Country
United States
Reviews
No reviews yet
Family friendly
Yes
Terrain
Rock
Season
Year-round (spring and autumn are most comfortable)
About Goldbug Hot Springs
Goldbug Hot Springs, also known as Elk Bend Hot Springs, is an undeveloped chain of geothermal pools on a side creek in a steep canyon east of the Salmon River, on Bureau of Land Management land about 23 miles south of Salmon, Idaho. Nobody runs it as a business: there is no fee, no staff and nothing at the springs themselves. Hot water spills down the creek through a series of rock-lined pools, at least five and by some counts six, linked by small cascades. Temperatures vary from pool to pool, with the hottest generally nearest the trail and cooler water where the creek mixes in. The largest is a heart-shaped pool just past the upper footbridge, and a quieter waterfall pool lies below it. There is no written clothing rule, but nude soaking is common and widely accepted here, and guides warn first-timers that they are likely to meet nude bathers. Swimsuits turn up more on busy summer and autumn weekends. The springs are reachable all year, and winter visits reward hikers with snowy scenery and fewer people. Primitive campsites with fire rings sit along the lower trail, but camping is not allowed within 500 feet of the springs.
Legal context & local rules
The BLM page does not mention clothing, and Idaho has no specific rule permitting nudity on BLM land; nude soaking here is a long-standing informal custom rather than an official designation. Respect the private-property easement on the first quarter mile.
Public nudity is largely prohibited in the US under indecent exposure laws which vary significantly by state. Vermont has no state-level law against public nudity, making it unique. Florida designates specific beaches as clothing-optional (Haulover Beach, Blind Creek State Park). Federal jurisprudence under the First Amendment has occasionally recognised nude expression in protests, though states regulate for public decency standards. Most states prohibit exposure of "sexual organs" in public under statutes similar to Florida Statute § 800.03.
What’s here
Getting there and visiting
From US Highway 93 south of Elk Bend, turn east near mile marker 282 onto Warm Springs Road and follow the county road about 0.3 miles to the trailhead, roughly 30 minutes from Salmon. Parking is free; the trailhead has a toilet and information boards, and cars may stay overnight but nobody may sleep in them. The trail is about 2 miles each way with roughly 1,000 to 1,350 feet of gain: an easy valley-floor start, then a steep climb with rock stairs and a rockslide. The first quarter mile crosses private land on a public easement, so stay on the path and keep dogs leashed there. In winter, microspikes help. No wheelchair access.
What visitors say
Visitors describe the hike as short but tougher than expected because of the steep upper section, and say the payoff is a string of pools with canyon views that feel more remote than the drive suggests. Clothing-optional soaking is the norm and most people are relaxed about it, though some recommend carrying a suit for busy weekends. Summer and autumn weekends can be crowded, while winter is quieter but icy. Guides stress packing out all trash, keeping soap and sunscreen out of the water and using the trailhead toilet, as there is none at the pools.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Before you go
- 1 Check the current local rules and access conditions before travelling.
- 2 Bring a towel and sit on it when using shared seating.
- 3 Never take photographs of other people without clear consent.
- 4 Respect the venue’s clothing, privacy, and behaviour rules.
Location
⌖View this place on the map
44.9052, -113.9294
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at Goldbug Hot Springs?
There is no posted rule either way, but nude soaking is common and widely tolerated. Expect to see nude bathers and keep a suit handy if you prefer one.
How long is the hike?
About 2 miles each way with roughly 1,000 to 1,350 feet of climbing; the second half is steep with rock steps.
Does it cost anything?
No. Parking and soaking are free and no permit is needed.
Can I camp at the springs?
Not at the pools: camping is not allowed within 500 feet of the springs, but there are free primitive sites along the lower trail on BLM land.
Is it open in winter?
Yes, it can be reached all year, but expect snow and ice on the steep section and bring traction devices.
Sources
- Goldbug Hot Springs - Bureau of Land Management Official
- Goldbug Hot Springs in Idaho (8 Essential Tips) - The Mandagies
- Goldbug Hot Springs, ID: Hiking Trail Guide - My Open Country (search result)
- Goldbug Hot Springs - Hot Springs Locator (search result)
Researched 25 October 2026 .
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