White Licks Hot Springs is one of Idaho’s most unusual soaks: two small shacks in the Payette National Forest between Council and Donnelly, each sheltering a single cement pool with its own pair of hot and warm intake pipes — plug and unplug the pipes to dial in your own soaking temperature.
Pool Condition
Each shack holds one cement-walled, cement-bottomed pool. A pool fits one person stretched out, or three to four soakers scrunched in. Two intake pipes feed each shack: one pipes in water at about 90°F and the other at about 110°F. A wooden plug for the hot intake lets you control the temperature of your soak. The water is clear with no odor. Two outhouses stand on the premises.
Seasonal Notes
The seasonal road is open from May through October or November.
Camping
The springs sit beside a small, free camping area. There are a few primitive sites near the springs (not very private), plus many official campgrounds and additional primitive sites accessible from the main road.
White Licks Hot Springs Soak Stats
- Access Type: Roadside
- Public Land: Payette National Forest
- Elevation: 4,900 ft
- Water Temperature: Adjustable (90°F and 110°F intake pipes)
- Water Clarity: Clear
- Visibility: Low
- Odor(s): None
- Nearest Towns: Council / Donnelly
- Wildlife: Deer, elk, owls, foxes
- Usage Level: Moderate-high
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