# Donlay Ranch Hot Spring, Idaho

Donlay Ranch Hot Spring in Idaho. 131°F (55°C). Roadside · Public Land. Boise County.

- Page: https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/donlay-ranch-hot-spring
- Source: Soaking Springs, researched and maintained by Armen Suny
- Updated: 2026-09-14

## Can you soak at Donlay Ranch Hot Spring?

Only once it cools. The water leaves the ground at 131°F, hotter than any hot tub. You can drive right up to it. It's on US Forest Service land. We haven't confirmed whether it has a pool or charges a fee.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 131°F (55°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| pH | 9.2 (Alkaline) |
| Elevation | 3,200 ft |
| Access | Roadside · Public Land, 115 ft from the nearest road (Southfork Road) |
| Land | Boise National Forest, US Forest Service |
| County | Boise County |
| Nearest town | Idaho City |
| Coordinates | 44.04400, -115.85100 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | HOT SPRINGS, 3.5 mi |

## About Donlay Ranch Hot Spring

Donlay Ranch Hot Spring occupies Boise National Forest ground in Boise County, 15 miles or so from Idaho City, on Southfork Road. Low 130s water, which needs cooling before a soak. Access is open. A campground called Hot Springs sits about 3.5 miles away, the closest developed camping on file, which makes this an easy overnight.

Southfork Road passes about 115 feet from the spring. The site is low for the Boise forest, but the snow still piles up, close to nine feet most winters, in a wet climate. Beyond that the ground is undescribed, and no image is on record.

The best-months note points to December through February. Nine feet or so of snow comes down most years, so ask about the forest road before you drive. Fees and any kind of structure at the spring go unmentioned on file. The chemistry dates from 1978 and came back alkaline. Hot Springs campground is close enough to base from, with Idaho City the closest town.

## Water chemistry

Lab sample from 1978-11-27 (Water Quality Portal).

| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 9.2 |
| Calcium | 2 mg/L |
| Magnesium | 0.1 mg/L |
| Sodium | 75 mg/L |
| Sulfate | 38 mg/L |
| Chloride | 5.7 mg/L |

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Emmett](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/idaho/emmett), 31 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Idaho](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho)
- [Corder Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/corder-hot-spring): 131°F source, pH 9.2, Roadside, near Idaho City, Boise County
- [Dan Hodges Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/dan-hodges-hot-spring): 140°F source, pH 9.1, Roadside, near Idaho City, Boise County
- [Danskin Creek Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/danskin-creek-hot-spring): 106°F source, pH 8.8, Roadside, near Idaho City, Boise County, primitive pools
- [Hot Spring Campground, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/hot-spring-campground): 124°F source, pH 9.0, Roadside, near Idaho City, Boise County, primitive pools
- [Pine Flat Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/pine-flat-hot-springs): 138°F source, pH 9.2, Short Walk, near Idaho City, Boise County, primitive pools
- [Warm Springs Creek Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/warm-springs-creek-hot-springs): 167°F source, pH 8.4, TDS 307 mg/L, Roadside, near Idaho City, Boise County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Donlay Ranch Hot Spring?**
Donlay Ranch Hot Spring has a water temperature of 131°F (55°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is Donlay Ranch Hot Spring located?**
Donlay Ranch Hot Spring is located in Boise County, Idaho at 3,200 feet elevation, near Idaho City. Coordinates: 44.0440°N, 115.8510°W.

**How do I get to Donlay Ranch Hot Spring?**
Donlay Ranch Hot Spring has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Southfork Road (115 ft from the road).

**Is Donlay Ranch Hot Spring free to visit?**
Donlay Ranch Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.

**Can I camp near Donlay Ranch Hot Spring?**
Yes, Hot Springs is located nearby (3.5 miles away).

**What minerals are in the water at Donlay Ranch Hot Spring?**
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.2 (alkaline).

**Is it safe to soak at Donlay Ranch Hot Spring?**
With care. At 131°F Donlay Ranch Hot Spring is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.

## Sources

- USGS thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals