Outdoors NearbyRed River Hot Springs
A small historic resort with a hot spring pool and hot tub at the end of a forest road southeast of Elk City. It also rents lodge rooms, cabins and campsites. Red River Hot Springs sells day passes, so you don't need to stay overnight.
| Access | Day passes for the public Small resort on a Forest Service permit; new owners reopened it and renovations are ongoing. Call ahead for day-use rates and road conditions. |
|---|---|
| Type | Hot springs resort |
| Location | Elk City, ID Managed by Private operator (USFS special-use permit, Nez Perce-Clearwater NF) Directions |
| Water | 131 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980) |
| Season | Listed as open year-round; winter road access depends on snow |
| Facilities | lodging, showers, restrooms |
| Website | fs.usda.gov |
Best time to soak: Red River Hot Springs
Most people soak in the cooler months. From October to April average highs near Elk City stay at 33 to 58 °F, with nights down to 14 °F. Expect frost from October to April. Check road and trail conditions with the land manager before driving up. January is the wettest month with about 10 days of rain or snow.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35 °F | 15 °F | 10 |
| Feb | 41 °F | 16 °F | 7 |
| Mar | 47 °F | 21 °F | 9 |
| Apr | 53 °F | 27 °F | 10 |
| May | 63 °F | 33 °F | 9 |
| Jun | 71 °F | 40 °F | 9 |
| Jul | 83 °F | 43 °F | 5 |
| Aug | 83 °F | 39 °F | 3 |
| Sep | 74 °F | 32 °F | 4 |
| Oct | 58 °F | 28 °F | 7 |
| Nov | 43 °F | 22 °F | 9 |
| Dec | 33 °F | 14 °F | 8 |
More to do nearby
- Mallard Creek Falls (waterfall, 16 mi)
Pack for the hot springs
-
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.
Other hot springs near Elk City
- Barth Hot Springs Free
- Stanley Hot Springs Free
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs Free
- Burgdorf Hot Springs Day pass
- Hospital Bar Hot Springs Free
- Lower Loon Creek Hot Springs Free
- Whitey Cox Hot Springs Free
- Lolo Hot Springs Day pass
Waterfalls nearby
- Mallard Creek Falls (16 mi)
- Selway Falls (19 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 Red River Hot Springs free?
There is a fee for day use. The operator's website has current prices.
How hot is Red River Hot Springs?
131 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980). Pool temperatures are usually lower than at the source and change with the season.
When is Red River Hot Springs open?
Listed as open year-round; winter road access depends on snow.