Mile-16 Hot Springs

Mile-16 Hot Springs — better known to regulars as Fire Crew (and sometimes Sugah) — is a single rock-mortared pool beside the South Fork Salmon River in the Boise National Forest, northeast of Cascade in the Warm Lake/Yellow Pine area. Not to be confused with the unrelated Fire Crew Hot Springs near Crouch: this one’s nickname comes from the Krassel workstation fire crew that built the soak in 1980–81, and “Mile-16” dates from when the road was unpaved and the spring sat exactly 16 miles down it.

Pool Condition

One rock-mortared pool with a rock, sand, and gravel bottom and a light coating of algae. The water runs 101–107°F, crystal-clear, with a slight sulfur odor. Wildlife sightings include deer, elk, moose, fox, and black bear.

Seasonal Notes

Accessible all year, though in winter the Warm Lake Highway and FSR 474 North require a 4×4 and chains — the roads are narrow, slick, and snow-covered. Best enjoyed in summer and fall. The pool can occasionally submerge during spring runoff.

Camping

There is plenty of National Forest camping (official and primitive) nearby. There is no camping at the hot springs itself.

Mile-16 Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Season: Summer, fall (accessible all year)
• Access Type: Roadside
• Public Land: Boise National Forest (Krassel Ranger District)
• Elevation: 4,150 ft
• Water Temperature: 101–107°F
• Water Clarity: Crystal-clear
• Visibility: Moderate
• Odor(s): Slight sulfur
• pH: 7+
• Nearest Area: Warm Lake / Yellow Pine
• Usage Level: Moderate (heavy seasonal use)