Our Trail Spotlight highlights day trips to multi-day hikes across Idaho. Trail conditions can change quickly- swollen rivers can become impassable, windstorms can knock trees down across trails, and snow can come earlier than expected. Please take these recommendations as a jumping off place and do additional research to understand current conditions and  keep yourself safe if you choose to hike this trail. Physical guidebooks and maps are always good to have or check out some online resources like Alltrails.com for updated trail reports. If your trip is as awesome as you hope it will be, please share photos and feedback!

Trail Spotlight: Boiling Springs & Middle Fork Payette River Trail #033

Recommended by: Walter and Pamela DeMetro, ITA Volunteer Crew Leaders

Duration: Day Hike

Area: Boise National Forest

Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 5

Road Considerations: From Garden Valley, travel north on Forest Road 698 toward Boiling Springs Campground. The road is generally accessible to passenger vehicles during the summer and fall, though conditions can vary depending on weather and seasonal maintenance. Parking is available near the trailhead.

Total hiking miles: Approximately 4 miles round-trip to Boiling Springs, with opportunities to continue farther along Trail #033.

The Hike: This trail offers more than one hot spring experience. Near the trailhead, you’ll find a reservable forest cabin and several spectacular hot spring pools open to the public. The pools themselves are far too hot for soaking, but their runoff flows into the nearby river where visitors can create their own custom hot tub. With a little river-rock engineering, it’s easy to mix hot spring water with cool river water to find your perfect soaking temperature.

From there, the Middle Fork Payette River Trail follows the river through a beautiful forested canyon. The trail is mostly gentle, making it a great option for families and hikers looking for a relaxing outing. Towering pines provide shade along much of the route, while the river offers a constant soundtrack and frequent opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. Wildlife is often part of the experience as well. On our most recent hike, we spotted several deer and a flock of wild turkeys along the trail.

The highlight of the hike is Boiling Springs, a naturally heated pool tucked alongside the river. Fed by both hot and cold water sources, the pool maintains a comfortable soaking temperature throughout the year. It can be a popular destination, but the pool comfortably fits four people—or eight really good friends willing to get cozy. Surrounded by forest and the sounds of the river, it’s a memorable place to relax before heading back to the trailhead.

Camping opportunities abound in the area. Boiling Springs Campground is located near the trailhead, and dispersed camping sites along the road leading in offer some fantastic riverside spots where you can fall asleep to the sound of the Middle Fork Payette flowing just steps from your tent.

Things to consider: While the trail itself is relatively easy, the final approach to the pool requires navigating some rough, uneven terrain with rocks and roots. Bring plenty of drinking water, but if you come up short, the Middle Fork Payette River provides plenty of opportunities to filter fresh water along the way. The hot springs can be busy on weekends and holidays, so consider visiting during weekdays or earlier in the day for a quieter experience. After your hike, Garden Valley is a great place to grab a burger, ice cream, or your favorite refreshment before heading home.