Molly’s Tubs Hot Springs
Open
Winter access over an unplowed road, by horseback or snowshoeOpen seasons
- Access
- Roadside; the dirt road in is not plowed in winter
- Accommodations
- No camping at the springs; posted signs say so. National Forest camping in the area
Molly’s Tubs Hot Springs is a creekside rock pool in the Boise National Forest’s Warm Lake area — and despite the name, the tubs themselves are history. After years of overuse and abuse, the Forest Service dismantled and removed them; in their place are two shallow, seasonal natural pools where the tubs once sat.
Pool Condition
Historically, soaking tubs were brought in and hauled out semi-regularly, and rusted-out tubs ended up discarded in the forest. The tubs are now gone, replaced by two shallow natural pools. The creekside pools are submerged during spring runoff, and the best soaking is at lower water. The water is clear with a sulfur odor.
Seasonal Notes
The live listing’s season is summer and fall, though its notes describe year-round access: the dirt forest road is not plowed in winter, and access then is on horseback or snowshoe.
Camping
There is plenty of official and primitive National Forest camping in the area. There is no camping at the springs — “No camping” signs are posted for a reason.
Molly’s Tubs Hot Springs Soak Stats
- Season: Summer, fall
- Access Type: Roadside
- Public Land: Boise National Forest
- Elevation: 5,200 ft
- Water Temperature: Varies / adjustable
- Water Clarity: Clear
- Visibility: Moderate-high
- Odor(s): Sulfur
- pH: 7+
- Nearest Area: Warm Lake
- Wildlife: Deer, elk
- Usage Level: High
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the tubs still there?
No. The fleet's own record documents that the Forest Service dismantled and removed the tubs in 2009, after years of overuse and abuse. Two shallow, seasonal natural pools now sit where the tubs once were.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer and fall are the soaking season, best at lower water, when the creekside pools sit above the creek instead of going under during runoff. The listing’s notes also describe year-round access: the dirt road is not plowed in winter, so winter trips go by horseback or snowshoe.
Can I camp nearby or stay overnight?
There is no camping at the springs themselves, and posted signs underline the point. Campers have plenty of official and primitive National Forest options in the surrounding area.
What are the pools like now?
Two shallow, seasonal natural pools by the creek, with clear water and a sulfur odor, on the site where soaking tubs once stood.
How hard is the access?
Roadside in the Warm Lake area of the Boise National Forest. In winter the dirt forest road is not plowed, and the listing puts access then on horseback or snowshoe.
Is this the same as Molly’s Hot Springs?
No. Molly’s Tubs is its own listing in the Molly’s cluster near Warm Lake. The neighboring Molly’s Hot Springs, with its log-dam pool, is a separate spring with its own listing, and their facts are not interchangeable.
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