Sunflower Hot Springs
Natural hot spring in Idaho
- Natural
- Free
- Seasonal
Seasonal. Open only part of the year. Check the season below before you go.
44.7295, -114.9929
Get directionsMap data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Quick facts
- Type
- Natural hot spring
- Water
- 102°F
- Cost
- Free
- Access
- Boat or 4WD
- Season
- Year-round (weather permitting)
- Camping
- Yes
- Pools
- 5
Facts last verified Nov 4, 2026 · Sources below
Sunflower Hot Springs is a wild, natural hot springs site in Idaho with public access and five pools.
Natural thermal water fills pools measured at 102°F, with a 149°F source temperature. The address is Salmon River, Idaho 83611, and Boise is 98 miles away.
Pools and water at Sunflower Hot Springs
The springs have five pools, each recorded at 102°F. Water emerges from a source measured at 149°F, so keep the difference between source and pool temperatures in mind when choosing where to spend time.
Calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sulfate are present in the water, with a pH of 8.7. A primitive hot shower is also part of the site, created as hot water cascades from above the pools.
The area was used by the Shoshone and Nez Perce before fur trappers, miners, and homesteaders arrived. That earlier use is part of the setting around a visit today.
Getting to Sunflower Hot Springs
There are no roads or established trails leading directly to the site, which makes the access method an important part of trip planning.
On a Middle Fork Salmon River rafting trip, the site is about 30 miles downriver. Visitors traveling on that route can use that placement when planning their time on the river.
The location is given as Salmon River, Idaho 83611. Boise is the nearest city named in the details, at 98 miles away.
Sunflower Hot Springs access, cost and season
There is no fee to use the springs. Public access is recorded, though the operating status is seasonal.
The season is year-round (weather permitting). Check conditions before setting out, particularly because the season note and seasonal operating status both affect planning.
Primitive camping is available at the site. That gives visitors a camping option alongside a trip to the pools.
What to expect from this wild Idaho soak
This is a wild hot springs location rather than a developed resort. Its five pools, natural thermal water, primitive camping, and primitive hot shower define the facilities described for the site.
A rafting itinerary on the Middle Fork Salmon River can incorporate the springs about 30 miles downriver.
The U.S. Forest Service is the managing agency. Keep that agency connection in mind when preparing for a visit to this public site.
Practical tips for Sunflower Hot Springs
Do not use soap or contaminants near the water sources.
Weather can affect year-round visits, and the operating status is seasonal.
Camping is primitive, and no road or established trail reaches the site directly. Prepare around the specific access and overnight arrangement rather than expecting a road-based arrival at the pools.
Map, Address and Directions
1 place on the map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Hot springs near Sunflower Hot Springs
More hot springs in Idaho
Sunflower Hot Springs FAQ
Is Sunflower Hot Springs free?
Yes. There is no fee to use the springs.
Is Sunflower Hot Springs open year-round?
Year-round, weather permitting. Its operating status is seasonal.
How hot is the water at Sunflower Hot Springs?
About 102°F in the pools. The source temperature is 149°F.
Can you camp at Sunflower Hot Springs?
Yes. Primitive camping is available.
How do you get to Sunflower Hot Springs?
There are no roads or established trails leading directly to the site.
Where is Sunflower Hot Springs?
At Salmon River, Idaho 83611. Boise is 98 miles away.
Sources
- Sunflower Hot Springs - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org, checked Nov 4, 2026
- Sunflower Hot Springs — Grokipedia grokipedia.com, checked Nov 4, 2026
- Sunflower Hot Springs - Salmon River, Idaho tophotsprings.com, checked Nov 4, 2026
Facts last verified Nov 4, 2026.