Outdoors NearbyRussian John Hot Springs
A small, lukewarm soaking pool used by sheepherders, about 8 miles north of the Sawtooth NRA headquarters and a short walk west of Highway 75. You can soak at Russian John Hot Springs for free.
| Access | Free, public land Old sheepherder soaking pool about 1,000 yards west of Highway 75 in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. |
|---|---|
| Type | Primitive soaking tub |
| Location | Ketchum, ID Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | water leaves the spring at 89 °F |
Best time to soak: Russian John Hot Springs
From October to April average highs around Ketchum stay at 30 to 56 °F, with nights down to 8 °F. From October to April lows average 8 to 28 °F, so paths and decks around the pools can ice over and dirt roads may close.
| 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, 14 mi)
- Smith Falls (waterfall, 26 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.
Hot springs in the area
- Easley Hot Springs Day pass
- Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs Free
- Skillern Hot Springs Free
- Worswick Hot Springs Free
- Atlanta Hot Springs Free
- Baumgartner 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 Russian John Hot Springs free?
Yes. Russian John Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Russian John Hot Springs?
Water leaves the spring at 89 °F.
How far is Russian John Hot Springs from Boise?
About 82 miles from Boise in a straight line; the drive is longer.