Granite Creek Hot Springs

Granite Creek Hot Springs is a seasonal riverside soak right next to the Middle Fork Road in the Atlanta area — a set of rock-walled pools with sand, gravel, and rock bottoms at the edge of the Middle Fork Boise River. Finding the right spot can be tricky: there may or may not be a pool ready depending on when you visit, and the pools that exist swirl hot and cold water together, so a good soak takes a little work.

Pool Condition

Riverside pools built of rock with mixed sand/gravel/rock bottoms. The hot and cold water mix unevenly — you’ll likely need to stir the pool continuously to maintain a comfortable, even soaking temperature. Pools are user-built and user-maintained, and condition varies visit to visit.

Seasonal Notes

The pools submerge during spring runoff. The best window is late July through November. Most roads into Atlanta close in winter; the remaining route is rough in the best of conditions.

Camping

Plenty of National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites are available nearby along the corridor.

Granite Creek Hot Springs in Idaho