Goldbug Hot Springs
The best hidden gem we uncovered during our travels through Idaho was the Goldbug Hot Springs. Found at the end of a beautiful and moderately-rough hike through a canyon just south of Salmon, these cascading hot springs offer an idyllic experience, far off the beaten track.
We had been completely unaware of Goldbug’s existence until finding a flyer about it in Salmon’s Chamber of Commerce. It wasn’t in any of the guide books we read, and even most of the locals we would talk with later, from Challis to Sun Valley, hadn’t heard of it. Or perhaps, they pretended not to have heard of it. Goldbug is a paradise, and there’s no better way to ruin paradise than by attracting too many tourists to it.
The trail to the hot springs gets started here in a small parking lot just off Highway 93. The two-mile trail initially skirts through private property, but soon enters public land and becomes increasingly gorgeous as it follows a small stream into a mountain valley. Even without the promise of hot springs, the trail would itself make a great excursion. The final stretch is strenuous, going up into the hills, but the reward waiting at the end makes it all worthwhile.
The Goldbug Hot Springs are a collection of five or six pools complete with waterfalls and a view over an unforgettable valley landscape. The pools are of varying temperatures; warmer nearer the source, cooler further down, but never too hot nor too cold. And the waterfalls are the crowining touch; I sat underneath one for about fifteen minutes, just letting the hot water pound my shoulders and neck. Even if there are other groups visiting the hot springs, the number of pools almost guarantees some solitude.
We stayed much longer than we had planned, and felt like we were floating on clouds during the walk back to the car. Apologies to all the residents of Salmon and Challis who would like to keep Goldbug secret. We can totally understand that. But this is a piece of nature so incredible, that it simply must be shared.
Location of the Trailhead on our Idaho Map
| Other Posts You Might Like from Idaho | ...and Oviedo | ||
 |  |  |  |
| Stanley and Redfish Lake | Burgdorf Hot Springs | The Oasis Bordello Museum in Wallace | Hotels in Asturias |
November 8, 2012 at 4:52 pm
November 9, 2012 at 12:38 pmAlison
| link
Lovely!
November 9, 2012 at 12:39 pmAlison
| link
I am learning so much about my own state by all of these wonderful blog posts and pictures! Thank you!
March 14, 2013 at 4:08 pmFriend of Gold Bug Hot Springs
| link
Thank you for the beautiful write up…I am a weekly “gold Bug” soaker. Recently, My fiance’ and I were soaking and a young couple hopped in with us, but unfortunately, they included their dog. While some people find this perfectly ok, they didn’t bother to ask those who were already in the pool. Although we pointed out that there was several other pools (downstream), they insisted on allowing the dog in the pool. Please help bring awareness to the risks of those actions. If you weren’t aware of any risks, Please visit the link and decide for yourself. I highly recommend all health-minded fellow hot springs lovers to speak out about this disgusting, disrespectful behavior. http://oregonvma.org/care-health/zoonotic-diseases-dogsP.S. I am a dog lover and owner of 3.
March 15, 2013 at 8:51 amMike Powell
| link | my site | author
Ugh, that’s awful! Our most ridiculous hot springs experience was this family who jumped in and starting cleaning themselves with dishwashing liquid! In the hot spring! At least they waited until we were out, but still… !! We were shocked, and it was the last time we went to this particular spring. People are unbelievable sometimes.
May 22, 2013 at 1:05 pmBackpacker
| link
I have some questions for those of you who visit gold bug frequently. I will be visiting May 31 – June 4th, next week essentially, and was wondering about spring weather conditions. Some have told me that there still might be snow up there. What are usual weather conditions this time of year? Or, if you’ve been up there recently, what is the weather like right now? I’d like to know if I need to be prepared for winter camping or not. Also, with spring run off from the snow melt, will any of the springs still be hot this time of year? I really appreciate any feedback, as I am flying in from out of state and will need to be prepared! Thanks!