Cabarton Hot Spring
Cabarton Hot Spring pushes out 160-degree Fahrenheit water in Valley County near Cascade, making it one of the hotter springs in the region. The 116-degree temperature difference above ambient air is among the largest in Idaho. A short walk of about 558 feet from Cabarton Road leads to the source at 4,720 feet elevation, where the alkaline, sodium-rich water emerges from fractured rock.
The walk from Cabarton Road follows a path through mixed conifer forest and meadow before reaching the spring's steaming outflow. At 160 degrees, the source water sends visible plumes of steam into the mountain air even on warm days. The surrounding terrain receives over three feet of precipitation annually and nearly 12.5 feet of snow, keeping the forest green and the creek drainages running well into summer. Mineral deposits line the outflow channel in white and pale yellow crusts. The smell of dissolved minerals is noticeable near the source.
Cabarton's elevated temperature and chemistry, with 110 mg/L sodium, 43 mg/L sulfate, and 40 mg/L chloride at pH 9.0, indicate a deeper geothermal source than many neighboring springs. The zero magnesium reading is notable and suggests the water reaches temperatures underground that strip this mineral entirely. The Cabarton area along the North Fork Payette River corridor has seen human use for thousands of years, with thermal features drawing both indigenous peoples and later settlers.
The spring is dangerously hot at 160 degrees and absolutely cannot be entered at the source. Look well downstream for areas where cool creek water mixes to create soakable temperatures. French Creek Campground on Lake Cascade, about 14 miles away, is reservable and offers boat access and fishing. The walk from Cabarton Road is short but unmarked. Snow limits access from late November through April. Bring footwear suitable for uneven, wet ground near the outflow.
Is Cabarton Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
The water at Cabarton Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.0).
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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...