Gold Fork Hot Springs

Hours: Gold Fork Hot Springs is a nice little place that offers a relaxing soaking experience. The facility is clean and well-maintained, featuring various pool options, including a very hot small pool and a medium-temperature pool with sand on the bottom. The setting is kid-friendly, but visitors are encouraged to be mindful of noise levels. Guests can enjoy the pools without needing to show any ID, and the business accepts cash or checks only. Bringing water shoes is recommended, as the deck can be slippery due to frozen water. Visitors should be aware that there is no cell phone service in the area, and the bathrooms consist of Porta Potties, with no fresh running water available. There is a Yurt space for changing, which has separate areas for men and women, but guests must provide their own locks. It is suggested to bring towels, snacks, and any other necessities, as no food is served on-site. Overall, Gold Fork Hot Springs provides a pleasant and enjoyable experience for a day of soaking. The pools are designed to accommodate visitors without feeling too crowded, and the natural surroundings add to the magical experience. The largest and hottest pool is located at the top, where the heat can be intense but becomes soothing once acclimated. There are five pools in total, each decreasing in heat as you go down. The drive to the springs is beautiful, but it's important to check road conditions before visiting, as the dirt road can be bumpy. Reservations are not needed; guests simply pay the $10 entry fee and can stay as long as they like, although there is a two-hour swimming limit to help manage crowding.

1. Donnelly, Idaho