Warm Lake Springs
Warm Lake Springs emerges at a USGS-confirmed 59°C near the shore of Warm Lake in the Boise National Forest at 5,260 feet. The original temperature record lists only "W" (warm). Sodium-dominant chemistry with 70 mg/L sodium and undetectable magnesium. A short 251-meter walk from the nearest road provides access.
The spring is situated near Warm Lake, a mountain lake in Valley County surrounded by dense conifer forests of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. At 5,260 feet, the area receives 204.7 inches of annual snowfall, the heaviest among neighboring thermal features, and 38.9 inches of precipitation. The lake itself provides a recreational centerpiece with boating, swimming, and trout fishing. Billy Rice Swim Beach and Picnic Point Campground occupy the lakeshore, creating a developed recreation zone around the thermal feature.
Summer and early fall provide the best conditions, typically June through September. Picnic Point Campground is just 1.3 km away and is reservable, with sites overlooking Warm Lake at 5,300 feet. A boat ramp at Shoreline Campground and Billy Rice Swim Beach expand recreation options. Winter access requires snowmobile or ski travel. Bring fishing gear for cutthroat, rainbow, lake, and bull trout in the lake. Road conditions vary; confirm status with the Cascade Ranger District.
The spring gives Warm Lake its name, as thermal inflow raises the lake's temperature above that of comparable mountain lakes in the region. The Boise National Forest has managed the surrounding area as a recreation destination with multiple campgrounds, boat ramps, and day-use sites. Historical details specific to the spring are sparse in published records. The area functions today as a summer recreation hub for Valley County residents and visitors from the Boise area.
The water at Warm Lake Springs contains 258 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Overview Picnic Point Campground is located on a bluff overlooking beautiful Warm Lake, at an elevation of 5,300 feet. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and viewing local wildlife. Recreation Warm Lake offers great fishing opportunities for cutthroat, rainbow, lake and bull trout. Boating, canoeing and swimming are popular activities. A boat ramp is located at neighboring Shoreline Campground. Billy Rice Swim Beach is within walking distance, offering a day-use site for picni...
Warm Lake Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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