Outdoors NearbySunbeam Hot Springs
Scalding springs pour into rock pools on the bank of the Salmon River just west of Sunbeam, next to a stone bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. Sunbeam Hot Springs is on public land and free to visit.
| Access | Free, public land Riverside pools below the historic stone bathhouse on Highway 75, Sawtooth National Forest. Visitors mix the hot water with river water by moving rocks. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Stanley, ID Managed by USFS Sawtooth National Forest (Sawtooth NRA) Directions |
| Water | about 169 °F at the source; cooled by river water in the pools |
| Season | Best late summer and fall; pools are underwater during spring high water |
| Camping | Lower O'Brien Campground |
Best time to soak: Sunbeam Hot Springs
Soaking feels best when the air is cool. From October to May average highs near Stanley stay at 28 to 60 °F, with nights down to 4 °F. From October to May lows average 4 to 30 °F, so paths and decks around the pools can ice over and dirt roads may close.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 °F | 4 °F | 5 |
| Feb | 35 °F | 7 °F | 5 |
| Mar | 43 °F | 14 °F | 6 |
| Apr | 49 °F | 21 °F | 6 |
| May | 60 °F | 30 °F | 5 |
| Jun | 69 °F | 35 °F | 4 |
| Jul | 80 °F | 39 °F | 2 |
| Aug | 80 °F | 37 °F | 2 |
| Sep | 70 °F | 31 °F | 3 |
| Oct | 55 °F | 24 °F | 4 |
| Nov | 39 °F | 14 °F | 6 |
| Dec | 28 °F | 6 °F | 7 |
More to do nearby
- Goat Falls (waterfall, 15 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.
Other hot springs near Stanley
- Elkhorn Hot Springs Free
- Bonneville Hot Springs Free
- Russian John Hot Springs Free
- Sheepeater Hot Springs Free
- Challis Hot Springs Day pass
- Sunflower Hot Springs Free
- Easley Hot Springs Day pass
- Whitey Cox Hot Springs Free
Waterfalls nearby
- Goat Falls (15 mi)
- Lady Face Falls (17 mi)
- Bridal Veil Falls (18 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.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Sunbeam Hot Springs cost?
Yes. Sunbeam Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Sunbeam Hot Springs?
About 169 °F at the source; cooled by river water in the pools.
When is Sunbeam Hot Springs open?
Best late summer and fall; pools are underwater during spring high water.
Can you camp near Sunbeam Hot Springs?
Lower O'Brien Campground.
How far is Sunbeam Hot Springs from Boise?
About 85 miles from Boise in a straight line; the drive is longer.