Secesh Hot Springs
Seasonal
Reachable only from about mid to late July until the snow fallsOpen seasons
- Access
- Hike or multiday (river ford + steep climb)
- Accommodations
- Grassy campsite by the river below the springs; no camping up top
Secesh Hot Springs is a chain of rock pools perched high above the Secesh River in the Payette National Forest, in the Warren area northeast of McCall. Reaching them takes a river ford followed by a quarter-mile, near-vertical scramble — and the payoff is some of the softest hot springs water in Idaho, in a place that sees very little use.
Description
Hot water from the source flows directly into the top pool; its outflow, plus two smaller sources, fills the pools below. The third pool down is neither warm nor deep enough to soak, and the lowest pool, down by the Secesh River, holds frigid, stagnant water. The hot springs water is remarkably soft — skin feels amazing after soaking, not dried out. Note that red spider mites inhabit this hot spring. Please tread lightly: the area is heavily impacted because of the nearby, popular Loon Lake loop (hike, bike, and motorbike traffic).
Pool Condition
All pools have rock walls with gravel and rock bottoms, at most about 3 feet deep and 6–8 feet wide. Because use is low, expect to revamp and clean the pools on arrival — they collect algae and debris. A 2010 update reported the smaller pools disassembled in favor of a larger primary pool. Always remove tarps or plastic when you leave.
Seasonal Notes
Fording the Secesh River limits access until late summer — usually mid to late July — and the season runs until the snow falls, sometime between September and November. Winter access might be possible by snowmobile to the trailhead plus snowshoes, but fording the river then would be extremely ill-advised.
Camping
There is one fairly large, semi-flat grassy campsite next to the river, well below the hot springs. There is no camping up top near the springs — no open or remotely flat ground. Please use the existing primitive camp rather than creating a new one. Other primitive camping is available near and at Loon Lake, and at the trailhead campground.
Secesh Hot Springs Soak Stats
- Season: Summer, fall
- Access Type: Hike or multiday (river ford + steep climb)
- Public Land: Payette National Forest
- Elevation: 6,829 ft (upper pool); 5,700 ft (trailhead)
- Water Temperature: 98–103°F (upper pool)
- Water Clarity: Clear
- Visibility: Ultra-low
- Odor(s): None
- Nearest Area: Warren
- Wildlife: Deer, elk, butterflies, birds of prey
- Usage Level: Low
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is the water?
98–103°F in the upper pool. Lower pools run cooler: the third one down is too shallow and too cool to soak in, and the pool at river level holds frigid, stagnant water.
When is the best time to visit, and when is it closed?
Late summer into fall. The river ford holds access back until the water drops, usually in mid to late July, and snow ends the season sometime between September and November.
How hard is the access?
The hardest part comes last: after a long hike on the Secesh River Trail (area guides put it at roughly five miles one way), you ford the river and climb a quarter-mile, near-vertical scramble to the pools.
Can I camp nearby or stay overnight?
One large, fairly flat grassy site sits beside the river, well below the springs; there is no camping on top near the pools. Loon Lake and the trailhead campground offer more primitive options.
What condition are the pools in?
Rough and visitor-maintained. With use this low, plan to revamp and clean the pools when you arrive. A 2010 update said the smaller pools were taken apart in favor of one larger primary pool.
Does the spring have other names?
Yes. Secondary guides also call it Delta Mist and Whangdoodle; all three names refer to this one spring above the Secesh River.
Discover more from IdahoHotSprings.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Join the Community on Facebook
Stay updated on seasonal road closures, wildfire impacts, soaking conditions and community preservation efforts across Idaho.
Follow Idaho Hot Springs on Facebook
