Outdoors NearbyFrenchman's Bend Hot Springs
Three springs along Warm Springs Creek about 11 miles west of Ketchum, the last 7 miles on dirt road. There are no facilities. You can soak at Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs for free.
| Access | Free, public land Primitive pools on the Sawtooth National Forest along Warm Springs Creek; one is roadside, two require wading the creek. Parking fits only 5–6 cars. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Ketchum, ID Managed by USFS Sawtooth National Forest Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | 124 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980) |
| Season | Road is icy in winter and often flooded and closed during runoff (mid-March to end of June); most visitors come June–October |
| Parking | Small pullout for about 5–6 cars |
Best time to soak: Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs
Soaking feels best when the air is cool. From October to April average highs near Ketchum stay at 30 to 56 °F, with nights down to 8 °F. Freezing nights from October to April mean icy steps and possible road closures; traction for your shoes helps.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 °F | 8 °F | 5 |
| Feb | 35 °F | 11 °F | 5 |
| Mar | 43 °F | 19 °F | 5 |
| Apr | 52 °F | 27 °F | 4 |
| May | 62 °F | 35 °F | 5 |
| Jun | 70 °F | 40 °F | 4 |
| Jul | 80 °F | 45 °F | 2 |
| Aug | 79 °F | 44 °F | 2 |
| Sep | 69 °F | 36 °F | 2 |
| Oct | 56 °F | 28 °F | 3 |
| Nov | 41 °F | 17 °F | 4 |
| Dec | 30 °F | 9 °F | 7 |
More to do nearby
- Christina Potters Outdoor Ice Rink (ice rink, 6 mi)
- Rainmaker Splash Pad (splash pad, 6 mi)
- Guy Coles Skate Park (skatepark, 7 mi)
- Smith Falls (waterfall, 37 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
- Battery-free floating water thermometer Check a pool before you get in. Natural springs can run hotter than they look. View on Amazon
- Top pick 4Monster quick-dry microfiber towel with case Packs small for the hike to the pools and dries in the car on the way home. View on Amazon
-
Illustration SIMARI quick-dry water shoes for women and men Grip on slick rock and gravel pool bottoms, and they dry fast on the walk out. 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.
Hot springs in the area
- Easley Hot Springs Day pass
- Russian John Hot Springs Free
- Skillern Hot Springs Free
- Worswick Hot Springs Free
- Baumgartner Hot Springs Free
- Atlanta Hot Springs Free
- Sunbeam Hot Springs Free
- Elkhorn Hot Springs 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 Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs free?
Yes. Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee; small pullout for about 5–6 cars.
How hot is Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs?
124 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980). Pool temperatures are usually lower than at the source and change with the season.
When is Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs open?
Road is icy in winter and often flooded and closed during runoff (mid-March to end of June); most visitors come June–October.
How far is Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs from Boise?
About 86 miles from Boise in a straight line; the drive is longer.