Originally published Winter 2018 | Last updated January 26, 2026
It’s no secret, the plethora of Idaho hot springs are hard to ignore!
Each one comes with its own beauty and unique experience, but one of our favorites has to be Trail Creek Hot Springs. On our last trip there, snow was falling gently as we enjoyed hopping in between steaming pools and freezing cold creek water. (a free cold plunge!)
Also called Samuel’s Hot Springs, this natural soak is about 2 hours from Boise, Idaho near a town called Cascade, tucked away in the Boise National Forest.
We’re sharing with you directions to get there, what to expect, and tips on how to make the most of your stay at this amazing hot springs in Idaho!
If you’re new here: We’re Berty and Emily Mandagie, travel bloggers and PNW photographers and we live in the neighboring state of Washington! We have spent the past decade exploring Idaho’s magical hot springs, everything form commercial to backcountry soaks. We hope you enjoy our first-hand experience to help you plan your own Idaho soaks!
Directions to Trail Creek Hot Springs
Where is Trail Creek Hot Springs? Trail Creek Hot Springs is located off Warm Lake Road (NF-22), just east of the town of Cascade, Idaho.
From Cascade, you need to drive about 40 minutes east from Highway 55 to reach your destination at the coordinates 44.6236501,-115.8019843. Here are other driving times from other popular locations nearby:
Trail Creek Hot Springs Directions:
- Directions From McCall, Idaho : 49 miles, 1-hour drive
- Directions From Boise, Idaho: 98 miles, 2-hour 10-minute drive
- Kirkham Hot Springs to Trail Creek Hot Springs: 94 miles, 2-hour 5-minute drive
The hot springs are very easy to miss as you drive by because there is no signage and no official parking lot. To make sure you reach the springs, we recommend saving these coordinates on Google Maps and downloading an offline map of the area (directions on how to do that in this post) to assist in locating it.
Local Tip: These pools are popular in the winter! If you are trying to locate the springs, you can likely track other tire marks to see where a popular pullout is. If it’s near your coordinates…that’s probably the pull out to park in!
The History of the Springs
Trail Creek Hot Springs also goes by the popular name Samuel’s Hot Springs.
It’s a local favorite of Southwest Idaho residents of nearby towns like Cascade, McCall, and Garden Valley, making it an easy weekend trip from Boise.
As far as we know, it wasn’t necessarily used by the indigenous people in the area (though it totally could have been!). Instead, we know for sure that early locals modified the area for deeper pools, regulating temperature, and making the soaking experience easy for visitors.
Located in the Payette and Boise National Forest (based on this map that shows crossover), Trail Creek Hot Springs is a natural spring, blocked off by boulders and cement to create pools that sit right next to the river. Locals even put in spigots to feed in creek water, to change temperature if desired.
Trip Ideas: If you’re spending more time near Cascade, Idaho, consider checking out Burgdorf Hot Springs, McCall Idaho (especially in winter!), or the beautiful Kirkham Hot Springs to add to your soaking bucket-list.
Parking & Trail Details
This is a year-round hot spring. Warm Lake Rd is open year round (expect for instances in extreme snowfall) so it’s accessible, and in our opinion, preferred, in the winter season.
The ‘parking lot’ is just a wide dirt pullout on the south side of the road. Once parked, locate the trail from the pullout, and head down the sloping path to reach Trail Creek Hot Springs.
From the parking lot, there is an easy-to-locate, short trail down to the springs below.
Winter Safety Tip: The short footpath to the pools is very steep and acts as a slide in the winter season, with compacted snow and ice from heavy use. We HIGHLY recommend packing and wearing microspikes for better traction.
Last time we were there, we used a rope tied between the trees, to help assist you as you go up and down the steep trail. Look out for if it’s still there on your own trip.
There are also boards that help you cross the creek without having to step in the water. Just be cautious in icy conditions!
There are no bathrooms, trash cans, or other amenities. Please pack out everything you brought in.
What To Pack For A Trail Creek Hot Springs Trip
Read our full hot springs packing list, or keep scrolling for Trail Creek specific items to consider!
- Slip-On/Off Shoes: Pack slip on shoes for minimal fussing. We like Teva Universal sandals to wear in and out of the water, or Teva Ember Mocs for easy outdoor slippers.
- Towel: Choose a lightweight & quick-dry towel that isn’t bulky or heavy. We prefer ones by Nomadix, but any quick dry towel works fine!
- Water Bottle: Water is essential when soaking in hot springs! A Nalgene bottle is a perfect companion for a soak! Remember: Do NOT bring glass to a hot spring.
- Dry Bag: Near water, there is always a risk for items getting wet. Pack a dry bag to stow away important items like keys, cell phones, and cameras. You can also bring a big tote, (we love the gear hauler by Cotopaxi – its waterproof!) to hold bulky items like towels and coats.
- Snacks: Bring easy-to-eat snacks to keep up your energy when soaking. Remember to pack out all your trash, including orange peels and apple cores!
Coming in the winter? Bring microspikes, a big parka, and a trash bag (or a big dry bag!) to stuff everything in to keep it from getting wet on the snowy ground.
Unique Pool Features
Trail Creek Hot Springs has a series of pools to choose from, each with its own varying features and sizes.
They have been dammed by boulders, and include valves to introduce river water into the pools to regulate the temperature. Please follow these hot springs etiquette tips, and leave these essential structures in place!
The source of Trail Creek Hot Springs (Samuel’s Hot Springs) can be up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. (YIKES!)
Thankfully, the hot springs are regulated by human-built PVC piping that connects the cold river waters to the pools.
This way, you can regulate not only the temperature of your certain pool, but the volume of the water as well. The hot spring pools average between 100 – 110 degrees.
The soaking pools are semi-deep, (especially the upper pool) which means you can enjoy the full experience of the springs and not get too chilly in the winter air. Win! When sitting down, we were immersed up to our stomachs.
Trail Creek Hot Springs Etiquette (Quick Guide)
Trail Creek is a natural, community-maintained hot spring. Please help keep it beautiful by following these key, locally-specific rules in the Boise and Payette National Forest:
- Leave it as you found it: Don’t move the rock walls or pipes; they regulate water flow and temperature, and keep water separated.
- No additives: No glass, soap, or sunscreen in the pools. The creek connects to bigger bodies of water.
- Pack it out: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Consider bringing an extra bag to pack out even more.
- Respect others: Keep voices low, share space, and ask before taking photos.
- Be safe in winter: Use microspikes to avoid clinging on to nearby tree branches.
For more tips on responsible soaking, read our full Hot Springs Etiquette Guide.
Have you visited Trail Creek Hot Springs in Idaho? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comment section below!
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