Rocky Canyon Hot Springs

An absolutely lovely experience with gorgeous views. Up a manageable dirt road (wide and no drop offs) you'll find an unmarked roadside dirt shoulder where you can park. Cross the river with care wearing sturdy shoes, as there is a bit of a current, and the bottom is unstable (big, sometimes slippery rocks, but also unseen sand that can sink a bit). The river is not wide and wasn't deep when we came. The pools get increasingly warm, and in the summer in was really nice to switch from the hot pools to the cold river and back. We only noticed bugs in the higher pools, maybe because they were more stagnent ? We spent a lot of time admiring the glittery water, taking wonderful photos, and feeling one with nature in this unknown place. Other beaches along the Payette were packed with people; here there was practically no one.

This is such a gorgeous hot spring! You do have to cross the river to get there. My kids ages 7-13 were able to get across just fine. The water was the perfect temp. Never felt the need to get out and cool off as the water was more like perfect bath water. The cascading pools are so picturesque and calm. This is definitely our new favorite spot! There were cute fuzzy caterpillars on the bank nearer the road inching around. My son found a decomposing tail of probably a chipmunk in one of the pools and an old penny. What a fun little adventure!

Love this place! The views are amazing. You need to cross a river to get to the hot springs. Make sure you wear some kind of water shoes before you cross because you will be stepping in rocks, some are sharp. It's best if you go in pairs while you are crossing the river. The river is very cold, but you will warm up as soon as you get into the several geothermal pools that have varying temperatures.

A sort of hidden gem just across the river! If you keep hiking up there are more and more pools, but the water also gets much warmer. The springs were fairly busy (4 cars or so) on the summer sunday that we went (around 11 am) and expect a shallow river crossing to get there! There is enough parking for around 6 cars right near the springs.

It's a doable hike across the river, and you will have your choice of a few different pools. The road getting here isn't too bad, but it is dirt and can get washboardy. Enjoy your soak, but just remember your trip back will take you across the river again. As always, leave no trace, leave it better than you found it, and enjoy 😉.