Fire Crew Hot Springs

Fire Crew Hot Springs is a set of user-built soaking pools on the Middle Fork of the Payette River in the Boise National Forest, north of Crouch. Rock-walled pools with gravel and rock bottoms sit at the river’s edge, rebuilt by visitors each year after spring runoff tears the previous season’s work apart.

Expect a fair to large amount of algae and silt in the pools, and decaying pieces of tarp appear randomly as the seasons turn. Timing matters here: the pools submerge completely during spring runoff, and by mid to late summer they are usually landlocked — cut off from the cold river water needed to temper them — so bring a bucket to mix in river water and dial in a soakable temperature. The Forest Service road that provides access is snow-covered all winter until approximately late May, and during summer this is ORV country, with heavy dirt and dust traffic on the road. Snowmobile access may be possible in winter months for experienced riders. The springs sit at 4,080 feet, and usage runs high — extreme in summer — so the pools are rarely empty for long on summer weekends. Campers will find a few primitive sites near the springs, plus many official campgrounds and additional primitive sites along the main forest road. Other soaks on the Middle Fork of the Payette include Boiling Springs Hot Springs and Rocky Canyon Hot Springs.

Fire Crew Hot Springs Pictures

Fire Crew Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Season: Late spring through fall (road snow-covered until approximately late May)
• Access Type: Forest Service road, north of Crouch
• Public Lands: Boise National Forest (North of Crouch)
• Elevation: 4,080 ft
• Water Temperature: Varies by season and by pool design
• Usage Level: High (Summer: Extreme)
• Camping: A few primitive sites near the springs (not very private); many official campgrounds and additional primitive sites along the main forest road

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