Updated November 2025 with new insights!
A tiny metal tub sits alongside the Salmon River in Idaho…is it even real??
Yes, it’s real, and YES it’s tiny! Fitting precisely two people, it’s one of the smallest and most unique hot springs in Idaho.
Boat Box Hot Springs has a long history of serving the nearby town of Stanley, Idaho with a roadside escape, easing sore muscles after a rafting trip or a day of hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains.
Author’s Note: We’ve spent the past eight years exploring hot springs across Idaho, everything from remote backcountry pools to tiny roadside tubs like Boat Box. While our most recent hot springs trip (June 2025) took us to a different location in Idaho, our past Boat Box visits still guide this article. I update this post regularly using firsthand experience, current travel conditions, and information shared by Stanley locals so you can plan a safe and respectful visit.
PLan A Trip To Boat Box Hot Springs In Stanley, Idaho
- PLan A Trip To Boat Box Hot Springs In Stanley, Idaho
- How You Can Care For Boat Box (Be a Good Steward)
- Directions to Boat Box Hot Springs
- Where to Stay Near Boat Box Hot Springs
- What To Pack For A Boat Box Hot Springs Trip
- Enjoying Boat Box Hot Springs
- Other Things To Do Near Stanley, Idaho (And More Hot Springs!)
- MORE IDAHO ADVENTURES
Quick Facts About Boat Box Hot Springs:
- Nudity? NOT encouraged, as it literally sits off the side of Highway 75. Wear your swimsuit!
- Average water temperature: HOT. Some sources say up to 110 degrees.
- Pool Features: One singular metal tub.
- Best Time to Visit: Summer, Fall, Winter (NOT spring, more on that below)
- Crowd Expectation: Often very busy, except for deep winter and very early sunrise.
- Exact coordinates: (scroll down to directions section)
What’s So Special About Boat Box Hot Springs?
The history of Boat Box Hot Springs is that it was built for the community, BY the community. Once called Elkhart Hot Springs, this tiny tub is a local favorite, receiving lots of foot traffic because of its novelty and proximity to town.
It got its name “Boat Box” from the old wooden box that once stood in place of the newer metal cauldron.
It was a common spot for rafters to pull over and enjoy after a long day on the Salmon River, and to enjoy the scenery and gorgeous setting.
After the untamable river swept away the old pool, it was replaced by the metal one today, secured by metal cables so visitors can enjoy it for years to come.
Need more hot springs inspiration? You will like these Pacific Northwest hot springs:
- Scenic Hot Springs in Washington
- Trail Creek Hot Springs near McCall, Idaho
- Goldbug Hot Springs near Salmon, Idaho
- Willow Creek and Hart Mountain in Eastern Oregon
Which Season To Visit? (Pros & Cons)
Boat Box Hot Spring is a year-round pool, open 24/7. When you decide to visit can drastically affect your experience! We’ve visited in both the summer and winter, so here are our pros and cons for each season:
Boat Box Hot Springs in Summer/Fall:
- Pros: The pool is easy to access and the roads are very clear and drivable. Sunrise and sunsets are beautiful and the temps are nice.
- Cons: It can get very busy, on weekends especially. You may have a harder time finding it empty, and will likely wait a while for your turn.Late summer can bring wildfire smoke to the Sawtooths, which may reduce air quality.
Boat Box Hot Springs In Winter:
- Pros: There are WAY less crowds. Only the brave (or delusional) wake up to freeze their butt off in the dead of winter. We stayed for a very long time.
- Cons: Parking can be a little sketchy. Bring a shovel to dig yourself out if yo have to drive over a snow berm to get to the parking pullout. Watch out for black ice on the road. Also, any wet towels will freeze if left out for too long!
Boat Box Hot Springs in the Spring: (We don’t recommend this)
- Personally, we do not recommend coming in the spring, specifically between April-May. If it’s been a heavy snow melt, the high river levels can temporarily make the hot spring underwater and inaccessible. River levels can fluctuate dramatically.
Our Recommendation:
- If you want solitude → Winter
- If you want easiest/safest access → Summer/Fall
- If you want photography → Sunrise in any season
- If you want comfort → Not spring
How You Can Care For Boat Box (Be a Good Steward)
Before we will give directions, we want to make it very clear that Boat Box Hot Springs is a sensitive area. It requires users to treat it with respect and care!
One instance of misuse can ruin this location for all future visitors. The fluctuation water levels take a toll on the tub, making this a fragile, volatile location for a soak. It’s important
Personal Note: Visit after visit, we’ve seen the impact that heavy use has taken on the tub. Not only from people but from the extremes of the river and its location. It’s important to act as a good steward to preserve this area, and its maintenance and care are the responsibility of all who use it. There is no official caretaker, WE are the caretakers.
Along with Leave No Trace principles, here are some hot springs etiquette tips to consider before a visit to Boat Box Hot Springs:
- Leave No Trace Principles: 1. Plan ahead, 2. travel on durable surfaces, 3. dispose of waste properly, 4. leave what you find, 5. minimize campfire impacts (No fires here please), 6. respect wildlife, and 7. be considerate of others.
- The tub itself is extremely small, with room for one (maybe 2) adults.
- Don’t add any soaps, shampoos, or other chemicals to the water. It could compromise the metal, and pollute the water (and the river!).
- The water gets extremely hot, so be cautious about getting in and out of the pool.
- Pack your trash out and consider picking up any that have been left behind. This raises the standard of cleanliness for the next guests.
Visitor Safety Tips
Boat box is best enjoyed by adults!
If you are planning to come with your family, there are a few things to consider. The water here is MUCH hotter than other Idaho pools, with origin water sources up to 136 degrees and cooling down to 110 in the cauldron. This could be too hot for little bodies.
If you are an older adult, note that the cauldron is quite high, and can require a climb into the tub. Come with a buddy for assistance!
Are dogs allowed at Boat Box Hot Spring? There is nothing stating whether they are allowed or not, but keep in mind the temperament and recall of your pet. The highway is RIGHT next to the pool, and the river runs FAST. Make sure you keep a very close eye on your pup to keep them away from these hazards.
What about a cold plunge in the river? While that sounds like fun, use extreme caution!! The river is fast and high in the spring, and can easily sweep you downstream. If you feel a tugging on your feet as you enter the river, I’d personally skip it. It’s too dangerous to go all the way in and lose your footing.
Directions to Boat Box Hot Springs
The coordinates to Boat Box Hot Springs can be found here: 44.2448647,-114.886138.
Directions from Stanley: From the ‘T’ intersection in Stanley, head north on Highway 75 for 3.3 miles. The hot spring can be accessed between milepost 192 and 193. The cauldron will be on your left, along the river’s edge. Use the gravel pullout to park. The pool is visible from the road.
Current Conditions, Access Notes
Access to Boat Box is fairly easy and the road is well maintained. Highway 75 is a well-used highway, being kept clear of snow in the wintertime.
Want real-time data? Follow Idaho 511 for the latest road conditions, updated often, especially in the winter!
The ‘parking lot’ is just a pullout from the highway and can fit 2, maybe 3 cars max. If it’s full, skip the visit and come another time. Absolutely do not park ON the road as trucks wind quickly around corners. An accident here can have deadly consequences.
The tub is not maintained by any program or official department. This is a completely community-maintained, honor-system area. Please treat it with respect and care so that the people after you can have a great time too.
Where to Stay Near Boat Box Hot Springs
Camping Near Boat Box Hot Springs
There is no camping on-site at Boat Box Hot Springs. However, there are plenty of campsites nearby!
Some of the closest campgrounds include Salmon River Campground, Riverside Campground, and Mormon Bend Campground.
Pro Tip: For exploring hot springs around Stanley, Idaho, Berty and I have stayed at Pine Flats Campground. It’s an hour from Boat Box but situated along Highway 21, but gives you access to more than 5 unique Idaho hot springs on the way there.
Cabins + Hotels Near Boat Box Hot Springs
Budget Choice ($): Triangle C Cabins. These cabins are the perfect spot for people who are looking for convenient accommodations. These cabins are simple, with a bed, bathroom, and sometimes a small kitchenette. If you want to spend most of your time out explore, book these cabins for a cozy place to crash at night!
In-Town Option ($$): Mountain Village Lodge. This lodge is right in town, with a restaurant next door and a gas station across the street! Guests also get access to their hot spring shed with a gorgeous view of the mountain range.
Luxury Choice ($$$): Redfish Lake Lodge. Choose between whole cabins, rooms in the main lodge, or duplex cabins for a unique experience that fits your group size. Sitting RIGHT on the lake, you have endless access to water activities, hiking trails, and so much more!
What To Pack For A Boat Box Hot Springs Trip
Read our full hot springs packing list, or keep scrolling for Boat Box – specific items to consider!
Packing List Essentials
Swimsuit – Boat Box Hot Springs is located on the edge of Highway 75, so swimsuits are a must.
Quick Dry Towel – There are plenty of high-quality, fast-drying towels on the market right now, so there is no reason to pack in bulky ones that take up unnecessary space. Our favorites are from Nomadix (with their cool national park prints) and Slowtide for their stylish Turkish rowels.
Water Sandals – We own these classic Teva Hurricane sandals, and they have the perfect amount of grip, plus velcro straps for easy on-and-off action! Boat Box does not require a hike, but you can expect to walk over sharp and potentially slippery rocks getting in and out of the pool.
Gas For Your Car – Boat Box Hot Springs is located just 3.3 miles from the town of Stanley, Idaho. However, if this is just the first stop on your trip north on Highway 75, you’ll want to fill up with gas. It will be your only reliable gas stop for quite some time.
Water and Snacks – Make sure to have fresh water and snacks on hand. Boat Box has a tendency of being extremely hot and deep, so it’s really easy to overheat quickly in this pool. Listen to your body, and make sure to use the attached bucket to dump in fresh cold river water if needed.
Sun Protection – This location is completely exposed to the sun. If you are visiting Boat Box during the day, make sure to pack a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself. Be cautious with sunscreen and bug spray, as these chemicals can spread into the water.
Route Directions – Boat Box Hot Springs isn’t well marked on Google Maps. Make sure you label the coordinates on an offline map so you can refer to them if you lose cell service. We use these road trip apps ALL THE TIME when finding Idaho hot springs!
Dry Bag – There are many reasons why a dry bag would be helpful when visiting Idaho hot springs. For Boat Box specifically, the tub is located alongside the river so if you want your items close, you’ll have to make sure they are protected from accidentally falling in near the rushing current.
We got these brightly colored dry bags from Amazon, which come in several sizes!
What NOT to bring (LeAve These At Home)
Glass – glass bottles are extremely hard to clean up outside, and can be a huge danger for others. If you must bring drinks, bring plastic, canned, or reusable cups. (Just remember to pack them out too!)
Enjoying Boat Box Hot Springs
So what can you do to prepare yourself for the best possible visit to Boat Box Hot Springs?
Below, we’re giving some general tips and advice on how to get the most out of your trip to this tiny tub.
Best Time to Visit Boat Box Hot Springs
For maximum enjoyment, we recommend coming very early in the morning. Even better, on a weekday to have the best chance of getting the pool to yourself.
Because it only fits two people, if there are already people there, you may have to wait nearby in your car until they are finished.
Take it from us: If you’re looking for a long, quiet visit, this is NOT the pool for you! Try going to a spot like Bonneville Hot Springs or Goldbug Hot Springs because these pools are harder to reach, therefore expecting fewer crowds.
Local Tip: We’ve visited Boat Box in both deep winter AND peak summer seasons. If you’ve got a dependable car and you’re comfortable driving in snow, you’ll encounter way less people in the winter. However, spring and summer provide extremely easy access, especially if you’re on a road trip and it’s just one stop of many!
Filling Up The Pool
Depending on the visitors prior to you, the pool may or may not be filled. In other Pacific Northwest hot springs (like Bagby Hot Springs) this is a hygienic practice that’s common.
If you find that the pool is dirty upon your arrival, you can open the valve at the base of the pool to drain it.
Is the pool is empty upon your arrival? use the white PVC pipe to funnel water into the pool.
We had to fill the tub on our most recent visit. It took about 15-20 minutes for the pool to fill up all the way.
We also took a while for us to find the right positioning for the pipe, for water to flow freely through! Keep trying until you find the right angle, and use nearby rocks to keep it in place if you don’t want to hold it.
Cooling The Pool Down
The water sourced from above is extremely hot! If you need to cool down the water, use the attached plastic bucket to fill up river water and dump it into the pool to reach your desired water temperature.
Safety Tip: Come with a buddy! If the water is too hot you could get disoriented and dizzy. Best to visit in pairs so you can keep each other safe – the water can get VERY hot.
Make sure to check the water temperature every bucket dump. The river water is much colder than you’d expect. We made the mistake of filling it up with too many river buckets!
Semi warm hot springs aren’t very fun to sit in (especially if it’s cold outside!) so check the temperature every time.
Soaking In Boat Box Hot Springs
Personally, this is one of our favorite hot springs in Idaho for its intimate nature!
It can only fit 1-2 people comfortably, (3 if you want to squeeze!) so it feels like you get up close and personal with the people you come with.
It also is fairly deep when you sit down, so it feels like it covers almost your entire body.
There are small ledges on the sides. This way, you can quickly pop out of the water and cool off if you need to!
How Long Should You Spend At Boat Box?
It takes about 15-20 minutes to fill the tub, and an additional 5 minutes to adjust the temperature with river water. Then how long you want to soak is up to you!
How long you spend there really depends on how many people are waiting. It’s not uncommon for a car to pull up and park while you’re soaking, waiting for their turn. You’ll find a “line” more likely in the summer, and less of a “line” in the winter.
Just note, it’s a little rude to park and get out of your car while people are there. We think the most courteous thing to do it drive by, and drive by again in 30 minutes to check if there are people still there.
Our experience: We did NOT run into any other visitors during our Boat Box sunrise visit in the winter. We stayed for about an hour. In the summer, we spent around 30 minutes there, as there was a car who pulled up as we were soaking, and felt like we had enough time in the pool.
Photography Tips
Take it from us, we take professional travel and landscape photos for a living!
The best angles for taking pictures at Boat Box depend on the time of day. Sunrise? Shoot facing east so you get the sun peeking out from behind the hillside with the tub in the foreground. Sunset? Do the opposite, just facing west.
Best lighting? We think the best pictures are taken around “golden hour” which are the hours right after sunrise and right before sunset.
Tips for shooting the river steam? Use a polarizer filter on your camera lens, to cut out that glare from the water!
Other Things To Do Near Stanley, Idaho (And More Hot Springs!)
Is Boat Box Hot Springs just one stop in your visit to Stanley, Idaho? Here are some other things to do near Stanley to elevate your experience!
Redfish Lake: Redfish Lake is a 15-minutes drive south of Stanley, Idaho. For a dreamy getaway, consider staying overnight at the Redfish Lake Lodge. Spend some time out on the water, or stroll the many scenic trails around the base of the Sawtooth Mountains! Keep driving south about 1-hour longer to hit the resort town of Sun Valley for another relaxing option!
Mountain Village Resort: Stanley’s Mountain Village Resort is one of the few private hot springs in the area. For access, guests of the hotel can sign up for a private 1-hour session for free. Day users can pay a small fee to visit the pool. This is an iconic Idaho hot springs for its dreamy setting and GORGEOUS mountain views!
Hiking in the Sawtooth National Forest: Love getting outside and exploring new places? the Sawtooth Mountains are for you! Take an overnight backpacking trip to the popular Alice Lake, or take some day trips to alpine lakes, wildflower-filled valleys, and much more.
Rafting the Salmon River: Want a historic Idaho combo? Raft the Salmon River during the day and wind down in the hot springs for the perfect Sawtooth summer getaway combination!
More Idaho Hot SPrings
Visiting other Idaho Hot Springs: Boat Box Hot Springs is just the beginning of many hot springs along Highway 75!
Keep driving north from Stanley to encounter Cove Creek Hot Springs, Sunbeam Hot Springs, Challis Hot Springs, Goldbug Hot Springs, and Jerry Johnson Springs.
Going west? Don’t forget to stop by Bonneville Hot Springs, Kirkham Hot Springs, Pine Flats Hot Springs, or Rocky Canyon Hot Springs!
Going south? Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs near Ketchum is a very fun soaking spot. Go even further to find Skillern Hot Springs or Worswick Hot Springs.
Have you visited Boat Box Hot Springs in Idaho? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comment section below!
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About The Authors: Berty and Emily Mandagie are the husband-and-wife travel photographers behind The Mandagies, where they document outdoor adventures across the Pacific Northwest and the Mountain West. Together, they’ve spent nearly a decade exploring Idaho’s hot springs, from hidden backcountry pools to historic community tubs like Boat Box. Their work has helped thousands of readers plan responsible, memorable trips to public lands while caring for the places they visit.