Lemhi County, Idaho
Goldbug Hot Springs
Goldbug Hot Springs sits high in the Salmon River Mountains of central Idaho, roughly five miles south of the small town of Salmon.
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About this place
Goldbug Hot Springs sits high in the Salmon River Mountains of central Idaho, roughly five miles south of the small town of Salmon. It's a backcountry hot spring on public land — not a resort, not a club, just a natural geothermal feature that's become one of Idaho's better-known clothing-optional soaking spots. You'll earn it: the trail climbs about two miles up a steep canyon, gaining around 1,000 feet. The reward is a series of terraced pools cascading down the rock face, each with a different temperature depending on how close it sits to the source. The water is clear, mineral-rich, and hot enough at the top to require careful testing before you slip in. Lower pools mix with cooler runoff and offer more moderate soaking. Clothing-optional bathing is common here and widely accepted, though you'll encounter a mix of nude and clothed hikers depending on the day and season. The hike itself acts as a natural filter — you won't find tour buses or casual drop-ins. Summer weekends see the most traffic, but early mornings, weekdays, and shoulder seasons offer quieter experiences. Winter access is possible but requires snowshoes or skis and carries real risk. There's no infrastructure beyond the stone-lined pools themselves — pack out what you pack in.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
The hike attracts fit hikers comfortable with moderate effort and altitude. You'll see a mix of ages — younger outdoor enthusiasts, middle-aged soakers, occasional families with older kids. Solo travelers are common, as are couples. The clothing-optional culture is relaxed and unforced; some people strip down immediately, others stay clothed or go topless. Weekday visitors tend to be more privacy-seeking; weekends draw a broader cross-section of the Boise and Missoula outdoors crowd.
How to find it
From Salmon, Idaho, drive south on Highway 93 for about four miles. Turn west onto a gravel road and continue roughly a mile to the trailhead parking area. The lot is small and fills quickly on summer weekends. The trail itself is well-marked but steep and rocky — bring good footwear. Allow 45 minutes to an hour uphill, less on the way down. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent once you leave town.
Things to watch out for
Winter access requires winter backcountry skills — the trail can be icy or snow-covered from November through April, and avalanche danger exists in the upper canyon. Summer heat makes the hike grueling in midday; start early. Water in the hottest pools can approach scalding — test before entering. Pack out all trash; the Forest Service monitors the site and has threatened closures in the past due to litter and overuse. No dogs allowed on the trail.
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Etiquette & ground rules
Pack out everything you pack in — this includes toilet paper and food waste. If you need to use the bathroom, go well away from the springs and water sources and bury waste at least 6 inches deep. Respect both clothed and clothing-optional visitors. Don't hog a single pool if others are waiting. Keep noise down so people can enjoy the natural setting. No glass containers. Photography requires consent from anyone who would be recognizable in the frame. The springs are fragile — don't move rocks or alter the pools.
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