Gold Bug Hot Springs

Goldbug Hot Springs is a hot spring located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest about 20 miles south of Salmon, Idaho. The spring is along Warm Spring Creek and there are about six waterfall-fed pools. Goldbug is listed as having a temperature of 113 °F, but the temperature of the pools will vary depending on the time of year. The pools have a sand/gravel bottom and are dammed by boulders. Due to the hike and remoteness of the trailhead, it is not usually crowded. Water from Goldbug Hot Springs flows into Warm Springs Creek, which flows into the Salmon River. The trailhead for Goldbug Hot Springs can be accessed from a well-maintained dirt road off US 93. The first .25 miles of the trail is on private land that is part of a Bureau of Land Management easement. Hikers will experience 1,350 feet in elevation gain along the 2 miles hike. The trail is maintained with sturdy bridges, and there are sections where hikers will be climbing steps. The last .5 miles of the hike is the steepest, and the trail continues beyond the hot spring itself. Camping is prohibited at the trailhead, on the easement and within 500 feet of the hot spring itself. Along the trail, however, there are numerous primitive campgrounds. There is also a campground above the highest pool along Warm Spring Creek. Overnight campers will enjoy almost zero light pollution. The hot spring is free and open year-round. It is not unusual to find visitors skinny dipping.