Quick FactsOverview
About Terrace Lakes Hot Springs
Terrace Lakes Hot Springs, Idaho is a mountain resort in the Boise National Forest near Garden Valley in Boise County, approximately one hour north of Boise. Source water at 157 degrees Fahrenheit cools naturally as it flows to a large outdoor geothermal pool maintained at 90 to 100 degrees. The mineral water is rich in silica, calcium, magnesium, and sodium bicarbonate. The pool depth ranges from 2 to 5 feet, making it suitable for both swimming and soaking. The resort also features an 18-hole championship golf course that weaves through mountain forest terrain. Garden Valley, a small community along the Middle Fork Payette River, is the nearest town.
Established in 1995 as a private country club, Terrace Lakes is now open to the public for both day use and overnight stays. Seven motel rooms, three condos, and two cabins provide lodging options. A restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and an upstairs sports lounge offers drinks and entertainment. The golf course features nine open holes and nine forested mountain holes, with wildlife including deer and elk commonly spotted on the course. Pickleball courts, a basketball court, and hiking trails round out the recreational amenities.
Day-use pool access is $10 per person with no reservation required.
Location & Access
Getting to Terrace Lakes Hot Springs
Terrace Lakes Resort is located at 101 Holiday Drive in Garden Valley, Idaho, approximately 55 miles and 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Boise. From Boise, take Highway 55 north through Eagle to Banks, then follow Banks-Lowman Road and South Middlefork Road to Holiday Drive. The road is fully paved. Free parking is available on site.
From Garden Valley, the resort is approximately 7 miles northwest. The Middle Fork Payette River corridor is scenic and popular with rafters and kayakers in summer. The drive from McCall takes approximately 2 hours south via Highway 55.
Regional Context
The Garden Valley and Crouch area of Boise County has several hot springs within easy driving distance. For visitors seeking hot springs near Garden Valley, Terrace Lakes is the most developed option with a full resort, golf course, and restaurant. Pine Flats Hot Spring (free, roadside, South Fork Payette corridor), Kirkham Hot Springs (developed USFS site), and the Boiling Springs area (backcountry, multiple springs) are all accessible from the same highway corridor. The town of Crouch is approximately 15 miles south and serves as the gateway to the Middle Fork Payette hot springs corridor.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Terrace Lakes Hot Springs
Terrace Lakes suits families, golfers, and visitors seeking a full-service mountain resort with geothermal soaking near Boise. The $10 day-use pool access makes it one of the more affordable developed hot springs experiences in the Boise National Forest area. The pool temperature of 90 to 100 degrees is comfortable for year-round swimming and soaking, including winter when the contrast between warm water and cold mountain air is especially pleasant.
The 18-hole golf course is a major draw from May through October. Some pet-friendly accommodations are available. Aqua fitness classes are offered in the pool. The restaurant and lounge provide dining and drinks for both overnight and day-use guests. Membership is available for regular visitors.
Accessibility at Terrace Lakes Hot Springs
The pool is a short walk from parking and the main lodge. The 2-to-5-foot depth accommodates waders and swimmers. Contact the resort for specific accessibility details. Those seeking a hot spring resort Idaho offers near Boise with a more rustic or primitive experience should explore the many free wild hot springs along the Middle Fork Payette and South Fork Payette river corridors accessible from the same highway, all free and primitive in character compared to the developed resort setting here.
Safety & Etiquette
Terrace Lakes Hot Springs Safety Tips
Terrace Lakes is a managed resort with pool attendants, making it generally safe for all visitors. The pool temperature of 90 to 100 degrees is comfortable and not dangerously hot. The pool depth ranges from 2 to 5 feet. Supervise children at all times. Swimsuits are required and appropriate family-friendly swimwear is enforced at staff discretion.
Outside alcohol is not permitted in the pool area. Guests ages 21 and older may purchase drinks from the Pavilion or upstairs Lounge with a wristband. The resort enforces a zero tolerance policy on outside alcohol, and guests may be asked to leave the pool area for violations.
Mountain Travel Notes
Garden Valley sits at approximately 3,400 feet elevation with warm summers and cold winters. The pool is open year-round, though the golf course is seasonal (May through October). Winter driving conditions on Highway 55 and Banks-Lowman Road can be challenging with snow and ice. Check road conditions before traveling in winter months.
Resort Information
Day-use pool access is $10 per person with no reservation required. Stop by, check in at the front desk, and enjoy. Overnight reservations can be made by calling 208-462-3250 or through the resort website at terracelakes.com. The restaurant serves meals throughout the day. The resort is a popular venue for golf tournaments, corporate outings, and wedding receptions throughout the summer season. Local events and seasonal specials are posted on the resort website and social media. The Boise National Forest surrounding the resort provides abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and mountain biking.
