Holdover Hot Spring
Holdover Hot Spring, known locally as Mile 15 Hot Spring, flows at 117°F along the South Fork Salmon River Road within the Payette National Forest. Positioned at 4,160 feet in Valley County near McCall, it sits roadside in one of Idaho's most snow-heavy drainages, where annual snowfall averages over 173 inches.
The spring emerges near the South Fork Salmon River in a steep, timbered canyon where the road follows the river's course through wilderness-adjacent terrain. Old-growth ponderosa pine and Douglas fir line the slopes, and the river runs clear and cold below. Annual precipitation tops 35 inches, and the canyon holds snow well into spring. The air carries the mineral scent of thermal water mixing with cold river spray, and steam marks the source in winter.
The South Fork Salmon drainage cuts through the edge of the Idaho Batholith, where deep fractures in granitic rock channel geothermally heated water to the surface. The highly alkaline pH of 9.6 and low calcium of 1.4 mg/L indicate classic deep-circulation water that has shed its mineral load during a long underground journey. USGS measurements recorded 47°C with a modest flow of 0.06 cubic feet per second.
Johnson Creek Guard Station, a historic 1922 Forest Service cabin, is the nearest reservable accommodation at 19.4 miles. The spring sits less than 100 feet from South Fork Salmon River Road, making access easy when the road is open. The road typically closes in winter due to heavy snow. Water at 117°F needs cooling before soaking; look for pools where river water mixes in.
Is Holdover Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Holdover Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 9.6).
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Overview Johnson Creek Guard Station was built in 1922 and offers a charming mountain respite with modern conveniences. The cabin offers nearly everything needed for a pleasant and comfortable stay. Peak season for the cabin is typically early June through late September. It can be accessed by most vehicles via dirt and gravel roads, but trailers are not recommended.Recreation The cabin is near several trailheads into the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. These non-motorized tr...