Indian Bathtub II Hot Springs
Open
Rock-walled pools; documented trash problemOpen seasons
- Access
- 4x4 road; river ford if the road washes out
- Accommodations
- Campsite in the cave over the upper pool; more sites on the cliff and along the river
Indian Bathtub II Hot Springs — also listed as Lower Indian Bathtub — is a pair of rock-walled pools on the Bruneau River near Bruneau, Idaho. The scenery is first-rate and the 93–96°F water is inviting, but go in with eyes open: this pretty canyon soak has a documented trash problem, and the access road can defeat anything without clearance and four-wheel drive.
Pool Condition
Two pools — an upper and a lower — both rock-walled with a semi-soft gravel/sand bottom. The water is clear with no odor noticed. Note that both documented visits on the old listing rated the trash level here as extreme; pack out everything, and then some.
Seasonal Notes
The road can turn into muck-pots in rain — a 4×4 is recommended. If the road is washed out, you can drive up the other side of the hot springs and ford the Bruneau River instead.
Camping
There is one small campsite in the cave above the upper pool and moderate camping on the cliff above the pool, with more campsites nearby along the river.
Indian Bathtub II Hot Springs Soak Stats
- Access Type: 4×4 road / possible river ford
- Area: Bruneau River
- Elevation: 2,800 ft
- GPS: 42.767, -115.725
- Water Temperature: 93–96°F
- Water Clarity: Clear
- Visibility: Low-moderate
- Odor(s): None noticed
- Nearest Town: Bruneau
- Wildlife: Mule deer
- Usage Level: Moderate-heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is the water?
93–96°F in both pools: warm and inviting rather than truly hot, in clear water with no odor noticed.
What does it cost?
The listing publishes no fee, and no official source states one, so treat the cost as not verified.
What condition are the pools in?
The pools are rock-walled with gravel and sand bottoms, and both documented visits called the trash level extreme; pack out everything you bring, and then some.
How hard is the access?
It needs clearance and four-wheel drive. The road turns to muck in rain, and if it washes out the fallback is driving the far side and fording the Bruneau River.
Can I camp nearby?
Yes. One small site sits in the cave over the upper pool, with more camping on the cliff top and further sites down the river.
Why does this spring complex matter beyond soaking?
The wider spring complex here, called Indian Bathtub on Hot Creek in the federal record, is the type locality of the endangered Bruneau Hot Springsnail, so treat the springs gently and do not dig out or rebuild pools.
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