Goldbug-salmon Hot Springs And River Adventures
Swimming hole in Salmon, Idaho · Spring
Goldbug Hot Springs is a natural geothermal oasis on BLM public land south of Salmon, Idaho, near Elk Bend. Reached via a steep 2-mile (4-mile round-trip) trail climbing 1,350 feet from Warm Springs Road. Free admission; terraced pools range from 100°F to 110°F with sweeping mountain canyon views.
Typical season: Weekday mornings May–October
About Goldbug-salmon Hot Springs And River Adventures
Goldbug Hot Springs (also called Elk Bend Hot Springs) sits above Warm Springs Creek about 23 miles south of Salmon in Idaho. terraced travertine pools ranging from roughly 85°F lower mixes to ~110°F upper basins. Access is **free**, but you earn it: about **2 miles each way** with serious elevation (~1,000+ feet). The first stretch crosses **private land on a public easement**. leash dogs there and stay on the trail. BLM manages the springs area; there is a restroom at the trailhead but nothing at the pools. Pack out everything. Upper pools can scald. test carefully. Weekends fill the small lot early. Pair with Salmon River corridor plans, not a casual roadside soak. Start early for parking and cooler climbing temps on the exposed sagebrush mile.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- Warm Springs Rd (Goldbug / Elk Bend trailhead), Salmon, ID 83467
- Water type
- Hot spring / hike-in pools
- Water body
- Goldbug Hot Springs / Warm Springs Creek
- Fee
- Free (no BLM day-use fee)
- Nearest town
- Salmon
- State
- Idaho
- Coordinates
- 44.89802, -113.95732
- Best season
- Weekday mornings May–October; start early for parking and cooler climbing temps.
- Access difficulty
- Moderately strenuous ~4-mile round-trip with steep final ascent.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Limited — see facilities notes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- No developed campground at the springs; follow BLM dispersed rules if overnighting nearby.
- Land manager
- Bureau of Land Management
- Activities
- Hiking, soaking, photography
- Facilities
- Trailhead parking and restroom; no facilities at the pools.
- Listing last updated
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitWeekday mornings May, October; start early for parking and cooler climbing temps.
- AccessModerately strenuous ~4-mile round-trip with steep final ascent.
- FacilitiesTrailhead parking and restroom; no facilities at the pools.
- Camping nearbyNo developed campground at the springs; follow BLM dispersed rules if overnighting nearby.
Highlights & features
- Goldbug Hot Springs' hot waterfall pools
- Salmon River's refreshing waters
- Stunning desert hillside views
- Wildlife and plant life sightings
- Year-round accessibility at Goldbug
- Non-sulfurous hot springs with cascading waterfalls
- Two contrasting water experiences: thermal pools and refreshing river swims
- Accessible wilderness with breathtaking views
How to get there
Trailhead: Warm Springs Road east off US-93 near mile marker 282 / Elk Bend, ~23 miles south of Salmon, ID. Park at the dead-end trailhead lot.
1. From Salmon, drive US-93 south about 23 miles.
2. Turn east on the signed county Warm Springs Road and continue ~0.3 mile to the trailhead parking.
3. Leash dogs through the private easement at the start and stay on the path.
4. Climb ~2 miles (open sagebrush, then creek crossings and a steep final pitch) to the terraced pools.
5. Descend before dark — the rocky trail is harder on tired legs.
No fee. Bring more water than you think for the climb.
Plan your visit
Goldbug-Salmon Hot Springs And River Adventures works well as a day trip from Stanley or Salmon. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Kirkham Hot Springs (about 97 mi away) or browse more Idaho river spots in our directory. For the full list in Idaho, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Unofficial, undeveloped site. No fees, facilities, or services. Access involves a moderately challenging 2-mile hike (one-way) with steep sections. Not suitable for those with limited mobility. The parking area is unpaved.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the hike to Goldbug Hot Springs?
The hike is moderate-to-strenuous, measuring 2 miles each way with roughly 1,350 feet of elevation gain. The final half-mile includes wooden stairs and steep switchbacks over rocky terrain.
Is Goldbug Hot Springs free?
Yes. Goldbug Hot Springs is located on BLM public land and is completely free to visit. There are no day-use fees or permits required at the trailhead.
What temperature is the water at Goldbug Hot Springs?
The upper waterfall source flows at around 113°F, while the terraced soaking pools range from 100°F to 108°F, cooling as the water cascades into lower pools.
Can you camp at Goldbug Hot Springs?
Camping is prohibited within 500 feet of the hot springs and riparian corridor to protect the ecosystem. Designated primitive campsites are available further down the trail.
Can you soak at Goldbug Hot Springs?
Yes. Multiple terraced pools mix hot spring water with creek cool-downs. Upper pools can exceed 110°F — ease in slowly.
How hard is the hike to Goldbug?
Moderately strenuous: roughly 3.6–4 miles round-trip with about 1,000+ feet of gain. The last climb to the pools is the steepest.
Where is the Goldbug trailhead?
About 23 miles south of Salmon on US-93 near Elk Bend — turn east on Warm Springs Road for ~0.3 mile to the parking lot (around 44.898, -113.957).
Can you bring dogs to Goldbug Hot Springs?
Dogs are commonly allowed but must be leashed on the private-property easement at the start. Keep them from fouling pools.
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Map & location
Culture & history
The Salmon River is historically significant as a lifeline for Native American tribes and settlers. Salmon is the birthplace of Sacagawea, an integral figure in American history.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and plant life. Avoid overcrowding sensitive areas and dispose of waste responsibly.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.