Kirkham Hot Springs

Kirkham Hot Springs is located near the official Boise National Forest campground of the same name and features somewhat shallow rock pools (unimproved) with sand/rock bottoms next to the river. The multiple hot waterfalls are quite the sight! Both the pools and hot waterfalls can be seen from a large pullout off Highway 21 on the west side of the campground. Be warned, this place is very popular during the summer and oftentimes the winter season. Expect a full house in the summer.

Red spider mites have been reported at the upper pools here, so keep clothing and towels off the rocks and ground around the pools.

Kirkham Hot Springs Pictures

Kirkham additionally serves as an interpretive site for geothermal activity. There is a trail that winds through the seeps and sources which continuously provides the hot springs pools with fresh mineral water. There are signs along the way that describe the hot springs and area history.

Is Kirkham Hot Springs Clothing Optional?

Good luck with that! This is a well-known and attended family hot springs which are visible from a state highway. Kirkham is posted as requiring swimwear, which means the FS and campground host is on the lookout. Hot springers commonly refer to places like Kirkham as textile soaks.

Seasonal Access Information

Accessible year-round with the campground gated during winter months. The official campground opening date is typically around May 20th. The Banks-Lowman Highway and Highway 21 can be a nightmare during winter and spring storms and can close or make the road impassable due to giant rocks falling on the road (seriously!). ALWAYS check road reports prior to your departure.

Camping

Kirkham is an actual Boise National Forest Campground, and the hot springs are just a few steps away. Other national forest camping sites/areas are also available nearby off highway 21. Summers in this area can be hot, and you’ll find no reprieve in the campground as there are no shaded sites. Kirkham Campground is located approximately 5 miles east of Lowman off Highway 21 near Mile Marker 77. Further east on Highway 21, Bonneville Hot Springs is another Lowman-area soak with camping nearby.

Please Note! Kirkham is now open for walk-in day use only. The campground gate is closed – park in the highway lot and walk in. There are no services. There is a $5 per vehicle day-use fee (an annual Boise National Forest day-use pass is also accepted), and the site is open 7 AM-9 PM. NO overnight camping.

Local Services

Lowman may or may not have a gas station available (they seem to come and go on a regular basis). More reliable gas and food options are available either in Garden Valley or Idaho City.

Fees

There is a $5 per vehicle day-use fee to soak at Kirkham Hot Springs. An annual Boise National Forest day-use pass is also accepted. The springs are open for day use from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and overnight camping is not allowed at the springs. Kirkham Campground, next door, is a separate Forest Service campground with its own seasonal fees.

Kirkham Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Season: All (check road conditions late Fall through early Spring)
• Type: Hike (short but steep hike to the pools)
• GPS: 44.072, -115.543
• Elevation: 3,000 ft
• Land: Boise National Forest
• Fee: $5 per vehicle day-use fee (annual Boise National Forest day-use pass also accepted)
• Hours: 7:00 AM-9:00 PM; no overnight camping
• Restrictions: Campground closed and entrance gated during winter
• Usage: High
• Visibility: High
• Temp: Varies per pool
• Water Clarity: Clear to Semi-Clear
• Odor(s): Slight sulfur
• pH: n/a
• Area Features: South Fork Payette River, Kirkham Ridge Trailhead (1/4 mile from the campground)
• Closest Food/Gas: Garden Valley and Lowman
• Trash: High
• Bugs: Moderate
• Wildlife: High (deer and elk)
• Camping: No on-site camping
• Clothing Optional: No
• Pit Toilet: Available seasonally in the campground

Map and Directions

Kirkham hot springs is about 4.5 miles from Lowman along highway 21. Drive through the campground to find the small parking area and fee box. The hot springs are a short hike from the parking area. The campground and hot springs are well signed.

The brief hike down to the pools can be treacherous during inclement weather. Wear good shoes/boots and bring a hiking stick/trekking pole for balance.

More South-Central Idaho hot springs →