
Gold Fork Hot Springs is located in a private resort close to the Town Donnelly in the State of Idaho. Gold Hot Springs Idaho is fed through the steamy hot water seeping out of the Natural Rock Formations closer to the River Gold Fork. These Hot Springs have six outdoor steamy pools for people. The Hot Springs provides beautiful views of the surrounding forest in the Valley County of Idaho.
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These Hot Springs are very popular among the tourists visiting the State of Idaho and as a result, are always crowded. However, more pools in this resort, means people do not need to worry about their availability.
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Activities near the Gold Fork Hot Springs
Apart from enjoying soaking in the steamy pools of Gold Fork Hot Springs, Idaho. There are many other tourist attractions and activities you can visit or participate in around the Town of McCall.
McCall Fish Hatchery

If you love to learn about fish or looking to sharpen your fishing skills, this McCall Fish Hatchery might be the ideal location for you. This facility is primarily constructed for the conservation of the popular fish Chinook Salmon from extinction due to the construction of four dams along the Lower Snake River. The facility is open from 8 pm to 4 am daily, and it also allows guided tours for interested people.
Cruise through Payette Lake

This is one of the favorite activities for most people visiting the Gold Fork Hot Springs. The facility here offers a sunset cruise through the beautiful Payette lake, offering alluring views of lush green forests surrounding the lake. This facility offers sunset cruises for affordable prices all year long. However, It is heavily crowded during summer as it is a popular summer getaway. The facility also offers musical concerts onboard the ships during the cruise.
Camping in Ponderosa State Park

This place is a popular tourist attraction nearby Payette lake. It is located on a peninsula in the Lake and offers beautiful paths and scenes of the lake and surrounding forests along the banks of Payette lake. This place is highly popular for camping, and also for the trails that tourists can take. This state park consists of many trails of various levels and lengths crisscrossing through the forest and offering the painting that is the Payette lake, and its surroundings.
Snowboarding on Brundage Mountain

This location is a favorite for Snowboarders and skiers during winter. The mountain offers some alluring views of the lake below and the surrounding forest. A ski lodge, located on the top of the mountain, offers all the gear for snowboarding/skiing and also certified trainers to help beginners.
McCall Winter Carnival

This is one of the most popular destinations in the State of Idaho during winter. A lot of people visit this carnival every year, close to 60,000 people. The Carnival occurs in the last week of January and the first week of February. The carnival also boasts a snow sculpture contest every year. Apart from this contest, the carnival is also known for snowboard racing, parades, wine tasting, and much more. And the end of the carnival is marked by the fireworks over Payette lake. I highly recommend people to attend this carnival during winter.
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Hiking Trails near Gold Fork Hot Springs
There are many popular hiking trails near the Gold Fork Hot Springs ranging from easier trails to the hardest trails.
Louie Lake Trail

This trail is one of the most visited locations in the State of Idaho and is highly rated among various platforms due to the unimpeachable scenery surrounding it. This trail is considered moderate and is only 8.1 km long. As you hike through this trail you will come across some magnificent views and the trail ends at the lake which is located at the top of the mountains nearby. It is also a popular destination for off-roading as well as off-highway vehicle(OHV) riding, as most of the trail is located on top of a fire road.
Payette Lake Peninsula Trail

This trail allows you to discover the peninsula on Payette lake. Due to its location on the banks of Payette Lake, it has become a popular destination not just for hiking, but also for other activities such as fishing and camping. The Trail is suitable for hikers of all levels, and it is only 6.4 km long. The trail offers alluring views of the lake as well as the surrounding forest as you hike further into the trail. The trail is kid-friendly, and it is also used by mountain bikers often.
Lily Marsh Trail

This trail is also located on the peninsula of Payette lake. Instead of running parallel along to the side banks of lake Payette, this trail heads further into the marshes of the Ponderosa State Park. This trial offers alluring views of the marshes further inside a small island that forms in the middle of Payette Lake. It is only 3.7 km long and is suitable for all levels of hikers. This lake is often used from May to November.
Duck Lake to Noon Lake Trail

This trail is one of the stunning Hiking trails in Idaho which offers Magnificent views of lush greenery and not just one but three beautiful lakes known as Duck, Noon, and Hum Lake. The trail is 35.2 km long and is suitable for all types of hikers. This hiking trail starts from Duck lake and ends at Noon Lake. The Hum lake is located along the trail and can be also visited. Due to the abundance of lakes along the trail, it is often a prime location for fishing, and it is also best suited for camping. If you are looking for an easy hike, fishing, and camping along the path, this trail might be the best for you.
Blackwell via Fall Creek Saddle Trail 108 and Crestline Trail 109

If you are looking for some high-altitude hiking in the mountains of Idaho, this trail is the right one for you. This trail is considered to Medium-level one, and it is 13.2 km long. The Trail starts through the creek and heads further into the mountains and offers some of the best views of the Lakes, Forests, and grasslands along the way, and it ends at the famous Blackwell Lake. This trail is often visited by Animals and Nature lovers as it is a prime spot to observe wildlife deep inside the Payette National Forest.
Hiking/Camping in the Gold Fork Hot Springs wilderness can be regretful and sometimes dangerous if you are not fully aware of the dangers around. These are some of the tips that can make your Hiking/Camping trip safe and enjoyable.
Reviews of Gold Fork Hot Springs

The Gold Fork Hot Springs is a popular destination among tourists in Idaho. As a result, this destination has positive responses or reviews among various platforms. The people visiting this location are often happy about the scenic views you can encounter while soaking through the steamy pools. The tourists often suggested that they will visit again due to the affordable rates and relaxing experience. They are also impressed by the friendly employees in the private resort. Apart from the positive experiences, they are also negative reviews where people are often complaining about the Cleanliness around the pools, Bad changing rooms, and Alcohol being allowed near the pools.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful views of the forest
- Affordable pricing
- Friendly employees
- Multiple pools
Cons
- Trash around the pool
- Unclean Changing rooms
- Alcohol beverages are allowed near the pools.
Important Tips for Hiking Near Gold Fork Hot Springs in Idaho
Checking Weather Beforehand
It is important to check the weather before starting a Trail in this remote mountain wilderness. As the weather here can often change within minutes. So it is ideal for you to download an application on your smartphone that provides accurate forecasts and extreme weather alerts.
Carry a Map of the Trail
You need to carry an accurate map of the trail you are visiting. As it helps you to navigate through these thick forests and often reduces the danger of wandering through the forest. This map also allows you to understand the trail accurately and offers you a chance to experience nature around the trail in a memorable way.
Choose the Right Shoes
It is also essential for you to choose the Right Shoes for your Hiking Trip. The shoes are often the most important accessories you wear to go through any journey comfortably and to overcome the obstacles in the path safely and effectively. The shoes eventually pick must –
- be flexible for you to allow free movement of your foot,
- have better grip to walk on rough, and slippery terrain,
- be lightweight to tackle obstacles easily,
- And more importantly, water-resistant for hiking through the wet terrains of the Payette National Forest.
Carry a Med-kit
You need to make a habit of keeping a med-kit in your bag while trekking through these trails as there is a high chance of getting hurt in these rough landscapes. It is also important for you to learn how to use a med-kit when necessary. Med-kit allows you to effectively patch your injuries safely, often reducing the chances of bleeding or infections.
Maintain a Steady Pace
It is very important to pace yourself with a slow and steady walk while trekking through these hiking trails. This will help you to complete the trail safely and most importantly without getting exhausted. Beginners often like to be fast and unsteady through these Hiking Trails which results in abandoning the trail halfway through.
Carry Backpack
It is also important for you to use a lightweight backpack to store your food, water, and other essentials such as a heavy-duty Torch, Firestarter, Map, clothing, and emergency shelter. Apart from all these essentials, please make sure your backpack is not heavy. This will help you to conquer obstacles through the trek easily.
Important Tips for Camping near Gold Fork Hot Springs.
Check Weather Beforehand
You need to check the weather forecast right before the trip, as the weather in this dense mountainous terrain can often be unpredictable. Checking the weather beforehand will help you reduce the chance of getting caught in extreme weather. Use a top-rated weather app for accurate predictions and extreme forecast alerts.
Check your Camping Gear
You need to check your camping gear before the trip. This will reduce the chances of your trip being unsafe and regrettable. It also helps to identify the malfunctioning equipment and repair or replace it beforehand.
Plan your Trip in Advance
You need to have a strategy and make a plan. This will let you perform all the important tasks effectively to make your vacation enjoyable and safe. This also helps you to book your campsites at right time to help you choose the campsite that is perfectly suitable for you.
Carry all the Essentials
It is also important for you to carry the essential items for your trip such as –
- Healthy food
- Drinkable water
- Compass
- Map
- Sunscreen
- Extra clothes
- Pillows and sleeping bags
- Mosquito nets and repellents
- Battery and Flashlights
- Table fans
- Medical Aid kits
- Waterproof Matchsticks or Lighter.
- Cold Storage box etc.
This will help you to make your trip safer, comfortable, and much more enjoyable.
Keep Your Surroundings Clean
People visiting this location often leave trash and garbage, making the surroundings of the Campsites Dirty and Unhealthy. You need to keep ideal for choosing your campsite and surroundings clean so that the visitors can enjoy their trip. Take out all the trash from your campsites back to your car to ensure this popular location to be safe and clean.
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Conclusion
Gold Fork Hot Springs is one of the best places to soak in the steamy hot pools of Idaho and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness in the Payette National Park. I highly recommend people to visit this popular tourist destination. This hot spring consists of 6 large steamy pools which make sure all the people can enjoy the hot springs even on crowded weekends and holidays. Also, this destination consists of various popular tourist attractions and also allows people to participate in various tourist activities nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
Yes, the people who are fully vaccinated can enter inside.
Yes, the privately owned resort charges fees to use the Hot springs. The prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
There is a large parking space available near the Gold Fork Hot Springs.
The Hot springs are open the whole week except Tuesday.