Outdoors NearbyGoldbug Hot Springs
A chain of natural pools fed by hot water spilling down a rocky canyon south of Salmon. Reaching them takes a two-mile uphill hike from a trailhead just off US-93. You can soak at Goldbug Hot Springs for free. Plan on hiking 2 miles each way to reach the water.
| Access | Free, public land No fee. The first quarter mile crosses private land on a public easement; keep dogs leashed there. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Salmon, ID Managed by BLM Salmon Field Office Directions |
| Season | year-round; summer is hot and dry, spring trail can be muddy, winter brings snow |
| Hike | 2 miles one way from Goldbug Hot Springs Trailhead (end of county road 0.3 mi east of US-93, south of Elk Bend), about 1,350 ft of climbing Steady, steep climb up a canyon; the first quarter mile crosses private land on an easement. |
| Parking | Trailhead parking; no fees |
| Dogs | Allowed (not in the pools) |
| Website | blm.gov |
| Phone | (208) 756-5400 |
Best time to soak: Goldbug Hot Springs
Soaking feels best when the air is cool. From October to April average highs around Salmon stay at 28 to 59 °F, with nights down to 11 °F. Expect frost from November to March. Check road and trail conditions with the land manager before driving up.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 °F | 11 °F | 2 |
| Feb | 36 °F | 16 °F | 1 |
| Mar | 50 °F | 26 °F | 2 |
| Apr | 59 °F | 32 °F | 3 |
| May | 68 °F | 40 °F | 4 |
| Jun | 76 °F | 46 °F | 5 |
| Jul | 86 °F | 52 °F | 3 |
| Aug | 85 °F | 49 °F | 2 |
| Sep | 74 °F | 41 °F | 2 |
| Oct | 58 °F | 31 °F | 2 |
| Nov | 41 °F | 22 °F | 2 |
| Dec | 29 °F | 13 °F | 3 |
Pack for the hot springs
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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 - 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
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
- Sharkey Hot Springs Day pass
- Challis Hot Springs Day pass
- Hospital Bar Hot Springs Free
- Jackson Hot Springs Lodge Day pass
- Lower Loon Creek Hot Springs Free
- Whitey Cox Hot Springs Free
- Sunflower Hot Springs Free
- Elkhorn Hot Springs Day pass
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 Goldbug Hot Springs free?
Yes. Goldbug Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee; trailhead parking; no fees.
How long is the hike to Goldbug Hot Springs?
2 miles one way from Goldbug Hot Springs Trailhead (end of county road 0.3 mi east of US-93, south of Elk Bend), about 1,350 ft of climbing. Steady, steep climb up a canyon; the first quarter mile crosses private land on an easement.
Can you bring dogs to Goldbug Hot Springs?
Dogs are allowed, but keep them out of the soaking pools and on a leash where required.
When is Goldbug Hot Springs open?
year-round; summer is hot and dry, spring trail can be muddy, winter brings snow.