Tenmile Hot Springs

Tenmile Hot Springs is a set of user-built rock pools in the Boise National Forest in the Lowman area, in a grassy, picturesque setting with excellent camping and hiking around it. The honest catch is in the pools themselves: the water temperature is perfect, but the pools are mucky — loaded with silt and algae — and a good soak here takes patience and elbow grease.

Pool Condition

User-built rock pools with sand and silt bottoms, heavy with algae and remnants of old tarps. Temperatures run 100–110°F. Expect to clean and coax a pool into shape before soaking. The walk in is about half a mile of splendid views; the creek ford can be tricky — the makeshift bridge washed out years ago, so expect wet feet and careful log- and rock-hopping.

Seasonal Notes

Pools can submerge at the peak of spring runoff. The Forest Service Road closes in winter; access then is by snowmobile or snowshoe only.

Camping

Excellent camping at the Tenmile Trailhead and ample camping at and just past the pools, with many other opportunities nearby. The wildlife watching on the way in can be superb — large herds of elk and deer frequent the area.

Tenmile Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Access Type: Hike (approx. 0.5 miles, creek ford)
• Public Land: Boise National Forest
• Elevation: 4,500 ft
• Water Temperature: 100–110°F
• Water Clarity: Murky
• Visibility: Moderate-low
• Odor(s): Slight
• Nearest Area: Lowman
• Wildlife: Turkey, deer, elk
• Usage Level: Low