Sweet Warm Spring
Sweet Warm Spring earns its name honestly. At 68 degrees Fahrenheit along the Sweet Ola Highway near Emmett, this is thermal bathing for people who prefer pool temperature over hot tub temperature. Roadside access puts it just 15 meters from pavement in low-elevation Gem County.
At 2,530 feet, this is lowland Idaho. Annual air temperatures average nearly 53 degrees, the warmest ambient climate of any spring in the surrounding area. The landscape is dry foothill country with bunchgrass, sagebrush, and scattered juniper rather than the dense conifers found at higher thermal springs. The water emerges with a neutral pH of 7.2 and moderate mineralization at 580 mg/L. The sodium-dominant chemistry gives the water a faintly soft quality without the slippery feel of more alkaline springs.
USGS measurements recorded a source temperature of 113 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly warmer than the 68-degree surface reading in the original survey, suggesting the water cools substantially as it reaches the surface pool. The neutral pH and balanced mineral content indicate circulation through mixed volcanic and sedimentary formations. Iron concentrations at 20 micrograms per liter are low, keeping the water clear rather than rust-tinted.
Sweet Warm Spring sits directly off Sweet Ola Highway with no approach required. The low elevation and relatively mild climate make this accessible nearly year-round, with minimal snowfall averaging just 33 inches annually. Swinging Bridge Campground is 27.5 kilometers away along Highway 55 and offers reservable sites. The 68-degree water temperature feels refreshing in summer heat but may feel cool in other seasons. No facilities exist at the spring.
Is Sweet Warm Spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
The water at Sweet Warm Spring is neutral (pH 7.2) with 580 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Overview Swinging Bridge Campground is located 10 miles north of Banks, Idaho just off Highway 55 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The North Fork Payette River flows next to the highway, where extreme kayaking is a popular activity.Recreation The North Fork of the Payette River is a very popular location for expert kayaking. Whitewater rafting is nearby on the Main and South Fork sections of the Payette River. Anglers will find good to excellent fishing for whitefish and rainbow trout.Facili...