Ahh, fall. The air is crisp, the leaves are beginning to change color, and it’s the perfect time to plan a hot springs adventure. We consider ourselves downright lucky to live in a state that’s loaded with undeveloped, natural hot springs where you can sit back and soak in the views. You can’t go wrong when seeking one of them out, but the beautiful Skillern Hot Springs makes for an especially fantastic fall outing. This natural hot springs pool is just a 3-mile hike away (6-miles round trip), and it’s worth every single step.
Looking for that perfect mountain hot spring for cozying up in this autumn season? Consider a visit to Skillern Hot Springs, a natural soaking spot hiding in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest.
Located just north of Fairfield, Skillern Hot Springs is a 3-mile trek away from the trailhead. This means you'll be hiking a total of six miles in the remote Sawtooth National Forest, but it's so worth it. With a mild elevation gain of 567-feet, this is a moderate adventure with the perfect payoff.
The trailhead is about an hour drive away from Fairfield. To find it, take Soldier Creek Road north out of town and follow it as it turns into NF-94. Take NF-94 for several miles and stay left onto Forest Road 227. After 5.6-miles, turn right onto Boise River Road/NF-12 and follow it to the trailhead at the end.
Despite being tucked away in a relatively remote region, the trail is well-marked as it winds alongside the river. After hiking for approximately two miles, you'll come across a fork in the trail with two signs. Take the "High Trail" for a slightly more challenging experience, or the "Low Trail" for an easier time (but with some river crossings tossed in the mix.)
After about three miles, you'll finally arrive at your destination: Skillern Hot Springs. Tucked away from the main path, simply follow the river bend to an area with a gorgeous soaking pool.
The warm spring water—seemingly like magic—pours out from the massive boulder and down into the pool below. Surrounded by a rich forest landscape for as far as you can see, it definitely makes for a scenic place to sit and relax on a cool autumn day.
There's no time like the present to get out there and take advantage of Idaho's beautiful natural hot springs. The moderate hike to Skillern Hot Springs definitely takes some effort to seek out and accomplish, but the picturesque pool at the end is more than worth it. Check out the trail map here.
