Outdoors NearbySunflower Hot Springs
A natural hot spring next to the Sunflower camp on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. It is visited by rafters on permitted multi-day trips. Sunflower Hot Springs is on public land and free to visit.
| Access | Free, public land Reached only by floating the Middle Fork of the Salmon River (river mile 32.6). A Forest Service permit is required; May 28–September 3 launches go through a lottery. |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural spring |
| Location | Idaho Managed by USFS Salmon-Challis NF (Middle Fork Ranger District) Directions (approximate location; check the official map) |
| Water | 149 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980) |
| Prices | Middle Fork special recreation fee: $4.00 per person per day (or Salmon Rivers Season Pass; $6 lottery/reservation fee) Checked October 2026 on the operator's site |
| Season | Float season; permits by lottery May 28–September 3 |
| Reservations | required |
| Camping | Sunflower camp, right bank (assigned river camp) (0 mi) |
Best time to soak: Sunflower Hot Springs
Soaking feels best when the air is cool. From November to April average highs near Idaho stay at 33 to 57 °F, with nights down to 15 °F. From November to March lows average 15 to 25 °F, so paths and decks around the pools can ice over and dirt roads may close.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 34 °F | 16 °F | 5 |
| Feb | 40 °F | 18 °F | 3 |
| Mar | 50 °F | 25 °F | 4 |
| Apr | 57 °F | 31 °F | 5 |
| May | 67 °F | 38 °F | 5 |
| Jun | 75 °F | 44 °F | 6 |
| Jul | 86 °F | 48 °F | 2 |
| Aug | 85 °F | 46 °F | 2 |
| Sep | 76 °F | 39 °F | 3 |
| Oct | 61 °F | 31 °F | 4 |
| Nov | 43 °F | 23 °F | 5 |
| Dec | 33 °F | 15 °F | 6 |
More to do nearby
- Dagger Falls (waterfall, 20 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.
Hot springs in the area
- Whitey Cox Hot Springs Free
- Lower Loon Creek Hot Springs Free
- Sheepeater Hot Springs Free
- Hospital Bar Hot Springs Free
- Elkhorn Hot Springs Free
- Sunbeam Hot Springs Free
- Vulcan Hot Springs Free
- Trail Creek Hot Springs Free
Waterfalls nearby
- Dagger Falls (20 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
How much does Sunflower Hot Springs cost?
Yes. Sunflower Hot Springs is on public land with no soaking fee.
How hot is Sunflower Hot Springs?
149 °F at the source (USGS/NOAA survey, 1980). Pool temperatures are usually lower than at the source and change with the season.
When is Sunflower Hot Springs open?
Float season; permits by lottery May 28–September 3.
Can you camp near Sunflower Hot Springs?
Sunflower camp, right bank (assigned river camp) (0 mi).
How far is Sunflower Hot Springs from Boise?
About 98 miles from Boise in a straight line; the drive is longer.