Gold Fork Hot Springs

What to expect

Gold Fork Hot Springs sits in timbered foothills east of Donnelly, in the valley that holds Lake Cascade. It is privately owned and runs like a small commercial soaking park, but the pools themselves look more natural than most: six of them, edged with rock, stepping down the slope in a flow-through system. Water enters the top pool and spills from one to the next, so you choose your temperature by moving up or down.

The operator gives a range of about 85-110°F29-43°C across the six pools, and the posted rules say 92-108°F33-42°C depending on the season and the spring’s output. The operator describes the water as alkaline and mineral-rich. One of the lower pools has a sandy bottom and is meant for small children. Visit Idaho also mentions hydrotherapy jets.

Facilities are simple but good for a cold day. There are heated changing rooms, free lockers and geothermally heated sidewalks, which matters when the parking lot is snowpacked. There is no restaurant, but outside food is allowed in moderate amounts. Suit and towel rentals are no longer offered, so bring your own.

Getting there

Gold Fork is at 1026 Gold Fork Road, Donnelly, about 90 minutes north of Boise and 15 minutes from Cascade.

• From Boise: Take Highway 55 north through Horseshoe Bend and Cascade toward Donnelly.
• Turnoff: South of Donnelly, turn east off Highway 55 and follow the blue Gold Fork Hot Springs signs. Older directions describe about 6.6 miles from the highway, with the first 2.6 miles paved and the rest graded dirt. Map apps usually route via Davis Creek Lane and then the Gold Fork road.
• From McCall: Drive south on Highway 55 through Donnelly and pick up the same signed turnoff.

The dirt section is the part to plan for. The operator says road conditions change with the season and strongly recommends all-wheel drive in winter. Valley County maintains the road and posts snow removal updates. Once you arrive, the pools are a short walk from the lot.

When to go

Gold Fork is open year-round and is at its best in winter, when snow sits on the rocks around the pools and steam rises off the water. That is also when the road is hardest, so allow extra time.

Weekends and holidays are busy. The owners will close the gate early if the number of guests passes 600, so they can clean the pools and keep the water quality up. Arriving soon after noon on a weekday is your best chance at a quiet soak.

Summer works too, especially in the evening once the afternoon heat drops. The cooler pools at the bottom of the series are the ones to use on a hot day.

The facility can close for severe weather, including lightning, high wind and blizzards. The pools close during electrical storms.

Prices and booking

• Admission: $15 per person for everyone aged one and up (2026 season).
• Payment: Cash only. No credit or debit cards. The About page also mentions checks, but bring cash to be safe.
• Hours: Noon to 8 pm, with last entry at 7:30 pm. Closed Tuesdays. Open holidays.
• Time limit: Two hours maximum per visit.
• Winter rules (from October 1, 2026): Children under 13 must leave by 4 pm. Thursdays are 18 and over only.
• Reservations: None. Non-swimmers pay full admission, and there are no discounts.

Rules worth knowing:

• Swimsuits at all times. Swim diapers for children in diapers.
• Children under 16 must be with an adult at all times in the pool area.
• No alcohol, no glass, and no smoking or vaping past the gate or within 50 feet of the pools.
• No soap, lotion or oils in or near the pools.
• No diving or jumping.
• Pets are not allowed. Service animals only.
• Pack out your trash. Recycling bins are provided for cans and plastic bottles.
• Large groups are discouraged.

Where to stay nearby

Gold Fork has no camping or lodging.

• Donnelly is the closest town, with a few motels and cabin rentals.
• Cascade, about 15 minutes south, has more motels, restaurants and gas.
• McCall, on Payette Lake to the north, has the widest choice of hotels and vacation rentals.
• Tamarack Resort, on the west side of Lake Cascade, has ski-in lodging in winter.
• Lake Cascade State Park runs several campgrounds around the reservoir for summer camping.

Safety notes

• Heat: The top pool runs around 108-110°F42-43°C. The operator recommends 15-20 minute sessions, with water breaks. Get out if you feel dizzy or nauseous.
• Health: The operator asks pregnant women and anyone with heart conditions or high blood pressure to check with a doctor first. Guests with open wounds or skin infections are not allowed in the pools.
• Footing: Rock edges and steps are slick, especially when frozen. Enter slowly.
• Winter driving: The dirt road can be icy. Carry chains or use an all-wheel-drive vehicle, and check Valley County road updates before you go.
• Jewelry: The operator asks guests to remove jewelry, watches and other metal before getting in.

Nearby stops worth adding

The Donnelly and McCall area has more hot water. Burgdorf Hot Springs, north of McCall, is an old mining-era resort with rustic cabins. In winter, Tamarack’s ski runs and Brundage Mountain near McCall make a natural pairing with an evening soak at Gold Fork.