Boat Box Hot Springs
- Source temp
- 136°F
- Soakable
- Yes
- Hike
- 0.05 mi each way
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
The source runs about 136°F; the soaking pools run 100 to 110°F at Boat Box Hot Springs, a primitive hot spring in Blaine County, Idaho, managed by USDA Forest Service (Sawtooth National Forest) / community-maintained roadside soak. See every spot on the Salmon River.
Closures and warnings
Source water can exceed safe soaking temperature (reported about 136F). Cool with Salmon River water before entering. River is fast and cold beside the pools; bank can be slippery. As of September 28, 2026.
Soaking
| Development | Primitive |
|---|---|
| Source temperature | 136°F |
| Soaking temperature | 100-110°F |
| Soakable | Yes |
| Clothing | Swimsuit required |
| Water type | Spring |
|---|---|
| Entry | Walk in |
Access
| Hike | 0.05 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | Idaho Highway 75 gravel pullout between mileposts 192 and 193, about 3.3 miles north of Stanley. |
| Parking | Small gravel roadside pullout; room for only a few vehicles. |
| When it fills | Crowded in summer afternoons; arrive early. |
| Fee | Free |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Seasonal closure | Open year-round when Highway 75 is passable; heavy snow can impede winter access. |
| Managed by | USDA Forest Service (Sawtooth National Forest) / community-maintained roadside soak |
| Restrooms | No |
|---|---|
| Showers | No |
| Drinking water | No |
| Picnic sites | No |
| Note | No facilities. Historic metal boat tub was lost to flooding in 2023; soaking continues in riverside rock pools fed by the same spring. |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Boat Box Hot Springs open?
Source water can exceed safe soaking temperature (reported about 136F). Cool with Salmon River water before entering. River is fast and cold beside the pools; bank can be slippery. As of September 28, 2026. Seasonal closure: Open year-round when Highway 75 is passable; heavy snow can impede winter access.
How hot is Boat Box Hot Springs?
The spring's source runs about 136°F. The soaking pools run 100 to 110°F.
How long is the hike to Boat Box Hot Springs?
It's a 0.05 mi hike each way. The road in is paved. Idaho Highway 75 gravel pullout between mileposts 192 and 193, about 3.3 miles north of Stanley. Parking: Small gravel roadside pullout; room for only a few vehicles. Crowded in summer afternoons; arrive early.
Do you need a reservation for Boat Box Hot Springs?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is Boat Box Hot Springs free?
Yes. Free.
Is Boat Box Hot Springs clothing optional?
No. Swimsuits are required at Boat Box Hot Springs.
What facilities are at Boat Box Hot Springs?
No restrooms, showers, drinking water, and picnic sites. No facilities. Historic metal boat tub was lost to flooding in 2023; soaking continues in riverside rock pools fed by the same spring.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Boat Box Hot Springs is inside Sawtooth National Forest .
Sources
4
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boat_Box_Hot_Spring (accessed September 28, 2026; backs hotSpring.sourceTempF / soakingTempF / waterbodyName / elevation context, hotSpring.development / soakable / manager Sawtooth NF setting)
- https://www.hotspringsguides.com/hot-springs/boat-box-hot-spring-idaho (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.roadNote / parking / fee free / hike negligible, hazardNote cool with river water / clothing swimsuit)
- https://decorhint.com/10-idaho-hot-springs-you-soak-in-after-a-short-walk-from-the-car-9ed727d5/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs amenities.note tub lost 2023 / rock pools remain)
- https://www.hotspringshub.com/locations/usa/idaho/boat-box (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.seasonalClosure / parkingPattern)
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