Outdoors NearbyPine Flats Hot Springs
Hot water runs down a cliff above the South Fork Payette River and collects in rock pools along the bank west of Lowman. A quarter-mile trail from the Forest Service campground leads to the pools. You can soak at Pine Flats Hot Springs for free. Plan on hiking 0.25 miles each way to reach the water.
| Access | Free, public land Reached on a short trail from Pine Flats Campground on the Boise National Forest. The Forest Service lists no separate soaking fee. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Lowman, ID Managed by USFS Boise National Forest, Lowman Ranger District Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Prices | Campsite: $15 (single site per night; $30 double. Current-conditions notice says no fees are being collected) Checked October 2026 on the operator's site |
| Season | Campground open end of May to end of September; the gate closes once snow is on the ground |
| Hike | 0.25 miles one way from Pine Flats Campground A nature trail leads from the campground to the riverside pools; the larger pools below the hot waterfall may require wading. |
| Facilities | vault toilets |
| Camping | Pine Flats Campground (0.25 mi) |
| Website | fs.usda.gov |
| Phone | (208) 259-3361 |
Best time to soak: Pine Flats Hot Springs
Pine Flats Hot Springs sits about 40 miles northeast of Boise, ID; driving distance is a bit longer.
From November to April average highs around Lowman stay at 33 to 60 °F, with nights down to 19 °F. Expect frost from November to March. Check road and trail conditions with the land manager before driving up. From July to August highs reach 89 °F. Many people skip midday soaks in summer and come back after sunset. December is the wettest month with about 10 days of rain or snow. High water in spring can cover riverside pools.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34 °F | 19 °F | 10 |
| Feb | 41 °F | 22 °F | 8 |
| Mar | 52 °F | 27 °F | 8 |
| Apr | 60 °F | 32 °F | 6 |
| May | 69 °F | 38 °F | 5 |
| Jun | 78 °F | 44 °F | 4 |
| Jul | 89 °F | 48 °F | 1 |
| Aug | 89 °F | 46 °F | 1 |
| Sep | 79 °F | 39 °F | 2 |
| Oct | 64 °F | 31 °F | 4 |
| Nov | 44 °F | 26 °F | 8 |
| Dec | 33 °F | 20 °F | 10 |
More to do nearby
- Big Falls (waterfall, 2 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
- 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
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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
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
- Kirkham Hot Springs Free
- Hot Springs Campground hot spring Free
- Rocky Canyon Hot Springs Free
- The Springs Day pass
- Silver Creek Plunge Day pass
- Bonneville Hot Springs Free
- Atlanta Hot Springs Free
- Vulcan Hot Springs Free
Waterfalls nearby
- Big Falls (2 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 Pine Flats Hot Springs free?
Yes. Pine Flats Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee.
How long is the hike to Pine Flats Hot Springs?
0.25 miles one way from Pine Flats Campground. A nature trail leads from the campground to the riverside pools; the larger pools below the hot waterfall may require wading.
When is Pine Flats Hot Springs open?
Campground open end of May to end of September; the gate closes once snow is on the ground.
Can you camp near Pine Flats Hot Springs?
Pine Flats Campground (0.25 mi).
How far is Pine Flats Hot Springs from Boise?
About 40 miles from Boise in a straight line; the drive is longer.