Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs sits right where 149-degree water cascades over rock ledges into soaking pools along the South Fork Payette River. Located in the Boise National Forest near Lowman, these springs are among the most accessible and photogenic thermal features on Highway 21, with multiple pools at varying temperatures formed by mixing river and spring water.
Steam rises from small waterfalls that pour over moss-covered rock faces and into a series of stone-lined pools at the river's edge. The South Fork Payette River rushes past just feet away, its cold green current available for a bracing contrast dip. Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs line the narrow canyon above, and the air carries the faint sulfur scent typical of alkaline springs. At 4,000 feet elevation, the canyon traps warmth even on cold mornings.
The springs discharge from fractures in the Idaho Batholith, the massive granitic intrusion underlying much of central Idaho. With a pH of 9.1 and very low mineral content, the water is among the softest hot springs in the state. The Boise National Forest has maintained the site for public use, adding staircases and a short trail from the adjacent Kirkham Campground to the pools below.
A developed Forest Service campground sits just 300 feet from the springs, with reservable sites available through Recreation.gov. The pools are hottest at their source and cooler near the river, so visitors can find a comfortable temperature by moving between them. Snow blankets the area in winter, with the region averaging 156 inches annually, but the springs remain accessible year-round.
Is Kirkham Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
The water at Kirkham Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.1).
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Overview Kirkham Campground is located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Visitors enjoy soaking in popular Kirkham Hot Springs on the banks of the river and exploring the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail. Recreation Popular Kirkham Hot Springs is located at the river's edge within the campground. A trail with staircases leads down to the soaking pools and small steaming waterfalls. The South Fork Payette River offers...