Quick FactsOverview
About Sharkey Hot Spring
Sharkey Hot Spring, Idaho is a developed Bureau of Land Management recreation site in Lemhi County, approximately 25 miles south of Salmon on Warm Springs Road off Highway 28. Two large concrete soaking pools are maintained at approximately 103 degrees Fahrenheit with natural, untreated mineral water from a 112-degree source blended with cooler water from a second borehole. The water has a light sodium chloride character. Salmon, the Lemhi County seat on Highway 93, is the nearest town with full services.
The site is named after B.F. (Frank) Sharkey, a rancher who settled near the springs in the 1870s. The springs were originally developed around 1890 and became a popular destination with a swimming pool, changing rooms, and cabins from the 1920s through the 1960s. The facility fell into disrepair, and the BLM removed aging structures in 1973 for safety. The current facility was rebuilt in 2002 and includes modern concrete pools, heated changing rooms, vault bathrooms, a fire pit with seating, and an interpretive kiosk about the indigenous Agaideka people and their relationship with hot springs in Idaho.
Each pool holds approximately eight people. The facility sits on an open sagebrush hillside with views of the Lemhi Valley and distant mountain ranges.
Location & Access
Getting to Sharkey Hot Spring
Sharkey Hot Spring is located on Warm Springs Road off Highway 28, approximately 25 miles south of Salmon in Lemhi County. No hiking is required. The facility has a parking area with direct access to the soaking pools.
From Salmon, drive south on Highway 28 (the Sacajawea Heritage Byway) for approximately 25 miles. Turn west onto Warm Springs Road and follow it a short distance to the facility. The road is well-maintained gravel and accessible by standard vehicles year-round.
Fees and Access
A use fee is required for all visitors aged 16 and older. The fee must be purchased in advance at Recreation.gov, as cell service at the site is limited. Download or print the pass before leaving Salmon. The site is day-use only with no overnight camping. It is closed every Wednesday morning for weekly cleaning and maintenance. For visitors seeking hot springs near Salmon, Sharkey is the most developed and convenient option. Goldbug Hot Springs (113 degrees, a popular 4-mile round-trip hike) and Owl Creek Hot Springs (north of Salmon) are additional thermal features in the region. The Lemhi Valley and Salmon River corridor have a rich history of hot springs use dating back thousands of years to the indigenous Agaideka people who revered these sites as sacred healing places.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Sharkey Hot Spring
Sharkey Hot Spring suits visitors seeking a comfortable, maintained soaking experience in a scenic central Idaho setting. At 103 degrees Fahrenheit, the pool temperature is comfortable for extended soaking. The two concrete pools each hold approximately eight people. The heated changing rooms and vault bathrooms provide conveniences rare in Idaho hot springs outside of commercial resorts.
The facility is family friendly and accessible by standard vehicle with no hiking required. The open sagebrush setting with views of the Lemhi Valley and distant mountain peaks creates a peaceful atmosphere. Clear nights offer excellent stargazing from the pools. The site is popular with locals from Salmon and travelers exploring central Idaho Highway 28 corridor.
Accessibility at Sharkey Hot Spring
The facility has a concrete deck and walkways. Contact the BLM Salmon Field Office for specific accessibility details regarding pool entry. The site is flat with a parking area adjacent to the pools. Those exploring hot springs Idaho offers near Salmon who want a more primitive, undeveloped experience should hike to Goldbug Hot Springs (waterfall-fed pools) or seek out the backcountry springs along the Middle Fork Salmon River corridor, where numerous primitive springs await in truly wild settings.
Safety & Etiquette
Sharkey Hot Spring Safety Tips
Sharkey Hot Spring is a managed BLM facility and is generally safe for all visitors. The pool temperature of approximately 103 degrees Fahrenheit is comfortable but can feel hot during warm weather. Enter slowly, stay hydrated, and limit soaking sessions. Supervise children at all times near the water.
The natural mineral water is untreated. The water has a light sodium chloride odor. The facility is fenced to keep out animals. The use fee must be purchased in advance at Recreation.gov before visiting, as cell service is limited at the site.
Road and Environmental Awareness
The drive from Salmon on Highway 28 passes through open ranch country with wildlife on the road, particularly deer and elk at dawn and dusk. The Warm Springs Road turnoff is well marked. Winter conditions can include icy roads. The elevation of 5,300 feet means cold temperatures from fall through spring, making the hot pools especially enjoyable.
Facility Guidelines
Day-use only. No overnight parking or camping. Closed Wednesday mornings for cleaning. Swimsuits are required. No soap or shampoo in the pools. Follow all posted BLM rules and the guidance on the interpretive kiosk regarding respectful use of this historically significant geothermal site. The indigenous Agaideka people considered hot springs sacred healing places, referred to as Puha Pah (medicine water). This cultural significance is documented at the interpretive kiosk and should be respected by all visitors to this BLM recreation site.
