Chattanooga Hot Springs
Seasonal
Late season is the reliable window; the pool can sit submerged in the river during strong runoff, and most roads into Atlanta close in winter.Open seasons
- Access
- Roadside with a short hike from parking in the Boise National Forest. The flat area above the springs is private land and has been signed No Trespassing, so park near the access road and hike in. The large, shallow, waterfall-fed pool is about 102 °F, big enough for full-body submersion.
- Accommodations
- National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites surround Atlanta; Powerplant Campground is just around the bend.
Chattanooga Hot Springs is one of the finest natural soaks in the Atlanta area: a large, shallow, waterfall-fed pool beside the Middle Fork Boise River near the town of Atlanta, Idaho. The catch is timing — depending on how strong spring runoff runs, the pool can sit submerged in the river. Come late season, when the river drops, and this 102°F soak is tough to beat. Red spider mites have been reported here, so keep gear off the rocks.
Description
One large, shallow pool fed continuously by a hot waterfall, with crystal-clear water and big views of the Middle Fork. The pool is big enough for full-body submersion. Note on parking: the flat area above the hot springs is private land and has been signed No Trespassing — park near the access road and hike in.
Seasonal Notes
The pool submerges during high runoff; late season is the reliable window. Most roads into Atlanta close in winter, and the Middle Fork Boise River Road is heavily washboarded year-round. In summer, forest roads off State Highway 21 can shorten the drive to the Middle Fork Road.
Camping
Plenty of National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites surround Atlanta. Just around the bend are free developed sites at Powerplant Campground, with water, tables, and an outhouse.
Chattanooga Hot Springs Soak Stats
- Access Type: Roadside (short hike from parking)
- Public Land: Boise National Forest (adjacent private land above)
- Elevation: 5,370 ft
- Water Temperature: 102°F
- Water Clarity: Clear
- Visibility: High
- Odor(s): n/a
- Nearest Town: Atlanta
- Usage Level: Heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is Chattanooga Hot Springs?
About 102 °F, in a large, shallow, waterfall-fed pool beside the Middle Fork Boise River, big enough for full-body submersion.
When is the best time to go?
Late season. The pool can sit submerged in the river depending on runoff strength, and most roads into Atlanta close in winter.
Where do you park?
The flat area above the hot springs is private land and has been signed No Trespassing. Park near the access road and hike in.
Anything to watch for?
Red spider mites have been reported; keep gear off the rocks.
Can you camp nearby?
Plenty of National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites surround Atlanta, and Powerplant Campground is just around the bend.
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