

Red River Hot Springs in Idaho

KXLY recently ran a story on Red River Hot Springs in Idaho. Here's the video clip:

Here's the article

Looks like a nice soak for a commercial hot springs.

View a map of commercial hot springs in Idaho

Gold Fork Hot Springs in Central Idaho

Nestled in a mountain forest near Donnelly, Cascade and McCall Idaho lies the holy grail of all commercial or privately owned hot springs in Idaho. The water at Gold Fork Hot Springs is top-quality; meaning it is 100% natural, has an incredible alkaline rating and contains other minerals that are great for the skin and body. Even the wooden decking is all-natural and has a 50yr life span - untreated. It's the same wood used on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. I've been to many hot springs, and Gold Fork by far, is my favorite commercial soak.

There are 6 incredibly designed pools to soak in, and if you enjoy natural backcountry hot springs you will feel right at home here. The water is smooth and slick, featuring an Alkaline Ph of +9. Not to mention that all 6 pools flow-through in 4 hours! Lithium is the most prominent mineral in the water followed by potassium, calcium, sodium, fluoride, chloride, arsenic and boron. Gold Fork has many repeat visitors that come for the healing properties of the water. Stories of folks traveling up to the hot springs once a week to soak and fill up a couple jugs of water are common here, as are stories of ailments and illness - gone, after soaking in Gold Fork's healing waters.

The owners strive to keep the hot springs and surrounding area as natural as possible. The hot springs are well monitored, and disruptive soakers are politely asked to leave. Although there are no overnight/camping accommodations on-site, the owners do have plans for a few rooms in the future. There is however, plenty of great National Forest camping nearby, along with an assortment of hotels and motels in Donnelly, Cascade and McCall.

Gold Fork Hot Springs is located in Central Idaho, near the quaint mountain town of Donnelly. Gold Fork is a 90 minute drive from Boise and a mere 15 minutes from Cascade. It's open and accessible year-round, including all holidays.

Gold Fork also utilizes geothermal energy; the boardwalk and many places around the hot springs and in other areas are heated by geothermal power.

Sorry RVers, no hook-ups or overnight parking is available. However, there are future plans for overnight accommodations.

Gold Fork feature 6 pools, with temperatures from hot to cool, with hydromassage. One of the pools features a soft, white sand bottom with sand from Emmett, Idaho. Changing rooms, towel and swimsuit rentals, restrooms, handicap parking and restrooms are also available.

Directions
Getting to Gold Fork is easy. From either Donnelly (north) or Cascade (south) head toward mile marker 128 on Highway 55, you are looking for Plant Road and a sign for Gold Fork. Head east on Plant road and follow the blue Gold Fork signs for 6.6 miles. The first 2.6 miles are paved, the rest is on a graded dirt road. The entire length of the road is maintained and plowed the entire year.

08.11.07 Trip Report

I will from now on refer to Gold Fork as the holy grail of all commercial hot springs. The agenda of the owners is beyond noble, water mineral quality is incredible and soak entirely stellar. I was lucky enough to receive a personal invite to the hot springs, and meet with one of the owners and a volunteer.

Gold Fork Hot Springs has a colorful history. And, in hot springing circles has been a well-know soak since time began. Back in the 80s, Boise Cascade (now known as just Boise) owned the land. This was when Boise Cascade was dynamiting hot springs because they didn't want to deal with the liability of people getting hurt at them. They left Gold Fork alone though, it was too large.... too dangerous to even blow up. So they sold it. The next 15 years it changed hands many times until finally ending up with the current owners/caretakers. Mother and daughter, Brenda and Kelly are now taking great care of an incredible hot springs, and have no plans to sell it. They just want to keep it as natural as possible.

Paula, a volunteer at Gold Fork on Friday and Saturday, has been visiting the hot springs since 1963. She helped clue me in on some of Gold Fork's history, and showed me a Gold Fork photograph of hers from that time. Paula and Brenda were both excellent. I unfortunately, was not able to meet with Kelly, but have talked with her via e-mail a few times. It's so great to see a hot springs in such good hands.

According to Brenda, "we only want people here who respect the water". What more else could anyone want? Gold Fork is clean, well cared for, has incredibly soft water and is in a natural setting. RVers, partiers, unruly children and adults - head on down the road to Zims. If you respect the water, then Gold Fork is a must soak.

Rating A+

Take a 1 Minute Gold Fork Tour!



View the complete listing for Gold Fork Hot Springs on IdahoHotSprings.com

Burgdorf Hot Springs Slideshow

View the Complete Listing for Burgdorf Hot Springs in Idaho

Oregon's Hot Lake Hotel Restoration at Hand

I have read a lot about the Hot Lake Hotel restoration project near La Grande, Oregon this last month. It sounds pretty sweet as far as commercial hot springs go. I'd really like to check it out. There's gotta be a primitive soak around there somewhere!

View Official Website

One Last Soak at Potosi Hot Springs in Montana

Scenic Potosi Hot Springs, a commercial hot springs near Bozeman Montana, closes at the end of this month. Full Article...

If you can't visit in person, at least visit the official website - as it too will be gone at the end of March.

Miracle Hot Springs in South Central Idaho

Miracle Hot Springs, located 9 miles south of Hagerman right off HWY 30, features an assortment of hot springs soaking and lodging options. There are 2 large, general admission pools; one is kept at 105 and is partially covered while the other is kept warm for exercising purposes. There are 19 private soaking pools, each with adjustable temperatures and changing rooms. The continuously flowing natural hot spring water is soft to the touch and odorless. And finally, 4 of the 19 private pools are VIP pools which are designed for use by larger groups (4+). Availability is on a first come first severed basis, and phone reservations are accepted (7 day cancellation policy).

Facilities
Aside from 5 tent and 11 RV sites right next to the river (with electricity), Miracle Hot Springs has 5 geodesic domes available for camping, events, retreats, workshops... etc. I noticed a teepee set-up near the tent and RV sites that may be available as well. Handicap access, restrooms and a gift shop with ample soaking supplies are available on-site.

Rates
General Admission (both outdoor pools)
Adults: $8 (Seniors $6)
Child age 2 or younger: $1
Child age 3 - 13: $4
Private Pools (in additions to general admission)
$2/hour
Romancing After Hours: $32
VIP pool: $6 for 1 hour or $18 for 2 hours
VIP Romancing After Hours: $37
Camping Dome: $34/night
Queen Dome: $54/night
King Dome: $59/night
Event Dome: $59/day
Tent Sites: $10/night
RV Sites $20/night

Hours
Monday-Saturday: 8am - 11pm
Closed Sundays
Lodging
Check In: 3pm
Check Out: 11am

02.26.07
I must admit it was more than a little weird visiting a private hot springs instead of non-commercial hot springs. However, weird can often yield pleasurable results. This was one of those good-weird times. Miracle Hot Springs was clean, the staff was friendly and the soaking excellent. The alligators and geodesic domes fit well in this unique geothermal-powered environment. It was a nice and quiet soak; the water was soft and hot and the pool design inviting. I may have to change my policy on commercial hot springs and visit one more than once every other year, especially if they are all like this.

View the 02.26.07 Video Clip

Rating A

Maps, driving directions, additional images and more available on the complete listing for Miracle Hot Springs.

Burgdorf Hot Springs near McCall, Idaho

Burgdorf Hot Springs in Idaho

Founded in the 1870s, Burgdorf is located near the historic town of Warren, Idaho. Burgdorf features a 6x6 ft spring box pool (113°) and a 50x85 ft large pool (100°-104°), both with sandy bottoms. Electricity-free rental cabins are available and come with a wood stove and oil lamp. You will need to bring cooking equipment, food and any other supplies. If you are planning on spending the night. Please call in advance for reservations. Also, according to Becky from Secesh.net, the owners/operators maintain a blacklist that contains the names of unruly visitors. So behave! Keep in mind that Burgdorf is not your typical commercial hot springs; as it is also a ghost town located on private land surrounded by the beautiful Payette National Forest.

Facilities
Rental Cabins (18 on-site)
Food Services

Rules
No Dogs
No Outside Fires
No Outside Smoking

Directions
Summer Directions (Mid-May to early November): From McCall, drive 30 miles north on Warren Wagon Road to Burgdorf Junction. Go west (left) at the junction to the parking and camping areas. Winter Directions: Same as above, but via groomed snowmobile or cross-country ski trails. Rentals are available in McCall, Idaho.

Online Driving Directions

View Topo Map

Rates
Adults, $5.30
Children, $2.65
Cabins, $27/night

Hours
Public: 10am - Dusk
Private: Dusk - 10am

Make Reservations
Contact Melissa K. Wallace
Phone: 208.636.3036

Additional Information: Weather, WebCam, Nearby Attractions... etc.

Maple Grove Hot Springs in SE Idaho

Maple Grove Hot Springs has been added to the SE Commercial Idaho Hot Springs area.

Click here to view the full listing!

Site Updates in Place

Over the past few days some areas on IdahoHotSprings.com have been updated, the updated areas are as follows:

1. Zim's Hot Springs Listing Update (Western Idaho Commercial Hot Springs)

2. Public, Non-Commercial Idaho Hot Springs Listing

3. Live, Northwest WebCams

4. New Traffic Updates Posted for Bonneville, Kirkham, Hot Springs Campground and Skinnydipper Hot Springs - all in Idaho

New Map of Commercial Hot Springs in Idaho Up (Statewide)

A new interactive map, featuring the entire state of Idaho, has just been implemented in the Idaho commercial hot springs area. This map contains all of the commercial hot springs in Idaho. Click here or on the picture below to view the state map.

Map of Commercial Hot Springs in Idaho

Interactive Maps of Commercial Hot Springs in Idaho Added

Interactive maps of commercial hot springs in Idaho have just been posted to the site. They feature pan, zoom and related establishment information.

Screen Capture

Pick a map to view!

Boise, in Hot Water - Literally!

This informative article from NapaNews.com digs into a little of Boise's history with geothermal power.

There's also mention of the City of Boise's commercial hot springs of the past; the Natatorium - last seen: 1930 (!) I've long heard the legend of a hot springs used by the locals, both commercial and non-commercial.

One thing that bugs me about the article is the declaration of hot springs as a 'renewable' source of energy. Here's my problem; we all know that farmers that use aquifers for irrigation have depleted hot springs near Bruneau, Idaho and many other places. The farmers tapped into geothermal wells and drained them dry irrigating their fields. In Bruneau's case, this was also responsible for adding the Hot Springs Snail to the endangered species list.

Another consideration needs to be given to the fact that 90% of hot water (in the NW) is the result of left-over energy from a meteor collision in SE Oregon - the energy super-heats the water in fault lines and send it towards the surface. This would seem non-renewable to me, unless the water in the fault lines is supplied by a renewable water source. That leaves the other 10%, hot water from volcanic activity. Again this would only be renewable if the water source is.

Happy Soaking!

Scenic Hot Springs in Washington Revisited!

Scenic Hot Springs

08.20.05 Trip Report
Ahh yes! This trip was excellent! I was a tad bit nervous just because of all the PR surrounding Scenic, but after taking a look at the official Scenic Hot Springs Blog I felt much better. The mild sunny temps made for a great hike up the hill towards the hot springs. We arrived to find 3 friendly guys from Seattle enjoying a soak. We soaked and chatted for a while then the 3 headed out... good guys too, packed out more than their fair share of trash.

Scenic Hot Springs

I was awestruck; here I was enjoying this incredible hot springs that I thought inconceivable to ever have to myself, one last time before it turns completely into a commercial hot springs. It was one of those good and bad moments. I found out from a couple friends that on 08.21.05 (Sunday) the owners were present and working on building construction. Last time I soaked here I meet some people from Sweden and Finland, not too mention experience the gourmet cooking of the naked chef. Seems like eons ago. The single pool was in great shape, and apparently is a temporary soaking solution until natural rock pools can be developed.

Scenic Hot Springs

Much has changed since I was here last. Wikipedia hosts a general description of the hot springs along with a brief history of the springs back in their day as a commercial resort - ironic that now it is once again becoming commercial.

Here's what Wikipedia currently has to say about Scenic:

"...a very popular natural hot spring in Washington State. Located on US Route 2, about 8 miles west of Stevens Pass (via road) and high on a steep northwestern slope.

Known as Madison Hot Springs in the 1890's, a lodge was built to accomadate seekers of mineral baths who arrived by train from Seattle. The name was later changed to Scenic Hot Springs and survived as a commercial venture until 1928.

Construction by the Great Northern Railroad of an 8-mile tunnel under Stevens Pass dumped rubble into the front yard of the lodge and effected its destruction.

Largely forgotten until the 1980's, it then became a popular gathering spot for mineral water bathers with several tubs constructed of various temperatures.

Reports of vandalism to vehicles, as well as rowdy behaviour prompted the landowner to instruct the King County sheriff to destroy the tubs in October 2002.

A new landowner is in the process of reconstructing the tubs and making improvements to the property to support visitors in the near future. The two external links discuss this progress."

Rating A+

Incident at Givens Hot Springs in SW Idaho

Originally posted 03.25.05. I came across an interesting google groups posting (which is also know as a newsgroup) concerning Givens Hot Springs; a commercial hot springs in SW Idaho near Melba. The quoted text from the posting is below, followed by a response I received via email from the lifeguard on-duty, requesting that both sides of the story be posted. Click here to view the complete thread.

Quoted text:

"On March 24th, my husband and I took my daughter and her girlfriend to Givens Hot Springs. The two girls, both 16, were swimming and occasionally exchanging a hug or brief kiss. After about 15 minutes, the owner screamed "Out of the pool! Right now!" As this was utterly without warning, my husband asked him what was wrong. He said that other customers were leaving because of the two girls kissing. I asked him why he didn't have a problem with the teenage boy and girl who had been making out in the pool since before we arrived, and he became belligerent and threatened to call the sheriff unless we left the premises immediately. He did not refund our money. We couldn't even change clothes, but had to drive home for an hour in our wet bathing suits.

What is so frightening about two teenagers kissing? Nothing, apparently, unless they are of the same sex. When different standards are applied in this manner, it's called discrimination. Discrimination seems to be what Steve Givens and Givens Hot Springs stand for. I urge my neighbors to consider this carefully when deciding whether to spend their time and money there."

---->Sagittaria<----"

Response from Lifeguard on-duty:

"My name is Teresa, I am the lifeguard that was on-duty March 24th. Sagittaria, her husband, and two 16-year-old girls arrived at 2 pm and paid to “Soak and Swim” (1 hour in hot tub rooms and swimming after). The tub rooms are private (enclosed rooms…solid wood door faces the pool). From 2:10 pm to 2:50 pm, Sagittaria and husband were in room 1, the girls in room 2. All 4 entered the pool at 2:50 pm, 15 minutes later (the one correct fact Sagittaria managed to post) I asked the owner Steve to escort the 4 of them out. Public displays of affection are not permitted at Given’s (and that IS posted on the rules) and generally the couple (heterosexual or otherwise) would be warned once and then asked to leave if it continued.

In this case, however, the husband (approximately 35 to 40 yrs of age) was seen by numerous witnesses kissing one of them. Customers reported it to me, I seen it, reported it to the owner (he had just arrived to work the next shift) and he asked them (Steve did not yell at anyone) to get out of the pool and go home. The husband tried yelling, shifting the blame onto another couple (minister and his wife….she was standing against his chest and he had his arms around her ….not a definition of “making out”) and finally told me he was going to report us to anyone who would listen. My reply was “Please do!”

The 4 received the services they paid for, therefore no refund was offered, nor did they ask for one. They were asked to leave without changing when the husband became obnoxious and belligerent. They were informed to used the restrooms outside the pool to change if they wished.

Personally and professionally I am deeply offended by any adult taking advantage of a minor, as were a number of the customers that day.
You asked: “What is so frightening about two teenagers kissing?”
My reply: Absolutely nothing.
My question to you: What is so frightening about a middle age adult male kissing a 16 year old teen-ager? Correct Answer: Everything!!!!"

> View Complete Google Groups Thread

Website Update in Place

Plenty of small and medium sized updates have been implemented recently. Most notable is the Commercial Idaho Hot Springs area.