Council Mountain Hot Springs
Seasonal
Forest road typically snowbound in winter; practical season late spring through fallOpen seasons
- Access
- Hike (forest trail climbing Council Mountain)
- Reservations
- None required
- Accommodations
- Primitive sites near the springs and at the trailhead; official campgrounds nearby
Council Mountain Hot Springs — also known as Laurel Hot Springs — is a rock-walled soak in the Payette National Forest near Council, Idaho, reached by a forest trail climbing the side of Council Mountain. The single pool runs about 96–98°F, warming as the season progresses, and sees only moderate use.
Pool Condition
The pool is rock-walled with a dirt and gravel bottom. During spring runoff there is a single good soaking opportunity; later in the season, as cold creek flow drops, hot outflow raises temperatures and a chain of jacuzzi-type pools can form in Warm Springs Creek below the spring.
Seasonal Notes
Access is weather and snow dependent: the forest road is typically snowbound in winter. The practical soaking season runs from late spring through fall.
Camping
There are a few primitive sites near the springs just off the main forest road, plus official campgrounds nearby (sites are not very private). There is also a nice campsite at the hot springs trailhead, another nice site just above the hot springs, and free camping along the Middle Fork Weiser River nearby.
Council Mountain Hot Springs Soak Stats
- Access Type: Hike
- Public Land: Payette National Forest
- Elevation: 4,480 ft
- Water Temperature: 96–98°F (varies seasonally)
- Water Clarity: Clear
- Visibility: Low
- Odor(s): None
- Nearest Town: Council
- Wildlife: Deer, elk, owls, foxes
- Usage Level: Moderate
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is the water?
The pool itself runs about 96 to 98 degrees, warming as the season progresses; that is the soaking pool's temperature, not a source temperature.
When is the best time to visit?
Late spring through fall. The forest road is typically snowbound in winter, spring runoff leaves a single good soaking opportunity, and later in the season a chain of small pools can form in the creek below the spring.
How hard is the access?
It is a hike: a forest trail climbs the side of Council Mountain from the trailhead on the forest road. The listing does not state a distance, and use is rated moderate.
Can I camp nearby?
Yes. Primitive sites sit near the springs just off the forest road and at the trailhead, another site lies just above the springs, official campgrounds are nearby, and the Middle Fork Weiser River corridor offers free camping.
Is Council Mountain the same spring as Laurel Hot Springs?
Yes. Laurel Hot Springs is the guidebook name for this same Warm Springs Creek soak below Council Mountain.
What is the pool like?
A single rock-walled pool with a dirt and gravel bottom and clear water; as summer advances, Warm Springs Creek below the spring can gather a string of small, jacuzzi-like pools.
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