Dash Creek Hot Springs

Valley County, Idaho · Near Cascade
44.3820°N, 115.8410°W · 4,100 ft
138°F 4,100 ft Open Short Walk US Forest Service Camping nearby (1.4 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Dash Creek Hot Springs

The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Dash Creek is hot, pushing a hundred and forty, the point where water stops being something to sit in. It is Boise National Forest water in Valley County, thirteen miles from Cascade. The public may go. From the nearest road there is half a mile of walking. Boiling Springs Cabin, the nearest place to camp in the record, is under a mile and a half away.

Location

Half a mile on foot, road unnamed. Elevation is forty-one hundred feet, and the snow is heavy, over thirteen feet in a typical winter, with a wet year overall. Forest Service land. Nothing in the file describes the trail or the pools, and no road is named for the start of the walk.

The source will burn you. Winter carries the best rating, which cannot be taken at face value given thirteen feet of snow. No water chemistry exists for this site. Boiling Springs Cabin is the closest camping. Open access on forest ground.

Terrain

USGS hasn't flown a detailed laser scan here yet, so this view comes from aerial photos and older elevation data.

Setting
Canyon floor
Steep ground climbs away on both sides of the spring.
Highest ground nearby
364 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the east
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from west to east, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
137 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about twice the US average of 65. It's higher than at 87% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
27°
Jan
29°
Feb
36°
Mar
40°
Apr
49°
May
60°
Jun
71°
Jul
70°
Aug
60°
Sep
46°
Oct
33°
Nov
24°
Dec
Annual Precip: 36.3 in Annual Snow: 160.7 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 24°F · Water 138°F · +114° contrast
January Air 27°F · Water 138°F · +111° contrast
February Air 29°F · Water 138°F · +109° contrast
December offers 47°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
Tuesday 71° Low 43° Sunny
Spring is +67° warmer
Wednesday 78° Low 49° Sunny
Spring is +60° warmer
Thursday 71° Low 53° Rain Showers 79% precip
Spring is +67° warmer
Friday 70° Low 51° Chance Rain Showers 37% precip
Spring is +68° warmer
Saturday 73° Low 48° Sunny 7% precip
Spring is +65° warmer
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature 151.7°F (66.5°C) Measured Jul 08, 1979
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Boiling Springs Cabin 1.4 mi away

Overview The cabin area is open to the general public.Boiling Springs Cabin is a popular destination for those who enjoy soaking in mineral hot springs that are adjacent to the cabin. Other hot springs are within the vicinity as well. Guests who stay here also have a variety of other recreational activities to enjoy, such as fishing, hiking, and off-road motor vehicle riding. The cabin offers many conveniences, but guests should bring some supplies like water and equipment to ensure a comfort...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
138°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 138°F (59°C)
Avg Air Temp 46°F
Above Ambient +93°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.5 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Boise National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Dash Creek Hot Springs?
Dash Creek Hot Springs has a water temperature of 138°F (59°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Dash Creek Hot Springs located?
Dash Creek Hot Springs is located in Valley County, Idaho at 4,100 feet elevation, near Cascade. Coordinates: 44.3820°N, 115.8410°W.
How do I get to Dash Creek Hot Springs?
Dash Creek Hot Springs has Short Walk road access (0.5 mi from the road).
Is Dash Creek Hot Springs free to visit?
Dash Creek Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Dash Creek Hot Springs?
Yes, Boiling Springs Cabin is located nearby (1.4 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Dash Creek Hot Springs?
With care. At 138°F Dash Creek Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.
Sources: USGS NWIS