Vulcan Hot Springs
Vulcan Hot Springs reaches 190°F, making it one of the hottest surface thermal features in Idaho. USGS-confirmed at 88.5°C with a pH of 9.1 and sodium-dominant chemistry (95 mg/L). Located at 5,550 feet in the Boise National Forest, it requires a roughly one-kilometer walk from Stolle Meadows Road.
The spring occupies a forested mountain setting in Valley County along the South Fork of the Salmon River drainage. At 5,550 feet, dense stands of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir cover the surrounding slopes. Annual snowfall averages 192.7 inches, creating a prolonged winter season, while 39.1 inches of precipitation keeps the forest floor damp through spring. The average annual air temperature of 41°F reflects the elevation and latitude. Steam plumes rise visibly from the spring area, particularly in cold weather.
Road access to Stolle Meadows Road is seasonal, typically open June through October. In winter, the 6.5-mile route requires skiing or snowmobiling. Source water at 190°F is near boiling and extremely dangerous; only use pools well downstream where mixing with cold water has occurred. Average snowfall tops 16 feet, so bring appropriate gear. Stolle Meadows Cabin is reservable for overnight stays. Confirm road and trail conditions with the Cascade Ranger District before departure.
Vulcan Hot Springs draws its name from the Roman god of fire, an apt reference given its extreme temperature. The spring has long attracted backcountry soakers who have constructed informal rock-and-log pools downstream where thermal water mixes with cold creek water to reach tolerable temperatures. The site remains undeveloped and managed by the US Forest Service. Stolle Meadows Cabin, a reservable historic rental 3.3 km away, dates from the early Forest Service era.
The water at Vulcan Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.1).
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Overview Historic Stolle Meadows Cabin is a single-room dwelling that has been restored to near original condition. it's located in a beautiful setting near a variety of recreational activities. The cabin is available year-round. The route to the cabin is drivable in warmer months but is only accessible by a 6.5-mile ski or snowmobile trek in the winter. Many conveniences are provided for a comfortable and pleasant experience, but guests may want to bring some additional gear and supplies. Re...
Vulcan Hot Springs sits at 5,550 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.
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Vulcan Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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Springs Near Vulcan Hot Springs
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Alkaline Springs (pH ~9.1)
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