Outdoors NearbyCouncil Mountain Hot Springs
A cluster of small primitive pools in the mountains east of Council, reached by a 2-mile trail. Council Mountain Hot Springs costs nothing to visit. The pools are a 2-mile hike from Trail 203.
| Access | Free, public land Several small primitive pools reached by a 2-mile hike on Trail 203 from a gravel road. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Council, ID Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | 154 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980) |
| Hike | 2 miles one way from Trail 203 |
Best time to soak: Council Mountain Hot Springs
Council Mountain Hot Springs sits about 73 miles north of Boise, ID; driving distance is a bit longer.
Most people soak in the cooler months. From October to April average highs near Council stay at 32 to 58 °F, with nights down to 15 °F. Expect frost from November to April. Check road and trail conditions with the land manager before driving up. December is the wettest month with about 10 days of rain or snow, and creekside springs can flood or cool down after heavy runoff.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 °F | 15 °F | 8 |
| Feb | 37 °F | 17 °F | 6 |
| Mar | 45 °F | 24 °F | 8 |
| Apr | 53 °F | 30 °F | 7 |
| May | 63 °F | 37 °F | 6 |
| Jun | 70 °F | 43 °F | 5 |
| Jul | 82 °F | 48 °F | 2 |
| Aug | 82 °F | 47 °F | 2 |
| Sep | 73 °F | 40 °F | 3 |
| Oct | 58 °F | 31 °F | 5 |
| Nov | 42 °F | 25 °F | 8 |
| Dec | 32 °F | 16 °F | 10 |
More to do nearby
- Manchester Ice Rink and Events Center (indoor ice rink, 19 mi)
- Driessen Falls (waterfall, 30 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
- Cold-day pick SUN CUBE hooded changing robe poncho Change in and out of a wet suit at a trailhead with no changing room, and stay warm after a winter soak. View on Amazon
- Earth Pak roll-top waterproof dry bag Keeps your phone, keys and dry clothes safe on wet rocks next to the pool. View on Amazon
- Battery-free floating water thermometer Check a pool before you get in. Natural springs can run hotter than they look. View on Amazon
We haven't tested these ourselves; we chose them by size and specs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Check the current price on Amazon.
More hot springs nearby
- Gold Fork Hot Springs Day pass
- Zims Hot Springs Day pass
- Trail Creek Hot Springs Free
- Vulcan Hot Springs Free
- Silver Creek Plunge Day pass
- Rocky Canyon Hot Springs Free
- Burgdorf Hot Springs Day pass
- Hot Springs Campground hot spring Free
Sources
Access, prices and rules come from these official pages, checked October 2026. Hot springs close for weather, repairs or high water, so confirm before you go.
Something changed? Tell us.
Frequently asked questions
Is Council Mountain Hot Springs free?
Yes. Council Mountain Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Council Mountain Hot Springs?
154 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980). Pool temperatures are usually lower than at the source and change with the season.
How long is the hike to Council Mountain Hot Springs?
2 miles one way from Trail 203.
How far is Council Mountain Hot Springs from Boise?
About 73 miles from Boise in a straight line; the drive is longer.