Little Anderson Hot Springs

Little Anderson Hot Spring is, today, a cautionary tale. Once hailed by hot springers as a stellar soak — kept clean by locals and watched over for years by a caretaker from New Zealand — the spring and its primitive sites have since been heavily damaged: ATVs of all types have shredded the surrounding area, hunters and anglers have left trash and animal remains at the primitive sites, and the hot spring itself is in even worse condition. Visit with low expectations, and pack out more than you pack in.

Little Anderson Hot Springs Pictures

The cinder blocks that once lined the pool have long since sunk into the ground, which has allowed the pool to spread out. The source-fed pool bottom carries a healthy mix of algae, silt, trash, and some sand, with hot water percolating up through the pool floor. Access is via a dirt road off the Banks-Lowman Highway that is not maintained and is often impassable during the winter season — and be wary of the mud and rock slides that are a common occurrence along the highway itself. There is plenty of Boise National Forest camping nearby, but no sites next to the hot springs. The photo set tells the story: an old enamel bathtub still sits in the bank, and discarded debris — including a bathtub shell and a car door — litters the surrounding brush. At 3,200 feet, the spring’s season runs spring through fall, since the unmaintained dirt road is often impassable in winter.

Little Anderson Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Season: Spring through fall (dirt road often impassable in winter)
• Access Type: Unmaintained dirt road off the Banks-Lowman Highway
• Public Land: Boise National Forest
• Elevation: 3,200 ft
• Water Temperature: Source-fed through the pool bottom; varies
• Nearest Town: Garden Valley
• Condition: Poor — heavy ATV damage, trash, and a degraded pool
• Camping: Plenty of National Forest camping nearby; none at the springs

Little Anderson Hot Springs Map

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