Sheep Creek Bridge Hot Springs

Sheep Creek Bridge Hot Springs is a small, shallow set of rock-walled, tarp-dammed pools a short hike from one of the points where the Middle Fork Road bridges the Boise River, in the Atlanta corridor. It comes with an honest caveat: this spring has declined. The well-built pool documented in early visits was later dismantled, and the most recent accounts describe small silt- and mud-filled pools running lukewarm — a shadow of the soak it once was, though the source still flows and the setting, with river views, remains.

Pool Condition

Small, shallow pools with dirt and rock bottoms and light-to-moderate algae in all of them. A larger source pool above the soaking pool runs scalding hot and algae-filled. Current pool condition depends entirely on whether anyone has rebuilt recently — verify before counting on a soak.

Seasonal Notes

The best access road has a seasonal Forest Service closure; year-round access is available via the Middle Fork Boise River Road off Highway 21.

Camping

Plenty of National Forest campsites and camping areas are available nearby, with campgrounds and other hot springs all along the Middle Fork Boise River Road toward Atlanta.

Sheep Creek Bridge Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Access Type: Roadside (short hike)
• Public Land: Boise National Forest
• Elevation: 3,400 ft
• GPS: 43.696, -115.658
• Water Temperature: Source about 142°F (federal registry); pools run lukewarm
• Water Clarity: Clear
• Visibility: Low
• Odor(s): None noticed
• Nearest Town: Atlanta area
• Wildlife: Deer, elk
• Usage Level: Low-moderate