Kirkham Hot Springs

Kirkham Hot Springs are some scenic hot springs in Idaho. It has Steam Waterfalls & Multiple pools offering amazing views of the Payette River as it passes through the canyon. These Hot Springs are hidden among the banks of the River Payette. It is closer to Highway 21 which is known as Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. The Hot Springs have gained popularity among the Tourists visiting Idaho to explore its Hidden Gems and Famous Tourist Attractions. The Steam rising from the springs is visible to the vehicles passing through Highway 21.

You should consider the baker hot springs as a vacation spot too. They are a good alternative to the Kirkham Hot Springs.

Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho

The Kirkham Hot Springs have multiple pools with streaming waterfalls from the Rocky Structures where the source is located. Soaking in these hot pools and enjoying a steaming hot shower at the same time is a unique & amazing experience. One that you can never forget. Also, the location of these hot springs on the river banks of Payette ensures that you can encounter stunning vistas. Especially of the mighty river and the surrounding thicket of green trees of the Boise National Forest.

The Hot Springs are free and open every day until Sunset to all people year-long. However, a fee of $5 must be paid for parking vehicles in the Kirkham Campground. The widely-known Campground has all the necessary amenities and has 16 places for setting up Camps or Parking RV’s. The Hot Springs can only be reached by a Hiking Trail known as Kirkham Hot Springs Trail starting from the Campground. The Trail is short, only 1/4 mile long, and it is suitable for people with or without Hiking Skills. As a result, the Trail is Children and Pet Friendly. 

Location of Kirkham Hot Springs (Kirkham Hot Springs Directions)

The Famed Kirkham Hot Springs is along State Highway 21 at an elevation of 4000 feet, northeast of Lowman Town in Boise County in Central Idaho. The Hot Springs can be reached from the City of Boise or Lowman or Idaho City.

From the Town of Lowman, take the Idaho State Highway 21 towards the Northeast direction for 4.5 miles. Keep a lookout on the right side for the Kirkham Campground. Once you reach the campground, enter the site, park your vehicle and pay for the parking. Now follow the Trial head leading to the banks of Payette river, where at the end descend the staircase towards the Hot springs into the canyon.

From the City of Boise, take the State Highway 21 heading southeast from the town square. Follow Highway 21 for 72.7 miles as it heads through Idaho City towards Lowman. Once you reach Lowman, follow the above-mentioned route.

Best Time to Visit Kirkham Hot Springs Idaho

The Kirkham Hot Springs are open all year long. However, during summer the temperatures here in Idaho rise at extreme rates, and the location of hot springs offer little shade. So it is not recommended to visit these hot springs during Summer. During Fall and Autumn, the temperatures are normal and are an ideal time for you to visit. However, During Winter, the surrounding environment of the hot springs is thickly blanketed with snow and the temperatures also drop constantly in Idaho. This makes the Hot Springs a perfect place to soak and to increase your body temperature and also the showers, the steam surrounding the place make your Hot Spring bath pleasant, relaxing, and more enjoyable.

Precaution While Visiting Kirkham Hot Springs

It is often recommended to take certain precautions while visiting these hot springs to make your bath or trip safe and joyful.

Kirkham Hot Springs Weather Forecast

It is highly suggested to check the Kirkham hot springs weather forecasts and extreme weather alerts before visiting these Hot Springs in the wilderness surrounded by a national forest. The weather here can change abruptly in a matter of seconds, and so it is safe to check the weather update before heading to the Hot Springs.

Wash Before Entering Pools

It is important to wash your body completely before entering these natural steamy pools. This process reduces the chances of the pools getting contaminated and further can be disastrous for the pools in long run.

Do Half Soaks

It is firmly suggested to do a half Soaks into the Steamy pools to allow your body to adjust to the high temperatures of the pools. This will help reduce the chances of getting severe muscle strains and aches.

Do Not Bath After Soaking

It is also important to not wash your body after soaking in these steamy pools. The Water in these hot pools consists of multiple essential minerals that improve blood flow, curing infections, and other severe injuries. Dry yourselves with a towel instead of bathing.

Drink Plenty of Water

It is very important to drink plenty of water after soaking in these steamy pools. The Hot Springs cause excessive sweating, which can further result in Dehydration. Drinking plenty of water helps your body to maintain your body’s necessary water levels.

Don’t Overstay in the Pools

It is also suggested not to stay for long in these steamy pools as they cause excessive sweating and sometimes dehydration, which can be fatal here in this wilderness. It is ideal to soak in these pools until your neck and face start to sweat.

Tourist Attractions Near Kirkham Hot Springs

Kirkham Hot Springs is in Central Idaho along the Pendosros Pine Scenic By-Way. This means this popular highway is frequented by tourists from all over the country. All to visit the mesmerizing and amazing tourist attractions along the highway. The location consists of multiple tourism destinations to visit and also offers various activities you can participate in while vising these sites.

Payette River

The Mighty Payette River is known for its rugged waters and strong currents. As it twists and turns through sudden corners of the canyons in the State of Idaho. The Hot Springs at the banks of this river and the Kirkham Campgrounds are the ideal location for you to set up your base. The River due to its rapids is highly known as a hotspot. Especially for White Water Rafting and as well as kayaking. There are several shops nearby the Hot Springs offering accessories, protective gear and also offer tours of the river for affordable prices.

The river is also a prime habitat for various popular fish species like Mountain Whitefish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Sunfish, Chinook Salmon, Bullhead Catfish, and many more. Due to which it is probably ideal for you to sharpen your fishing skills.

Boise National Forest

Boise National Forest occupies a large part of the State of Idaho almost 8918.07 square kilometers. The forest consists of three popular mountain ranges as  Boise, Salmon River, and West Mountain range which are surrounded by sagebrush steppe grasslands and fir and spruce forests. The forests were first inhabited by Shoshone tribes for thousands of years until the 19th century, the forest also become popular due to the discovery of multiple mines filled with earth metals like Silver, Gold, and Tungsten in 1862. This forest is also a prime location to encounter wildlife in their natural habitats. Timber Wolves. Elks, Mule Deers, Black Bear, Moose, Cougar, Canadian Lynx, Coyote, River Otter, Mountain Goat, Marten, and Bobcat are some popular animal species that call this forest their home. Due to many hiking trails and Campgrounds, the forests are often frequented by numerous tourists all year long.

Pine Flat Hot Springs

Pine Flat Hot Springs is another popular hot spring in Central Idaho after the Kirkham Hot Springs. The Pine Flat Hot Springs consists of a small waterfall that falls from the top of the rocky surface where the source is located into the geothermal pool below. The Hot springs are closer to the City of Trees also on the banks of the Payette River offering spectacular views of the river and the surrounding forests. The Hot springs can be reached by half a mile hike from the Pine Flat Campground, located along Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. The Hike is easy and ideal for all hikers with various levels of hiking expertise. The Campground charges a fee for parking vehicles or setting up camps. The Campground can be an ideal base for you to participate in various activities like Hiking, Soaking, Exploring, Fishing, White Water Rafting/ Kayaking, etc., nearby.

Jennie Lake

Jennie is a beautiful turquoise-colored lake surrounded by Alpine and Fir trees along the banks in the Boise National Forest. The Jennie  Lake is located in a ravine beside a granite peak offering alluring scenery of the surroundings. This Hidden Natural Wonder can however only be reached by a popular hiking trail known as Jennie Lake Hiking Trail. This trail is 14.5  km long, and it is ideal for only Hikers with Advanced Hiking Skills. The trail is considered tough as it contains rugged terrain, rocky obstacles, and Steep climbs.  The lake is also home to many fish species like Rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout, Chanel Catfish, Largemouth bass, etc., and is often frequented by tourists for fishing.

Pilot Peak

One of the tallest mountain peaks at an elevation of 8128 ft towering over the surrounding peaks and the woods below is located in the wilderness of Boise National Forest. This Tall mountain peak or summit is a popular hiking spot from March to November through various trails offering gorgeous views of the surroundings. During Winter, the peak is full of thick snows, and it is a popular getaway for tourists for Snowboarding and Skiing. The Peak is located towards the north of Idaho City and is often frequented by snowboarders and skiers from all over the state. Many Facilities or Shops near Idaho city share Snowboards, Skis, protective equipment, and accessories for rental. The rental prices are affordable and along with training for beginners with Certified Skiers/ Snowboarders. 

The weirdly named wild willy’s hot springs are something that you should take a look at too. They can be a great source of relaxation for you.

Hiking Trails Nearby Kirkham Hot Springs

Hiking is also a popular activity near the Hot Springs for tourists visiting from all over the country. Many popular mountain ranges located in the Boise National Forest contain numerous hiking trails offering gorgeous scenery of the Hidden Gems of the forests like Blue Lakes, Mighty Rivers, Tall Waterfalls, and Mountain peaks.

Crooked River Hiking Trail

Crooked River Hiking Trail is one of the scenic trails located in the wilderness of Boise National Forest. The Trail features a mighty river snaking through the forest. The Hiking Trail is 12.2 km long, and it is suitable for Hikers with Medium, and Advanced Skills. The Trail at some point runs along the banks of the river located in a canyon covered with tall pine or fir trees on both sides. This popular trail is frequented by tourists all year long, and it also offers various activities for the tourists like hiking, Mountain Biking, Running, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Snowshoeing, Bird Watching, and Nature Trips.

Station Creek Hiking Trail

Another famous place to walk is located in the surrounding Boise National Forest near the Kirkham Hot Springs. The trail runs along the mountainous terrain. It ascends to an elevation of 1637 feet where it offers dazzling spectacles of the Mountain Ranges. The lush green valley below, and the surrounding wilderness. The Hiking Trail is 8.9 km long and is rated as a moderate-level trail. The Trail is best-suited for Hikers with Medium to Advanced level skills. Pets are permitted onto this trail but must be kept on a leash. The Trail features Wildflower patches and a River. The Trail is frequented by hikers from May to September. It offers various activities like Rock Climbing, Hiking, Running, Fishing, Bird Watching, and Nature Trips.

Grandjean Sawtooth Lake Loop Hiking Trail

Grandjean Sawtooth Lake Trail is looped and is close to the town of Lowman in the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. The Trail is frequented mostly by the tourists visiting the Blue Lake located in a Canyon between the Granite Peak Mountains surrounding it. The Trail is 29.0 km long, and it is rated moderate. It is best suited for hikers with Medium to Advanced Skills. The Trail is frequented from April to September, and it offers various activities like Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Walking, Birdwatching, and Nature trips. This looped trail ascends to an elevation of 1,201m and descends towards the Start of the Trail.

Bonneville Hot Springs Hiking Trail

Bonneville is also a popular Hiking Trail located near Lowman, in the Boise National Forest. This popular trail is frequented by the Tourists visiting the Hidden Hot Springs known as Bonneville Hot Springs. The Trail leads you to the Bonneville Hot Springs, which is an undeveloped geothermal pool featuring a small steamy waterfall. The Hiking Trail is 1.0 km long and is best suited for Hikers with Basic, Medium, and Advanced skills. The Trail is frequented from March to October by Tourists participating in various activities like Hot Springs Bath, Hiking, Walking, Running, Nature Trips, and Bird Watching. Pets are also allowed into this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Redfish Lake to Baron Lake via Hiking Trail 101

One of the hardest trails is located nearby the town of Lowman, in the remote wilderness of the Sawtooth National Recreational Area. The Hiking Trail starts from the Trailhead located at the banks of Redfish Lake and heads towards the Baron Lake deep inside the surrounding forests. The Trail is 27.0 km long, and it is best suited for hikers with Advanced Skills. The Trail is frequented by people from May to September for participating in various activities like Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Lake Tours, Bird Watching, and Wildlife trips. Pets are permitted into this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Kirkham Hot Springs Hotels Nearby

There are many famous hotels near Hot Springs, for you to stay in due to its popularity among the Tourists visiting Idaho from all over the Country.

 Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown

This is one of the top-rated hotels located near Boise City which is at a distance of 43.6 miles from the Town of Lowman. This Modern Luxury Hotel offers Non-Smoking Rooms, Luxury Suites, and Family rooms. The Rooms in this Hotel have various features like Air-conditioning, refrigerators, flat-screen TV, Rooms service, and housekeeping. This Luxury Hotel offers many amenities like a Heated Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, etc. There are even Restaurants, Complimentary Instant Coffee, Paid Private on-site parking, Free Shuttle or Taxi Services, and many more.

Mountain Village Resort

This widely-known hotel is located in Stanley which is 35.1 miles from the Town of Lowman, Idaho. The hotel has many popular restaurants nearby for you to eat.  It offers Non-Smoking and Family Rooms with features like Microwave, Refrigerator, TV, and a Shower. The hotel also offers amenities like its own Bar/Lounge, Convenience Store, Hot Tub, Restaurant, Children’s Activities (Kid/Family Friendly), etc. Smoking is strictly prohibited in this hotel. 

Health Benefits of the Hot Springs

Tourists visiting Idaho for soaking in some famous natural hot springs must know the various health benefits you can get by soaking in these steamy pools.

Improves Blood Circulation

The High-Temperature pools help your body to increase its blood flow which further helps in increasing your resistance power and reduces the chances of getting Heart Attacks.

Promotes Sleep

Soaking in these steamy pools helps your body to relax your muscles which in turn helps your body to reduce your stress and achieve a calm and very much needed sleep.

Weight Loss

The Hot Springs are also a boon to people wanting to reduce their weight. The High Temperatures of water in these pools help burn the excessive fat stored in our body further reducing our weight.

Improves Digestion

The Hot Springs consists of the essential mineral known as Chloride which helps in maintaining the PH levels of the body fluids which helps in improving the production of Hydrochloric acid which helps in the proper digestion of food.

Benefits to Nerves

The Sodium minerals in this steamy water help the nerves to relax and play an important role in increasing the Neuro-electric Transmission of the nerves.

Improves Skin Condition

The essential minerals like Phosphate, Iron, and Arsenic are very useful in improving our skin conditions. These minerals help in various ways like Healing injuries, Healing Sprains, and bacterial infections.

Healthy Bone Formation

Silica mineral in these steamy pools is essential for improving connective tissues and bone formation, which in turn helps us to maintain healthy hair, nail, tooth, and bones. These Hot Springs are also used as a therapy for people with bone fractures.

Camping near Kirkham Hot Springs

Camping is another popular pursuit among the tourists visiting the Hot Springs in Kirkham. Due to the vast number of campgrounds offering spectacular vistas and various features, you can choose the right site from various campsites which are best suited for you. Camping here in Idaho is much easier due to the availability of rented camp equipment, accessories, and whole set up for Affordable rates. Kirkham Campground, Helende Campground, Mountain View Campground, Pine Flats Campground, Park Creek, and Bonneville Campgrounds are some popular campsites located nearby the Town of Lowman, Idaho.

Precautions to Take While Camping

Check Weather Beforehand

It is highly suggested to check the weather forecasts before taking the camping trip. The forests surrounding the camps create their weather, as a result, the weather here can change abruptly in a matter of seconds. This process helps you from getting caught in extreme weather conditions while camping.

Plan Your Trip Before

It is essential to plan your camping trips months, as many campsites here require reservations. Planning helps you to understand the place perfectly helps you to choose the right site for you, and also helps you to identify various tourists attractions nearby for you to visit.

Cook Healthy and Nutritious Food

Most campsites do not offer food for the campers. So you need to plan your dishes beforehand and also eat healthy and nutritious food. By participating in various activities here in the campsites you lose a lot of energy, nutritious food helps you to recharge your energy levels and also helps to increase your body’s resistance.

Check Your Gear Thoroughly

It is highly recommended to check your camping gear or electrical in your RV’s thoroughly for holes, and failed components. This process makes your trip safe and more enjoyable.

Choose the Right Site

It is also essential for you to choose the right camping site for you. These Campgrounds offer various sites with different kinds of views. Choosing a site with the right scenic views will help your camping trip be joyful and unforgettable.

Carry & Drink Plenty of Water

It is ideal to carry a large amount of water during your camping trips. During camping, your body loses a large amount of water in the form of excessive sweating due to participating in various activities. Drinking plenty of water helps you to restore your body’s water level

Camping Permits

Many Campsites near the Kirkham Hot Springs are located in the protected national forests, wilderness areas, and recreational sites. And all the sites require different kinds of permits. Based on the location of your campsite, it is highly suggested to take the necessary permits offered by the Forest Departments to stay in these campgrounds overnight. The Permits are easy to obtain and are affordable to all people visiting these camping sites. Also, these popular campgrounds have their own rules and regulations which you must follow. These rules ensure the safety of yours as well as the surroundings of the Campsites.

Restaurants Near Kirkham Hot Springs

Many popular restaurants are located nearby the Town of Lowman, offering multiple cuisines, tasty food, friendly service, and value.

Trudy’s Kitchen & RV Cabin 

It is one of the popular open-seating restaurants located in Idaho City. It is close to 33.6 miles from the Town of Lowman nearby the Kirkham Hot Springs. The Hotel offers various dishes for American Cuisine. It has meal plans for Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, and Dinner. It also offers special diets for vegetarian-friendly options. Trudy’s Kitchen has many features like Open seating, Takeout, Highchairs seating, Free Parking Space, Table Service, Wheelchairs accessibility. Patti Melt, Philly Sandwich, Dave’s Mountain Man Burger are some popular dishes here in this hotel.

The Basque Market

One of the top restaurants in the City of Boise is located at a distance of 45 miles from Lowman Town. The Hotel is quite popular due to its European and Spanish Cuisines. They offer meals for Dinner and Lunch. They have a special diet with vegetarian-friendly options. The restaurant has many features like Takeout, Outdoor and Indoor Seating, Highchairs available, Wheelchairs accessible, Serves Wine and Beer. The Basque Market accepts payments from Mastercard, Visa, and Credit Cards.

Wanna know how one can get to Meadow Hot springs? Take a look at our article on meadow hot springs directions

Conclusion

I highly recommend people to visit the extraordinary Kirkham hot springs and experience Hot Spring baths like no other. The Hot Springs have their hot waterfalls which act like showers pouring steamy hot water adding to our joy. Moreover, the location of these hot springs is closer to the Town Lowman, Boise City, and Idaho City, making it more easily accessible through State Highway 21.

Additionally, this popular site contains many tourists attractions for you to visit, offering several activities which you can take part in.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)