Quick FactsOverview
About Basin Creek Hot Springs
Basin Creek Hot Springs, Idaho, also known as Cove Creek Hot Springs, is a primitive geothermal site along the Salmon River in the Sawtooth National Forest in Custer County, approximately 8 miles east of Stanley on Highway 75. Source water at 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit seeps from several hillside vents and from the riverbed itself into small, volunteer-built rock and sand pools at the river edge. Pool temperatures reach 95 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit after mixing with cold creek and river water. The mineral water has a light sulfur smell. Stanley, a small mountain community at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, is the nearest town.
The pools are small, typically fitting one or two people, and their shape changes with each visit as volunteers rebuild them. Visitors adjust temperature by moving stones to allow more or less creek water into the basins. Because the pools sit at river level, spring runoff can submerge them entirely. The setting along the Salmon River with a distinctive rock outcropping by the creek is scenic, though the proximity to Highway 75 means the area sees regular foot traffic. This is among the more accessible natural hot springs Idaho offers along the Stanley corridor.
No camping is permitted at the hot springs site. No facilities are available.
Location & Access
Getting to Basin Creek Hot Springs
Basin Creek Hot Springs is located approximately 8 miles east of Stanley along Highway 75 (the Salmon River Scenic Byway) in the Sawtooth National Forest. Park on the wide highway shoulder and walk down a short dirt path to the river edge. The path can be rough and slippery, so sturdy shoes are recommended. The walk takes only a few minutes.
From Stanley, drive east on Highway 75 toward Challis for approximately 8 miles. The pullout is between mileposts on the south side of the highway. From Boise, the total drive to Stanley takes approximately 3 hours via Highway 21 (the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway) or via Highway 75 through Ketchum and over Galena Summit.
Stanley Area Hot Springs
The Stanley basin has one of the highest concentrations of hot springs in Idaho. For visitors seeking hot springs near Stanley Idaho, Basin Creek is one of the closest to town on the Salmon River corridor. Sunbeam Hot Springs (free, roadside, approximately 12 miles east), Boat Box Hot Spring (metal tub on the Salmon River, 3 miles from Stanley), and the developed resort pools at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch (guests only) are all along the same Highway 75 corridor. Kirkham Hot Springs (developed USFS site) is approximately 1 hour west on Highway 21.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Basin Creek Hot Springs
Basin Creek Hot Springs suits visitors seeking a quick, free, primitive soaking stop along the Salmon River Scenic Byway. The pools are small and informal, best for one or two people at a time. The 95-to-104-degree water after mixing is comfortable for soaking. The ability to adjust temperature by rearranging rocks to control the mix of hot spring and creek water is part of the experience. The light sulfur smell is present but not overwhelming.
The proximity to Highway 75 means this is not a secluded wilderness soak. Foot traffic is common, especially in summer. Clothing is optional, though the roadside location means many visitors wear swimsuits. The pools may not exist or may be submerged during spring runoff (April through June). Late summer and fall offer the best pool conditions.
Accessibility at Basin Creek Hot Springs
The short walk from the highway shoulder to the river pools is rough and can be slippery. The site is not wheelchair accessible. Those seeking natural hot springs Idaho offers near Stanley with easier access should visit Sunbeam Hot Springs (flat, roadside, stone pools at the river edge) or Boat Box Hot Spring (metal tub, steps from the highway pullout), both offering easier access and more reliable pool conditions throughout the year.
Safety & Etiquette
Basin Creek Hot Springs Safety Tips
Basin Creek Hot Springs has source temperatures of 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which is dangerously hot at the vents. The pools where hot water mixes with creek water are cooler at 95 to 104 degrees, but temperatures are uneven and unpredictable. Always test the water before entering. The small pools can heat up quickly if the creek flow changes. Move stones to allow more cold water in if the pool becomes too warm.
The path to the pools is short but rough and slippery. Sturdy footwear is essential. The river current can be strong during spring runoff. Do not attempt to reach the pools if the river is high. The elevation is approximately 6,100 feet, and mornings can be cold even in summer.
Stanley Area Travel Notes
Stanley is at 6,260 feet elevation with very cold winters (one of the coldest towns in the lower 48 states). Summer daytime highs reach the 70s and 80s, with nights often dropping into the 30s and 40s. The Salmon River Scenic Byway (Highway 75) is a stunning drive year-round but can be snow-covered in winter.
Leave No Trace at Basin Creek Hot Springs
Pack out all trash. No facilities exist at the site. No camping is permitted at the springs. Nearby campgrounds in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area provide developed sites along the highway. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area has dozens of campgrounds along Highway 75 and Highway 21, providing excellent base camping for a multi-day hot springs tour of the Stanley basin and surrounding area.
