# Red River Hot Springs, Idaho

Red River Hot Springs in Idaho. 131°F (55°C). Roadside · Public Land. Idaho County.

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

## Can you soak at Red River Hot Springs?

Yes. Red River Hot Springs is a developed hot spring with pools at 95°F. It sells day passes.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 131°F (55°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| pH | 9.4 (Alkaline) |
| Total dissolved solids | 274 mg/L |
| Elevation | 5,040 ft |
| Access | Roadside · Public Land, 165 ft from the nearest road |
| Land | Nezperce National Forest, US Forest Service |
| County | Idaho County |
| Nearest town | Grangeville |
| Coordinates | 45.78800, -115.19800 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | WALKER CABIN, 16.7 mi |

## Plan your visit

| | |
|---|---|
| Type | Developed pools |
| Cost | Day pass. Described only as a nominal fee, amount not found |
| Hours | dusk to 10pm daily |
| Season | Year-round |
| Pool temperature | 95°F |
| Clothing | Swimsuit required |
| Getting there | 24 mi gravel on Red River Rd from Hwy 14 |
| In winter | snow can block access; call ahead |
| Operator | Red River Hot Springs Resort |

Checked October 2026. Sources: https://hotspringslocator.com/red-river-hot-springs

## About Red River Hot Springs

Red River Hot Springs belongs to the Nezperce National Forest in Idaho County, forty-five miles from Grangeville and a short distance off an unnamed road, with access recorded as open. The water runs hot, beyond what most bathers tolerate at the source. The 1982 sample showed iron along with the usual minerals.

High enough for serious snow, fifteen feet in an average winter, in wet country. Roadside access, a few dozen yards from the car, once the road is clear. Walker Cabin is the nearest listed camping, about seventeen miles out. National Forest designation and nothing more specific in the record. How the outlet and its surroundings look never made it into the file.

Midwinter is the listed season. The outlet water will burn bare skin, so find the cooled section before you sit. Walker Cabin is where the record says to sleep. Nothing on a fee. The chemistry is from a single sample four decades old.

## Water chemistry

Lab sample from 1982-07-13 (Water Quality Portal).

| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 9.4 |
| Total dissolved solids | 274 mg/L |
| Calcium | 1.7 mg/L |
| Magnesium | 0.1 mg/L |
| Sodium | 79 mg/L |
| Sulfate | 37 mg/L |
| Chloride | 4.2 mg/L |
| Iron | 0 µg/L |

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Grangeville](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/idaho/grangeville), 47 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Idaho](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho)
- [Running Warm Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/running-warm-springs): 106°F source, pH 9.7, Short Walk, near Hamilton, Ravalli County
- [Marten Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/marten-hot-springs): Hot, Backcountry, near Hamilton, Ravalli County
- [Barth Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/barth-hot-springs): 140°F source, Backcountry, near Hamilton, Ravalli County, primitive pools, parking or permit fee, jun–sep
- [Stuart Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/stuart-hot-springs): Hot, Backcountry, near Hamilton, Ravalli County, primitive pools, free, mid-late summer
- [Stanley Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/stanley-hot-springs): 120°F source, Hike, near Kamiah, Lewis County, primitive pools, pools 106°F, free, jun-oct best
- [Prospector Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/prospector-hot-springs): Hot, Backcountry, near Hamilton, Ravalli County, primitive pools, free, mid-late summer

## Questions

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

**Where is Red River Hot Springs located?**
Red River Hot Springs is located in Idaho County, Idaho at 5,040 feet elevation, near Grangeville. Coordinates: 45.7880°N, 115.1980°W.

**How do I get to Red River Hot Springs?**
Red River Hot Springs has Roadside road access (165 ft from the road).

**Is Red River Hot Springs free to visit?**
Red River Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.

**Can I camp near Red River Hot Springs?**
Yes, Walker Cabin is located nearby (16.7 miles away).

**What minerals are in the water at Red River Hot Springs?**
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. The pH is 9.4 (alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 274 mg/L.

**Is it safe to soak at Red River Hot Springs?**
With care. At 131°F Red River Hot Springs 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