Quick FactsOverview
About Starkey Hot Springs
Starkey Hot Springs, Idaho is an outdoor mineral water pool along Warm Spring Creek in Adams County, near the community of Fruitvale, approximately 30 miles south of McCall. The pool temperature ranges from 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the season. The water is 100 percent natural, odorless mineral water that flows directly from the geothermal source. A mineral water drinking fountain is also on the property. The facility is day use only with no overnight accommodations. McCall, a popular mountain resort town on Payette Lake, is the nearest larger community.
The property includes restrooms, changing rooms, and an outdoor shower. Visitors are required to shower before entering the pool. Swimsuits are required. Pool hours, events, and rules are subject to change, so checking the Starkey Hot Springs Facebook page before visiting is recommended. The setting along Warm Spring Creek in the rolling hills of Adams County provides a quiet, rural atmosphere. The surrounding landscape includes open meadows, scattered pines, and views of the mountains to the east.
Starkey Hot Springs is one of the few developed soaking pools Idaho offers in the McCall and Council area with on-site facilities.
Location & Access
Getting to Starkey Hot Springs
Starkey Hot Springs is located at 2849 Fruitvale Glendale Road in Fruitvale, Idaho, approximately 30 miles south of McCall and 5 miles north of Council. The drive from McCall takes approximately 50 minutes via ID-55 north to US-95 south, then east on Fruitvale Glendale Road. The road is paved to the property. Free parking is available on site.
From Boise, the drive takes approximately 2.5 hours north via Highway 55 through Horseshoe Bend, Banks, and Cascade to the US-95 junction, then south to Fruitvale. From Council, the drive is approximately 10 minutes north on Old US Highway 95 to Fruitvale Glendale Road.
Regional Context
Adams County sits between the popular recreation areas of McCall to the north and the Payette River corridors to the south. For visitors seeking hot springs near McCall, Starkey is the most accessible developed option in the area. Gold Fork Hot Springs (private resort, multiple pools, near Donnelly) is approximately 20 miles north. The Cascade Reservoir and surrounding Boise National Forest provide additional recreation including fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling in winter. The drive from McCall south through the Payette River corridor passes through scenic mountain terrain and ranching country characteristic of west-central Idaho.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Starkey Hot Springs
Starkey Hot Springs suits families, road trippers, and visitors seeking a clean, developed mineral water soaking experience in a quiet rural setting between McCall and Council. The 95-to-105-degree water temperature is comfortable for extended soaking year-round. The on-site restrooms, changing rooms, and shower make this more convenient than the many primitive wild springs in the region.
The facility is day use only. Check the Facebook page for current hours, as the schedule varies by season and may include special events. The mineral water drinking fountain is a unique feature that allows visitors to sample the geothermal water. The rural location along Warm Spring Creek provides a peaceful atmosphere away from the busier recreation areas around McCall and Cascade.
Accessibility at Starkey Hot Springs
The property is drive-up accessible with a short, easy walk to the pool. Contact the facility for specific accessibility details regarding pool entry. Those seeking soaking pools Idaho offers near McCall with overnight accommodations should visit Gold Fork Hot Springs (private resort near Donnelly) or Burgdorf Hot Springs (rustic, remote, north of McCall), both of which provide overnight lodging alongside geothermal soaking in a scenic central Idaho mountain setting.
Safety & Etiquette
Starkey Hot Springs Safety Tips
Starkey Hot Springs is a managed facility with on-site staff, making it generally safe for all visitors. The pool temperature of 95 to 105 degrees varies with the season. Higher temperatures in summer may require shorter soaking sessions. Stay hydrated before, during, and after soaking. Supervise children at all times near the water.
Swimsuits are required. Visitors must shower before entering the pool. The mineral water is natural and untreated. Follow all posted rules and staff instructions. Check the Facebook page for current hours and any temporary closures before making the drive.
Climate and Travel Notes
Adams County has a mountain climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, making the warm pool especially appealing. Roads are maintained year-round but winter driving conditions may require chains or snow tires on Highway 55 and US-95.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Council has basic services including fuel and food. McCall offers full resort amenities, restaurants, and outdoor recreation. Payette Lake and the surrounding Boise National Forest provide swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking in summer and skiing at Brundage Mountain in winter. The Middle Fork Payette River and South Fork Payette River corridors offer whitewater rafting and kayaking in summer. The area is popular with anglers fishing for trout in the mountain streams and rivers.
