Baumgartner Hot Springs

## Overview Baumgartner Hot Springs is a beloved natural hot spring located in the Sawtooth National Forest of central Idaho, near the small community of Featherville. Situated along the South Fork of the Boise River at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet, this geothermal spring has been a popular soaking destination for locals and travelers for well over a century. The hot spring feeds a developed concrete soaking pool maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, making it one of the more accessible and family-friendly hot springs in Idaho's backcountry. The spring water emerges from the earth at temperatures reported to be around 104–106°F (40–41°C), and the developed pool typically maintains a comfortable soaking temperature that varies slightly with seasonal conditions and natural water mixing. The site is part of the Baumgartner Campground, a Forest Service recreation area that offers picnic tables, restrooms, and campsites alongside the hot spring pool. Baumgartner Hot Springs has historically been used as a gathering and bathing spot, and the area's geothermal activity is linked to the same deep volcanic geology that feeds many of Idaho's famous hot springs along the Snake River Plain and surrounding mountain ranges. The name "Baumgartner" is attributed to early settlers or miners who frequented the area during Idaho's mining boom era in the late 1800s. ## Directions 1. From Boise, Idaho, head east on ID-21 (the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway) toward Idaho City. 2. Continue through Idaho City and proceed northeast on ID-21 until you reach the junction with Forest Road 227 (also known as the Featherville Road or the South Fork Boise River Road). 3. Turn east onto Forest Road 227 and follow it along the South Fork of the Boise River toward Featherville. 4. Continue past Featherville heading east on Forest Road 227. Baumgartner Campground and Hot Springs will be on your right, approximately 10 miles east of Featherville. 5. The GPS coordinates (43.6033, -115.0716) can be used for navigation. Look for Forest Service signage indicating Baumgartner Campground. *Note: The road to Baumgartner is typically a paved or well-maintained gravel road, but conditions may vary seasonally. The route may be inaccessible or difficult during winter months due to snow. Check with the Sawtooth National Forest ranger station for current road conditions before heading out.* ## What to Expect Upon arrival, visitors will find a developed concrete soaking pool fed by the natural hot spring, set in a beautiful forested canyon along the South Fork of the Boise River. The pool is large enough for multiple bathers and is open to the public, typically free of charge, though a day-use or campground fee may apply depending on the season and Forest Service regulations. The surrounding Baumgartner Campground offers a pleasant setting with towering ponderosa pines, Douglas fir, and easy access to the river. Campsites with fire rings and picnic tables are available, and vault toilets are provided. The campground is generally open from late spring through early fall, though the hot spring pool may be accessible outside of the official campground season depending on road and weather conditions. The soaking pool is most enjoyable during cooler months when the contrast between the warm water and crisp mountain air is at its best, though summer visits offer the added benefit of river access, hiking, and fishing nearby. The South Fork of the Boise River is known for its trout fishing and scenic beauty. Visitors should be aware that as a popular and well-known hot spring, Baumgartner can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during summer. Arriving early or visiting on weekdays can provide a more peaceful experience. The site is family-friendly and swimsuits are generally expected.