Badley Warm Spring
Badley Warm Spring holds steady at 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Valley County, hitting the threshold where warm becomes genuinely comfortable for soaking. Its alkaline chemistry, with a pH of 9.6 and very low calcium, produces notably soft water. The spring sits roadside at 5,420 feet elevation near Cascade, just 42 meters from the nearest road.
The spring occupies a forested valley in central Idaho where annual snowfall approaches 11 feet and winter temperatures regularly drop below zero. Summers are short and mild, with warm afternoons and cool nights. The surrounding landscape blends ponderosa pine with meadow grass, and the South Fork of the Salmon River drainage begins nearby. Lake Cascade lies to the west, its broad surface visible from higher ground. The water feels silky due to its high sodium and low mineral content.
Roadside access makes this spring easy to reach during summer and fall. French Creek Campground at Lake Cascade sits 14 miles away and accepts reservations. The 100-degree water temperature allows for extended, comfortable soaking without the burn risk of hotter springs. Snow closes many area roads from November through May. Combine a visit with other thermal features along the South Fork corridor.
Valley County contains a dense cluster of thermal springs fed by the Idaho Batholith's residual heat. Badley Warm Spring's chemistry, dominated by sodium with minimal calcium and magnesium, indicates deep circulation through granitic rock where the water dissolves silica and alkali minerals while leaving behind the heavier elements. The high pH of 9.6 supports this interpretation of prolonged contact with feldspar-rich granite at depth.
The water at Badley Warm Spring is alkaline (pH 9.6).
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Overview French Creek Campground is located next to scenic Lake Cascade in west-central Idaho. It is near the town of Donnelly, at an elevation of 4,850 feet. Boating, fishing, swimming and hiking are popular activities in this scenic region.Recreation Lake Cascade offers excellent opportunities for boating, water skiing, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Anglers enjoy casting for rainbow trout, coho salmon, smallmouth bass and perch. Many hiking and biking trails are in the area as well.Fac...
Badley Warm Spring sits at 5,420 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Badley Warm Spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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