At 145°F, the source water at White Arrow Hot Spring is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
White Arrow Hot Spring reaches 145°F, making it dangerously hot for direct contact. Located at 3,300 feet in Gooding County's high desert, it requires a short walk of about 181 meters from the road. The sodium-dominant chemistry with near-absent calcium (1.7 mg/L) and magnesium (0.1 mg/L) points to circulation through silicic volcanic rock at considerable depth.
The spring sits in the arid Snake River Plain terrain of south-central Idaho, where sagebrush steppe extends across broad lava fields and basalt plateaus. Annual precipitation barely exceeds 11 inches, and snowfall averages just 21 inches, leaving the landscape dry and exposed most of the year. The elevation is low by Idaho standards, and the surrounding terrain is flat to gently rolling. No major rivers run immediately adjacent, though irrigation canals cross the broader agricultural zone near Gooding.
History of White Arrow Hot Spring
Documentation for White Arrow Hot Spring is sparse beyond geochemical survey data. The name does not appear tied to any well-known historical figure or event. The spring has not been commercially developed. Its extremely high temperature and remote high-desert setting have kept it largely as a geological curiosity rather than a recreational destination. No ownership or management information is recorded in federal databases.
This spring is far too hot for soaking at 145°F and poses a serious scald risk. Approach with caution and keep children and pets away from the source. No campgrounds are nearby. The desert setting means summer heat can be extreme, with air temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Carry ample water and sun protection. Winter access is straightforward given the low elevation and minimal snowfall.
Is White Arrow Hot Spring worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
White Arrow Hot Spring is well suited for observing powerful hot springs.
Monthly Climate
28°Jan
34°Feb
43°Mar
51°Apr
61°May
71°Jun
81°Jul
79°Aug
68°Sep
52°Oct
39°Nov
29°Dec
Annual Precip: 11.5 inAnnual Snow: 21.2 in
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryAir 28°F · Water 145°F · +117° contrast
DecemberAir 29°F · Water 145°F · +117° contrast
FebruaryAir 34°F · Water 145°F · +111° contrast
January offers 53°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
144.5°F
(62.5°C)Measured Sep 07, 1999
Water ChemistrySampled 1999-09-07
The water at White Arrow Hot Spring is slightly alkaline (pH 8.3).
What is the water temperature at White Arrow Hot Spring?
White Arrow Hot Spring has a water temperature of 145°F (63°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is White Arrow Hot Spring located?
White Arrow Hot Spring is located in Gooding County, Idaho at 3,300 feet elevation, near Gooding. Coordinates: 43.0490°N, 114.9520°W.
How do I get to White Arrow Hot Spring?
White Arrow Hot Spring has Short Walk road access (0.1 mi from the road).
What minerals are in the water at White Arrow Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 8.3 (slightly alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at White Arrow Hot Spring?
The water at White Arrow Hot Spring reaches 145°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is White Arrow Hot Spring crowded?
White Arrow Hot Spring sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to White Arrow Hot Spring?
Essentials for White Arrow Hot Spring: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.