Goldbug Hot Springs – Idaho's Elevated Oasis
Goldbug Hot Springs – Idaho's Elevated Oasis
This weekend some friends kidnapped me and drug me into nature– or I was just invited and so stoked to go that I could only sleep a couple hours before we hit the road.Goldbug Hot Springs near Salmon, Idaho was the destination of choice– and it was a first for all of us. In the photo above, you can see the 'V' in the mountain ridge.
It is at that point where the hot springs are located. It's approximately a 2.1 mile hike– which has some challenging / steep parts, but it is very doable.If you need directions on how to reach Goldbug Hot Springs – IdahoHotSprings.com has a very good writeup. That is what we used to guide us to the trailhead. We came from Missoula, Montana.
We decided to pack in all of our camping gear to make this a full experience. After all, hot springs are pretty phenomenal when the stars come out.
There are some pretty fantastic camping spots about halfway, while the trail is still mostly flat. Heavy tree cover and being located near the creek makes this an optimal location. However, we wanted to be as close to the hot springs as possible– so we kept trekking up.
As you begin to gain elevation, you truly see the potential that Goldbug Hot Springs has to offer. The view only continues to progress from here
This waterfall oasis truly captivated me. I couldn't even capture all of the falls in one photo, and this was shot with a 10mm lens. This is located right below the hot springs and it truly a sight to see. You can't miss it. It's off to the left of the trail right when you come upon wooden stair boxes.
However, the actual Goldbug Hot Springs almost puts that oasis to shame. Above the waterfalls here is another hot spring– which is the hottest out of all. The ones in the middle were just amazing for the fact that there are multiple waterfalls of hot water rushing into these pools. Below are yet more pools to relax in.
The pools are of decent size and can easily accommodate a group. The waterfalls are near 15 feet tall and the surroundings do not disappoint one bit.
As you can see, they are perched on a cliff overlooking the valley that you have to trek through to reach these hot springs. It makes you really appreciate the hike in– and gives your potentially sore muscles a much appreciated relaxation session
Peppermint Schnapps aided in the relaxation process. Not the best while warm, but since it is now officially autumn it seemed very fitting. Remember, keep glass out of the hot springs; this is a plastic bottle.
Outlaw IPA by Payette Brewing also aided in the refreshment process. While having many attributes, this IPA contains a slight hint of pine– which was very appropriate, considering we were surrounded by pine trees. It's brewed in Idaho and I have yet to see it in Missoula.
After a nice soak, we decided we should setup camp before the hot springs fully engulfed us. I decided that a sleeping mat and a well insulated sleeping bag would do the trick. There are a handful of flattened areas above Goldbug Hot Springs that are well suited for tents, hammocks and sleeping bags– along with a couple fire pits.
My friends Alex and Rae chose the tent route– which led to a pretty rad spot right below the sheer mountain walls.
After camp was setup– we figured a proper exploration hike was in order so we could fully take in our surroundings and wear out our legs a little bit more.
Once again– the view was breathtaking. This entire area is something that needs to be experienced in person. I was fortunate enough to have a camera along, but nothing compares to your own two eyes.
As the sun began to disappear behind the mountain peaks– we started a fire, cooked some dinner and then gave the hot springs another soak. I left my camera behind for that portion so I could completely unwind.
However, that didn't stop me from taking in the stars before I submerged myself. The moon was so bright that the sky remained lit pretty well and the cliffs had plenty of detail.
After a late soak– we called it a night so we could be feeling refreshed in the morning. I woke up to a canopy of trees overhead. A crisp morning, but not too chilly to make me want to stay huddled in my sleeping bag and cry.
I had slept very well and was awake around 7:30am, but this fellow camper had me wishing that I would have brought my hammock with. There will most certainly be a next time though.
The first morning glow over the adjacent peak makes the morning a perfect time to soak. Minimal people, crisp air and a fantastic view. This is from the very top pool.
Here you can see the multitude of waterfalls that make up the main portion of Goldbug Hot Springs. You don't even have to be in the water to fully appreciate this secluded location.
I ended my morning perched on a cliff, overlooking this absolutely stunning location that I've had on my bucket-list for years. This most certainly won't be the last time that I will immerse myself in Goldbug Hot Springs– and if you ever find yourself in the area, I urge you to experience this elevated oasis for yourself.
For even more Idaho Hot Spring adventures, dive into our writeup on Jerry Johnson Hot Springs in Idaho's panhandle.Jerry Johnson Hot Springs – Nature’s Hot Tubs
Stay inspired.Whether you are engulfed in nature or sitting behind a desk until your next adventure.We have a multitude of designs & apparel inspired by our surroundings.
