Goldbug-salmon Hot Springs And River Adventures
Swimming hole in Salmon, Idaho · Spring
Goldbug-salmon Hot Springs And River Adventures is a hot spring / hike-in pools swimming hole. It is at Warm Springs Rd (Goldbug / Elk Bend trailhead), Salmon, ID. Fee notes: Free (no BLM day-use fee). Best season: Weekday mornings May–October.
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
- Yes
- 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.
- Last verified
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Weekday mornings May, October; start early for parking and cooler climbing temps.
- Access Moderately strenuous ~4-mile round-trip with steep final ascent.
- Facilities Trailhead parking and restroom; no facilities at the pools.
- Camping nearby No 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. No fee. Bring more water than you think for the climb.
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1. From Salmon, drive US-93 south about 23 miles.
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2. Turn east on the signed county Warm Springs Road and continue ~0.3 mile to the trailhead parking.
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3. Leash dogs through the private easement at the start and stay on the path.
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4. Climb ~2 miles (open sagebrush, then creek crossings and a steep final pitch) to the terraced pools.
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5. Descend before dark — the rocky trail is harder on tired legs.
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. Combine the swim with camping at Featherville Swimming And Hot Springs 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.
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What to pack for Goldbug-salmon Hot Springs And River Adventures
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Frequently asked questions
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.
Is Goldbug Hot Springs free?
Yes. There is no BLM day-use fee. You must hike ~2 miles each way from the trailhead.
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.
Is there camping at Goldbug Hot Springs?
Dispersed camping culture exists nearby under leave-no-trace rules, but do not occupy pools overnight in a way that blocks others — pack out trash and follow current BLM guidance.
Do you need a pass for Goldbug Hot Springs?
No recreation pass is required for the hike/soak. Just respect private-land easement signs and pack out waste.
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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.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.