Goldbug Hot Springs, Natural hot spring in Lemhi County, Idaho.
Goldbug Hot Springs is a series of natural thermal pools cascading down a mountainside near Salmon, with each pool offering different water temperatures for soaking. The springs flow through rocky terrain, creating a chain of bathing spots at various elevations.
These springs served as a bathing and healing place for Native peoples long before European settlement reached the region. The site gained wider attention during the mining boom of the 1800s when prospectors traveled through the mountains.
The springs maintain their natural state through community stewardship, with visitors adhering to specific guidelines to preserve the environmental balance.
The trail to reach these springs is steep and rocky, requiring good hiking boots and plenty of water to carry along. Plan for a full morning or afternoon since the hike demands steady effort and proper preparation.
The lower pools stay cooler for comfortable soaking, while the upper pools can be too hot to enter safely. This natural temperature gradient lets visitors experience different bathing conditions by moving between pools.
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