# Russian John Hot Spring, Idaho

Russian John Hot Spring in Idaho. 100°F (38°C). Roadside · Public Land. Blaine County.

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

## Can you soak at Russian John Hot Spring?

Yes. Russian John Hot Spring has natural, undeveloped pools that run from 86 to 105°F. Soaking is free. You can drive right up to it.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 100°F (38°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| pH | 9.2 (Alkaline) |
| Elevation | 6,845 ft |
| Access | Roadside · Public Land, 43 ft from the nearest road |
| Land | Sawtooth National Forest, US Forest Service |
| County | Blaine County |
| Nearest town | Ketchum |
| Coordinates | 43.80500, -114.58500 |
| Best months to soak | December, January, February (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | EASLEY CAMPGROUND, 3.1 mi |

## Plan your visit

| | |
|---|---|
| Type | Primitive pools |
| Cost | Free |
| Season | Year-round |
| Reservations | Not needed |
| Pool temperature | 86–105°F |
| Clothing | Clothing optional |
| Getting there | Dirt turnoff 18 mi north of Ketchum on Hwy 75, short uphill walk about 300 ft |
| In winter | Hwy 75 plowed; chains may be needed near Galena Summit |
| Operator | Bureau of Land Management in Sawtooth NRA |

Checked October 2026. Sources: https://www.hotspringsguides.com/hot-springs/russian-john-hot-spring-idaho, https://hotspringslocator.com/russian-john-hot-springs

## About Russian John Hot Spring

Russian John Hot Spring sits a few steps off the road in the Sawtooth National Forest, Blaine County, about thirteen miles from Ketchum. The water is at body temperature, easy soaking warmth. Access is open. Easley Campground is about three miles away. Forest Service ground, with water chemistry on file from the late eighties.

Nearly seven thousand feet up, with eleven feet of snow across a typical winter and a moderately wet climate. The spring is right at the road, so access is a matter of the road being open, and at this elevation that is a real question for a good part of the year. Sawtooth National Forest, standard designation. Easley Campground is the camping the record lists.

December through February get the best-months tag here and the water suits cold air. Easley Campground is close by for camping. No fee recorded. Temperature is mild enough to need no caution. The road in winter is the thing to check, since nothing else about access is complicated.

## Water chemistry

Lab sample from 1988-05-03 (Water Quality Portal).

| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 9.2 |
| Calcium | 2.1 mg/L |
| Magnesium | 0.06 mg/L |
| Sodium | 68 mg/L |
| Sulfate | 47 mg/L |
| Chloride | 6.5 mg/L |

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Hailey](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/idaho/hailey), 19 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Idaho](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho)
- [Easley Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/easley-hot-springs): 100°F source, pH 9.6, Roadside, near Ketchum, Blaine County, developed pools, $14 day pass
- [Big Smokey Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/big-smokey-hot-spring): Hot, Hike, near Fairfield, Camas County, primitive pools, pools 102°F, free, jun-oct
- [Guyer Hot Springs, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/guyer-hot-springs): 158°F source, pH 9.1, Roadside, near Ketchum, Blaine County
- [Warfield Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/warfield-hot-spring): 124°F source, pH 9.0, Roadside, near Ketchum, Blaine County, primitive pools
- [Lower Bowery Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/lower-bowery-hot-spring): 129°F source, pH 8.5, Short Walk, near Sun Valley, Blaine County, primitive pools, may–dec
- [West Pass Hot Spring, ID](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/idaho/west-pass-hot-spring): 124°F source, pH 8.5, Roadside, near Sun Valley, Blaine County

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Russian John Hot Spring?**
Russian John Hot Spring has a water temperature of 100°F (38°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is Russian John Hot Spring located?**
Russian John Hot Spring is located in Blaine County, Idaho at 6,845 feet elevation, near Ketchum. Coordinates: 43.8050°N, 114.5850°W.

**How do I get to Russian John Hot Spring?**
Russian John Hot Spring has Roadside road access (43 ft from the road).

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

**Can I camp near Russian John Hot Spring?**
Yes, Easley Campground is located nearby (3.1 miles away).

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

## Sources

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