Basin Creek Hot Springs

## Overview Basin Creek Hot Springs is a free, natural hot spring tucked into the rugged backcountry of central Idaho, near the coordinates 44.2636°N, 114.8196°W. Situated in the heart of Idaho's vast wilderness — likely within or near the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness area — this remote geothermal soak offers a true off-the-grid hot spring experience. The region is renowned for its abundance of natural hot springs, fed by deep geothermal activity along the faults and fractures of the Idaho Batholith, a massive granitic intrusion that underlies much of central Idaho. As with many of Idaho's primitive hot springs, Basin Creek Hot Springs has historically been enjoyed by backcountry travelers, hunters, and hot spring enthusiasts seeking solitude far from developed resort pools. The spring's remote location means it sees relatively few visitors, making it an appealing destination for those willing to make the journey. ## Directions 1. Basin Creek Hot Springs is located in a remote area of central Idaho, approximately at GPS coordinates **44.2636, -114.8196**. 2. Access typically requires navigating a combination of Forest Service roads and potentially a hike or river crossing, depending on the season and current road conditions. 3. A high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended for the approach, as backcountry roads in this part of Idaho can be rough, narrow, and subject to seasonal closures. 4. Use the GPS coordinates above with a reliable offline navigation app (such as Gaia GPS or onX Backcountry), as cell service is virtually nonexistent in this area. 5. Check with the nearest U.S. Forest Service ranger district for current road conditions and access information before heading out, especially in spring when snowmelt can make roads impassable. ## What to Expect Basin Creek Hot Springs is a primitive, undeveloped hot spring — expect a natural soaking experience with no facilities, signage, or maintained infrastructure. The spring likely features one or more pools where geothermally heated water collects, possibly along or near Basin Creek. Water temperatures at Idaho backcountry hot springs in this region commonly range from warm to very hot, so test the water carefully before entering. The surrounding landscape is classic central Idaho wilderness: steep, forested mountain terrain with ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and open meadows along creek drainages. Wildlife sightings — including elk, deer, and various raptors — are common in the area. Because of its remoteness, visitors should come fully prepared with supplies, navigation tools, and a plan for self-rescue. There is no potable water guarantee at the site; while hot spring water in this region has historically been used by visitors, it should not be assumed safe to drink without treatment. Pack in and pack out all trash to help preserve this pristine natural setting for future visitors. The best time to visit is typically from mid-summer through early fall, when Forest Service roads are most likely to be open and accessible. Winter and spring access may be extremely difficult or impossible due to snow and road closures.