Outdoors NearbyHospital Bar Hot Springs
A natural hot spring next to the Hospital Bar camp on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. It is visited by rafters on permitted multi-day trips. You can soak at Hospital Bar Hot Springs for free.
| Access | Free, public land Reached only by floating the Middle Fork of the Salmon River (river mile 52.1). A Forest Service permit is required; May 28–September 3 launches go through a lottery. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Idaho Managed by USFS Salmon-Challis NF (Middle Fork Ranger District) Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | 115 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980) |
| Prices | Middle Fork special recreation fee: $4.00 per person per day (or Salmon Rivers Season Pass; $6 lottery/reservation fee) Checked October 2026 on the operator's site |
| Season | Float season; permits by lottery May 28–September 3 |
| Reservations | required |
| Camping | Hospital Bar camp, left bank (assigned river camp) (0 mi) |
Best time to soak: Hospital Bar Hot Springs
Hot water is most welcome on cold days. From November to April average highs near Idaho stay at 33 to 57 °F, with nights down to 15 °F. From November to March lows average 15 to 25 °F, so paths and decks around the pools can ice over and dirt roads may close.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34 °F | 16 °F | 5 |
| Feb | 40 °F | 18 °F | 3 |
| Mar | 50 °F | 25 °F | 4 |
| Apr | 57 °F | 31 °F | 5 |
| May | 67 °F | 38 °F | 5 |
| Jun | 75 °F | 44 °F | 6 |
| Jul | 86 °F | 48 °F | 2 |
| Aug | 85 °F | 46 °F | 2 |
| Sep | 76 °F | 39 °F | 3 |
| Oct | 61 °F | 31 °F | 4 |
| Nov | 43 °F | 23 °F | 5 |
| Dec | 33 °F | 15 °F | 6 |
More to do nearby
- Veil Falls (waterfall, 20 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.
Other hot springs near Hospital Bar Hot Springs
- Lower Loon Creek Hot Springs Free
- Whitey Cox Hot Springs Free
- Sunflower Hot Springs Free
- Sheepeater Hot Springs Free
- Challis Hot Springs Day pass
- Sunbeam Hot Springs Free
- Goldbug Hot Springs Free
- Elkhorn Hot Springs Free
Waterfalls nearby
- Veil Falls (20 mi)
- Golden Creek Falls (22 mi)
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 Hospital Bar Hot Springs free?
Yes. Hospital Bar Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Hospital Bar Hot Springs?
115 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980). Pool temperatures are usually lower than at the source and change with the season.
When is Hospital Bar Hot Springs open?
Float season; permits by lottery May 28–September 3.
Can you camp near Hospital Bar Hot Springs?
Hospital Bar camp, left bank (assigned river camp) (0 mi).