If you’ve seen photos of hot springs in Idaho, chances are many were taken at Kirkham Hot Springs. Unique and incredibly picturesque, it’s no wonder this place has become a favourite with locals and tourists alike.

It’s popularity has meant that the hot springs can get incredibly busy - which can detract from the experience. If you turn up at the wrong time (like we did first time round), you’ll find the place over-run with beer drinkers and kids running around like the place is a huge playground.

If you time it right, and avoid the crowds, it’s the perfect place for a nice long soak. The views are stunning and there are plenty of pools to choose from.

So here’s what to expect and how to make your visit to Kirkham Hot Springs special.

Kirkham Hot Springs

Situated on the side of the Salmon River outside of the tiny village of Lowman, Kirkham Hot Springs is one of those rare places which is incredibly picturesque whilst also being surprisingly accessible.

The springs are right next to route 21 and you’ll see the steam from the road before you see the hot springs. The hot water bubbles up from the hillside and flows down to the rocks by the river.

The views from Kirkham Hot Springs are just as spectacular as the hot springs themselves, as you are surrounded by a picturesque valley. When you add in the sound of the roaring river, it all makes for the most relaxing soak.

Kirkham is one of the bigger hot springs in Idaho and there are three different areas you can choose from. Here’s which to pick and how this makes for one of Idaho’s most unique hot springs.

The waterfall

The waterfall at Kirkham is something we’ve never seen before, as you can stand directly underneath it and have a blissfully warm shower.

We saw many van lifers and campers who couldn’t believe their luck.

There is also a pool at the bottom of the waterfall and in the cold mornings you’ll be fully surrounded by steam. It felt like something from a fairytale.

The only slight downside - if you’re visiting in chilly weather like we were - is that the water is warm but not piping hot. We still loved it though, and you can get properly toasty in the nearby pools.

To get to the waterfall takes a couple of minutes from the car park, just head down the stairs and you’ll see it immediately. It does involve a tiny bit of rock hopping but it’s not difficult.

Right next to the waterfall are the main pools, which the majority of people choose to chill in.

The main pools

Kirkham has a lot of pools from the smaller, natural pools beside the waterfall, to the man-made dammed pools in the river. You can pick the one that suits you best for temperature and depth.

The rule of thumb is that the ones on the river were a lot cooler than those higher up the cliff, and closer to the water source. This meant the pools on the cliff were the best in the cold and the river were perfect for a warmer, sunny day.

*The main pools down by the river at Kirkham Hot Springs*

The pools down by the river were by far the most popular spots and were heaving in the middle of the day. Kids also turned it into a bit of waterpark, so we’d only recommend going in the middle of the day if you’re up for a noisy, playful vibe.

This is why we recommend the third spot if you visit in the day.

The hilltop pool

The hilltop pool seemed to be off everyones radar, and requires you to take a short (five minute) dirt path to get to. You’ll see it leading up the hill from the car park. It’s an easy path until the last couple of minutes when you descend to the pool and it gets a bit slippery.

It’s handy to have shoes rather than flip flops for this bit if the slippery slope worries you (it’s honestly not that bad, but I was glad to have my sketchers!)

The secluded pool at Kirkham Hot Springs

There are a couple of pools here, but only really one proper pool with a reasonable water depth that will go over your waist when you sit down. It overlooks the river and a tiny waterfall and feels blissfully secluded.

If you snag this place to yourself, you’ll be in heaven! However, you’ll need luck, as we were only able to have it for 20 minutes before other people asked to hop in, even in the early morning!

When we visited in the middle of the day, people were around the pool but not actually in it for long because the water is really hot. That makes it perfect for an early morning dip or the middle of the day if it’s really cold weather.

How does Kirkham compare to other Idaho Hot Springs?

When we visited in the middle of the day (when it was crazy busy) we’ll admit we didn’t love it. It was noisy and not in the least bit relaxing.

However, when we visited early in the morning the next day we absolutely loved it. It’s definitely one of the prettiest hot springs in Idaho and, if you get there when it’s quiet, we can pretty much guarantee you’re going to love it!

Alternatively, if you’re a family and looking for somewhere fun to visit with kids, then the middle of the day may be just what you’re looking for.

Essential information about Kirkham Hot Springs

Hot Springs etiquette

As with all natural areas you should leave the hot springs exactly as you found them. We were disappointed to see some littler at many of the springs. Pack out everything you bring in.

Don’t let dogs into the pools. Respect other people, many of the springs are tiny so let everyone have the chance to experience them - don’t stay for hours in one pool if it’s busy.

These are natural hot springs, so whilst it may look like a shower, don’t bring shampoo, shower gel or soap into them and start using them as a shower replacement! This will contaminate these natural wonders for others.

Best time to visit Kirkham Hot Springs

We found that the best time to visit Kirkham Hot Springs was in the early morning. Whilst it still had a few people around, it was nothing compared to the middle of the day. Sunset may also be a quieter time, but we can’t give first hand advice on that.

We also recommend steering clear of the weekends or school holidays. This will make it a lot busier.

Camping at Kirkham Hot Springs

One of the reasons that Kirkham Hot Springs are busier than other nearby springs is because you can camp there, with the added bonus of being able to have a warm dip in the morning!

The campground costs $15 for a single site and $30 for a double site between May 21 and September 30. From our understanding outside these dates camping was free of charge.

There are 16 sites in total and given how popular it is we’d recommend booking well in advance in peak season.

Kirkham Hot Spring day use fee

To park at the hot springs you need to pay $5 per day. Cash only.

Is clothing optional at Kirkham?

Unlike the vast majority of hot springs we visited in Idaho, at Kirkham you must where a swimsuit.

Kirkham Hot Springs water temperature

Water temperatures vary at Kirkham. The closer to the source you are the hotter the water is, this means the cliffside pool is the hottest. The waterfall is warm but not hot.

Kirkham Hot Springs opening hours

Kirkham is open from 6am - 10pm. Outside these times entrance is not permitted.

Getting to Kirkham Hot Springs

Kirkham Hot Springs is 80 miles (2 hours) from Boise and 54 miles (1 hour) from Stanley. It is pretty much on the side of the road, so keep an eye out for the campground you’ll need to park at. You’ll turn off the road, cross a bridge and park at the far end of the campsite.

From the parking lot is a one minute walk to the hot springs.

Other Hot Springs in the area

There are many other hot springs near Kirkham. We tried Pine Flats (14 minute drive) and Bonneville (20 minute drive). Both are fantastic natural springs.

We ended up preferring Bonneville because even when Kirkham was heaving we got Bonneville to ourselves for over half an hour. After that there were a few people around but not many.

Pine Flats are pretty incredible but were really busy too so we didn’t end up staying that long.

If you’re willing to drive a bit further, then we highly recommend Goldbug Hot Springs. This place has the wow factor - a set of hot springs on top of a waterfall, up a mountain!

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