Outdoors NearbySkillern Hot Springs
A natural hot spring along Big Smoky Creek north of Fairfield, reached on foot on the Big Smoky Trail. Skillern Hot Springs is on public land and free to visit.
| Access | Free, public land On the Big Smoky Trail north of Fairfield on the Sawtooth National Forest; hike in from the Skillern/Canyon Transfer Camp area. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Fairfield, ID Managed by USFS Sawtooth National Forest, Fairfield Ranger District Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | 140 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980) |
| Season | South Fork Boise River area closed Dec 1–April 30 to protect wintering wildlife |
Best time to soak: Skillern Hot Springs
Skillern Hot Springs is about 69 miles east of Boise, ID, measured in a straight line.
Most people soak in the cooler months. From October to April average highs around Fairfield stay at 30 to 56 °F, with nights down to 8 °F. Expect frost from October to April. Check road and trail conditions with the land manager before driving up.
| 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, 22 mi)
- Smith Falls (waterfall, 27 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 Fairfield
- Worswick Hot Springs Free
- Baumgartner Hot Springs Free
- Russian John Hot Springs Free
- Frenchman's Bend Hot Springs Free
- Easley Hot Springs Day pass
- Atlanta Hot Springs Free
- Elkhorn Hot Springs Free
- Sunbeam 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
Do you have to pay at Skillern Hot Springs?
Yes. Skillern Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Skillern Hot Springs?
140 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980). Pool temperatures are usually lower than at the source and change with the season.
When is Skillern Hot Springs open?
South Fork Boise River area closed Dec 1–April 30 to protect wintering wildlife.
How far is Skillern Hot Springs from Boise?
About 69 miles from Boise in a straight line; the drive is longer.