Well, I can tell you as a well-seasoned hot springs hunter that has dipped in more Idaho thermal pools than most people — the Island Park area is one of my favorite shape nesting grounds when it comes to hunting for relaxing soaks. After years of documenting these marvels, I have found a handful of hot springs near Island Park that range in temperature and ease so there’s something for everyone out here. Whether you seek a more developed resort experience or just some natural solace, find the best hot springs around Island Park and head out.
Green Canyon Hot Springs Resort– Newdale, ID ( 59.3 Miles from the rally )
An hour down the road from Island Park, Green Canyon Hot Springs Resort makes for one of the easiest and family-friendliest soaks in Idaho. Including several pools individually heated to anywhere between 105°F and a balmy 115°F, adequate for an Idaho night. With the multiple temperatures, you get to tailor your soak depending on hot or cold you want it.
The resort, which includes a hot tub in every cabin is charmingly rustic as well with scenic locale of the Targhee National Forest where pine trees tower above for an unspoiled soaking experience. The mineral-rich waters are famous for their natural healing abilities and people from across Idaho as well neighboring states flock here. One of the things I love about Green Canyon is that they have maintained a natural environment while adding modern touches.
The resort also offers the perfect solution on where to camp in Idaho for visitors planning an extended stay, who are looking for well-maintained grounds that make it easy to get as close as possible into your Idaho wilderness experience. It serves as a convenient and relaxing home base while you explore what the area has to offer, providing both RV hookups ans tent sites. In addition, it is close to Henry’s Fork of the Snake River for fishing and other outdoor recreation.
In addition to the soaking, Green Canyon has built miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through forests surrounding the area. The trails vary from easy family-friendly paths to more challenging routes for experienced nature lovers. With the healing waters of hot springs and outdoor recreational activities, Green Canyon Hot Springs Resort makes an ideal destination for nature lovers who seek relaxation in combination with adventure.
Heise Hot Springs, Ririe (73.8 miles)
Located in the sleepy town of Ririe, northern Idaho visitors will be surprised with this family-friendly hot springs colloquially known by locals as Heise. One of the oldest hot spring resorts, this historic resort has been in operation since 1894 and is located about seventy-four miles to Island Park. Heise has a real-life small town appeal with easy access to modern conveniences.
The star is the well-maintained, sprawling outdoor mineral pool, heated to a perfect 104 degrees all year long. This therapeutic spa has natural mineral waters that the locals believe have remarkable healing benefits. There is also a separate pool that they keep at 92°F, which would be great for families with small children.
What i most like about Heise Hot Springs is its dedicated to offer whole entertainment if you are preparing your vacations here. Activities abound beyond the hot springs, such as a 9-hole golf course for challenging play and zip lining to start your heart pumping. The indoor pool brings the experience to life, just in time for Idaho’ s colder seasons.
For longer visits, Heise includes campgrounds that can accommodate both RVs and tents. The facility is well set up with particular attention to ensuring easy access to the hot springs from your campground without it feeling like a party atmosphere. The stargazing has been amazing (so refreshing coming from the bright lights of Vancouver), little-to-no light pollution + fresh mountain air = win-win.
Targhee National Forest and the Snake River are close to home, making it easy for residents in Island Park condos to get outdoors. Heise is a great home base for hikers, anglers or sightseers visiting the beautiful eastern Idaho area. Being near local attractions such as Mesa Falls easily makes this resort a nice pit stop on any Idaho hot springs road trip journey.
Granite Hot Springs Pool (176.5 Miles)
If you’re willing to go just a bit farther from Island Park, Granite Hot Springs Pool is among the most authentic rustic soak options in the area. The hidden gem near Jackson Hole, Wyoming is 176.5 miles from Island Park and sits at an elevation of a cool 7,000 feet in the Bridger-Teton National Forest containing hundreds of alpine lakes with soulful mountain ranges serving as the backdrop. The road to here is an adventure in itself, and last miles enter some of the most breathtaking mountain-scapes in Greater Yellowstone.
Primitive — and kept so … perhaps a dozen sites are available with spectacular views of forest Flowing from natural mineral springs, the main pool maintains temperatures between 93°F and 112°F (34°C-44°C) subject to seasonal change. The steaming pool with the snow covered Tundra around was absolutely magical and during my trips in winter quite a few years ago, it can only be accessed via by Snowmobile or Dogsled.
Although slightly primitive compared to some of the other hot springs nearby, Granite Hot Springs Pool has changing rooms and restrooms but that is it. The entrance fees are modest and the controlled numbers help to keep things quiet. I especially enjoy hiking there during the shoulder seasons (fall and spring) when you can often have this mountain utopia to yourself with only the sound of rushing water, honking geese far overhead or breezes lifting your hair.
Goldbug Hot Springs | 230.5 miles from Island Park
Yes, this takes the most driving of all my hot spring recommendations to Goldbug Hot Springs at an epic 230.5-mile drive but it will be worth every one! Idaho — Gold Bug Hot Springs: Rugged and remote, but one of the most satisfying spring experiences in the Northwest.
The adventure starts with a pretty difficult two-mile hike in the Idaho wilderness. You will have to climb about 1,350 feet on the trail but do not be discouraged. Believe me, anticipation is growing on every step.
Bring lots of water and wear durable hiking boots. It is a steep trail in places and the weather can change rapidly. Regardless of the season, I always suggest layers.
When you arrive at the springs, they are a series of rock-carved terraces cascading down along the mountain. Each pool is a different temperature, hotter as you go up and cooler lower down the pools. Generally they range from about 100-110°F so it would be easy to find that perfect soaking water for yourself.
The real standout feature of Goldbug, though is having nature at its best. Relax in crystal-clear mineral water pools high above the valley floor. The experience becomes almost magical during sunset.
Grounds are best visited during the temperate spring and autumn. The summers are really hot, and winters require a lot of preparation just to do the littlest things:semicolon Please remember to inspect climate conditions before leaving!
GoldenBug is located on BLM, be sure to practice leave no trace! Carry out everything you carry in. You can even opt to go au naturel with a soothing, if not liberating post-sunset dip in the clothing-optional springs.
Yellowstone Hot Springs, Gardiner — (195.7 Miles)
The Yellowstone Hot Springs, located near Gardiner in the Paradise Valley region of Montana represent a comfortable place where modern convenience meets natural beauty. Located just 195.7 miles from Island Park, these springs are within mere steps of Yellowstone National Park and its entrance gate (and visitor center). Electric Peak and Sepulcher Mountain offer spectacular views; you can soak while taking in the scenery.
It is formed by three separate springs, each with a unique pool to offer its visitors. The hot soak is a balmy 104°F for easygoing relaxation. It includes a cold plunge pool, which is only maintained at 60°F on all sides and the largest pools range between 98-102°F to provide relief from prolonged bathing.
Their distinguishing characteristic is the completely natural flow-through mineral water system sourced from geothermal hot springs. These minerals are calcium, magnesium, and sulfate. A good soak here is what helps when you’ve explored Yellowstone all day and are in need of a little relaxation.
It provides access to showers, clean good sized change rooms and RV parking. Stay in the comfortable cabin or RV spots available for nightly accommodation. It is additionally the best solution for visiting a year round natural hot spring in Oregon whether winter or summer.
Conclusion
Having now visited these unique hot springs near Island Park, Idaho and surrounding this time of year I can confirm they are some of the best for multiple soaking experiences in the area. Whether you prefer easy-access family-friendly options like Green Canyon and Heise or more rugged destinations such as Goldbug Hot Springs, there is a soak here for everyone. Yet, some of these springs might require a longer drive or more challenging hike to reach while others are flooded with visitors. So if you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation experience and prefer peace and quiet, search far-from-the-city spring spots that offer tranquil refuges surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes – like those on this list! Escape to one of these Idaho hot springs near Island Park for relaxation or adventure in nature’s healing waters.