Goldbug Hot Springs
Nature preserve
4.7 (530)
Salmon, ID 83467
Views over a rugged mountain landscape from a series of waterfall-fed pools, accessed by hiking.
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Hike-In Thermal SpringsID
Goldbug-Salmon Hot Springs And River Adventures
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Goldbug Hot Springs: Lawful Easement and No-Camping Zone. Check the exact destination, current permission and services before travel.
Swimming restriction
Manager-described hot-springs outing on the lawful trail; no inspected jump, guaranteed water temperature or second river route. Check current trail, weather and thermal-water conditions; no safe-temperature or low-crowd season guaranteed.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Hike-In Thermal Springs
Access
Informal
Fee
BLM lists no visit fee for Goldbug. That does not grant camping on private property or inside the prohibited spring zone.
Best season
Check current trail, weather and thermal-water conditions
Nearby towns
Stanley, Salmon, North Fork
Water body
Goldbug Thermal Springs And Warm Spring Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Stanley, Salmon, North Fork
Access location not verified
NORTH FORK, ID
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Use Goldbug's lawful trail, not the old fence-climbing instruction
The archive identifies Goldbug, not two complete Salmon-area water routes. BLM publishes current hot-springs access near Elk Bend. The initial quarter mile crosses private property on a public easement; use that route respectfully rather than climbing a fence or treating adjacent land as a campsite.
Plan the climb and bring water
BLM directs visitors 23 miles south of Salmon on U.S. 93, then east on the county road south of Elk Bend to the trailhead. Its river guide describes a two-mile climb gaining about 1,350 feet to the springs. This is not a roadside dip, and the archive's pool-temperature, sulfur and crowd impressions are not current measurements.
The camping restriction is not a spring closure
Forest Order 04-13-23-005 prohibits camping on National Forest land within 500 feet of Gold Bug Hot Springs from March 30, 2023 through March 30, 2028 unless rescinded. Use its map and current signs; that no-camping zone is not a blanket hiking or soaking closure. BLM's general camping icon does not override the specific order or private-land boundaries.
Fees, dogs and facilities need the right scope
BLM lists no visit fee and requires leashed dogs while crossing the private easement. That does not establish permission for pets inside pools or a clothing-optional rule. No current staffed pool, potable-water tap or lifeguard service is established by these sources. Ask Salmon Field Office at 208-756-5400 about actual conditions and overnight arrangements.
Visitor information for this destination
Getting There
Use BLM's U.S. 93/Elk Bend county-road approach and public trail easement. Do not follow archived fence-climbing instructions.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use BLM's U.S. 93/Elk Bend county-road approach and public trail easement. Do not follow archived fence-climbing instructions.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Manager-described hot-springs outing on the lawful trail; no inspected jump, guaranteed water temperature or second river route. Check current trail, weather and thermal-water conditions; no safe-temperature or low-crowd season guaranteed. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Goldbug Hot Springs Trailhead
Hiking area
4.8 (414)
Warm Spring Creek, Salmon, ID 83467
US Forest Service Salmon-Cobalt Ranger District
Federal government office
311 McPherson St, Salmon, ID 83467
Public parking lot
Parking lot
111 S Terrace St, Salmon, ID 83467
Salmon Meadows Campground
Campground
3.2 (58)
400 N St Charles St, Salmon, ID 83467
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Andreas On The River RV Park
Campground
4.7 (76)
603 Riverfront Dr, Salmon, ID 83467
Public Restrooms
Public bathroom
Salmon, ID 83467
Salmon River Campground
Campground
4.7 (39)
ID-75, Stanley, ID 83278
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldbug-Salmon Hot Springs And River Adventures
How do I reach the lawful trailhead?
BLM describes the county-road approach south of Elk Bend off U.S. 93, 23 miles south of Salmon. Use the public easement, not the archived fence-climbing instruction.
Does the trail cross private property?
Yes, the first quarter mile uses a public easement. Respect boundaries and leash dogs on that private-property section.
Is this a roadside soak?
No. BLM's guide describes a two-mile hike gaining about 1,350 feet; carry water and plan the return.
Can I camp beside the pools?
No. The Forest Service order prohibits camping on National Forest lands within 500 feet of the springs through March 30, 2028 unless rescinded.
Does that order close hiking or soaking?
It is a defined camping prohibition, not a blanket spring or trail closure. Follow current maps and any additional notices.
Is entry free and are pool temperatures guaranteed?
BLM lists no visit fee. No current temperature measurement, clothing-optional authorization or staffed bathing service is established here.
Highlights
Plan the climb and bring water
The camping restriction is not a spring closure
Fees, dogs and facilities need the right scope
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
- A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from currently lawful viewpoints; no exact water-entry photograph is approved here.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current trail, weather and thermal-water conditions; no safe-temperature or low-crowd season guaranteed.
Difficulty Level
BLM guide describes two-mile climb with about 1,350 feet gain; not a roadside soak.
Fee
BLM lists no visit fee for Goldbug. That does not grant camping on private property or inside the prohibited spring zone.
Facilities
No staffed bathing service, potable-water tap or lifeguard established by these sources. Carry supplies for the hike.
Activities
Manager-described hot-springs outing on the lawful trail; no inspected jump, guaranteed water temperature or second river route.
Phone
208-756-5400
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Order 04-13-23-005 prohibits camping on National Forest lands within 500 feet of the springs, March 30, 2023 through March 30, 2028 unless rescinded. Confirm lawful overnight sites separately.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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