Granite Creek Hot Springs
Seasonal
The pools submerge during spring runoff; the best window is late July through November. Most roads into Atlanta close in winter, and the remaining route is rough in the best of conditions.Open seasons
- Access
- Seasonal rock-walled pools with sand, gravel and rock bottoms at the edge of the Middle Fork Boise River, right next to Middle Fork Road in the Atlanta area. The pools are user-built and user-maintained, so a ready pool is not guaranteed; hot and cold water mix unevenly, so a good soak takes stirring.
- Accommodations
- National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites are nearby along the corridor.
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.
Red spider mites have been reported at this hot spring, so keep clothing and towels off the rocks and ground around the pools.
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 Soak Stats
- Season: Late July–November (best)
- Access Type: Roadside
- Public Land: Boise National Forest
- Elevation: 4,200 ft
- GPS: 43.803, -115.401
- Water Temperature: Varies
- Water Clarity: Hard to tell (pools semi-submerged)
- Visibility: High
- Odor(s): n/a
- Nearest Town: Atlanta area
- Wildlife: Deer, elk, fox
- Usage Level: Moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a pool at Granite Creek?
Maybe. The pools are user-built and user-maintained, and they submerge during spring runoff, so there may or may not be a pool ready depending on when you visit.
When is Granite Creek Hot Springs best?
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.
How hot is Granite Creek Hot Springs?
It varies. Hot and cold water mix unevenly in the rock-walled pools, so a good soak takes stirring.
Can I camp near Granite Creek Hot Springs?
Yes. National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites line the corridor.
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