Council Mtn Hot Springs
Council Mountain Hot Springs surfaces at 154 degrees Fahrenheit in Payette National Forest, running a full 109 degrees above the local average air temperature. That extreme differential, among the highest in the dataset, indicates deep geothermal circulation beneath Adams County's forested mountains near Council.
A walk of roughly 1,224 feet from the nearest road leads to the spring at 4,526 feet elevation. The surrounding Payette National Forest terrain is steep and densely timbered with mixed conifers. Annual snowfall approaches ten feet, burying the access route for months. During warmer seasons, the spring produces visible steam where the 154-degree water meets cooler air. The area receives over 32 inches of precipitation annually, keeping the forest floor damp and supporting thick understory growth.
No water chemistry data is recorded for Council Mountain, which limits understanding of its geothermal source. However, the 154-degree temperature and location within the Idaho Batholith's western margin suggest deep fault-controlled circulation similar to other high-temperature springs in the region. The spring sits on US Forest Service land with formal public access designation, a status that has kept it open for decades.
Amanita Campground near Lake Cascade sits about 14 miles away with reservable sites at 4,850 feet elevation. The campground offers access to boating, fishing, and swimming on the reservoir. The spring itself is far too hot for direct contact at the source and extreme caution is warranted. Winter access is effectively blocked by heavy snow. Check with the Council Ranger District for current trail conditions.
Is Council Mtn Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
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Overview Amanita 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. A boat ramp is located at the neighboring Rainbow Point Campg...