Goat Hot Springs

Valley County, Idaho · Near Cascade
44.4000°N, 115.8200°W · 4,320 ft
Hot 4,320 ft Open Hike US Forest Service Camping nearby (3.0 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Goat Hot Springs

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

Goat Hot Springs sits in the Boise forest, Valley County, thirteen miles out of Cascade, open to the public, with a hike of a little over a mile to reach it. Hot, says the survey, which never measured it, so temperature is a blank. What it does have is a chemistry sample and a USGS site number, which tells you somebody walked in with bottles in 1979.

Location

A mile and a quarter on foot from an unnamed road. Elevation is forty-three hundred feet, the snowpack runs to thirteen feet, and the year is wet. Boiling Springs Cabin is three miles off and is the nearest camping in the record. The file carries nothing about the hike itself.

No season is listed. The July 1979 sample gives pH and minerals and nothing on heat, so bring no expectations about soaking. The public may visit; Forest Service ground. Boiling Springs Cabin if you want to sleep nearby, three miles from the spring.

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
644 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the southeast
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from north to south, about 0.6 miles end to end.

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

Heat Below
128 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about twice the US average of 65. It's higher than at 78% 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
26°
Jan
29°
Feb
35°
Mar
40°
Apr
48°
May
59°
Jun
70°
Jul
70°
Aug
60°
Sep
45°
Oct
32°
Nov
24°
Dec
Annual Precip: 36.3 in Annual Snow: 160.7 in
Current Conditions
Today 68° Low 48° Sunny
Wednesday 76° Low 52° Sunny
Thursday 68° Low 49° Rain Showers 80% precip
Friday 67° Low 46° Chance Rain Showers 38% precip
Saturday 71° Low 48° Sunny 7% precip
Water Chemistry Sampled 1979-07-08

The water at Goat Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.3).

pH 9.3 Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 1 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Sodium 65 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 16 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 7 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Boiling Springs Cabin 3.0 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
Hot
Warm Hot Boiling
Avg Air Temp 45°F
Access
Open
Road Access Hike
Distance to Road 1.2 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 Goat Hot Springs?
Goat Hot Springs is classified as hot. An exact temperature measurement has not been recorded.
Where is Goat Hot Springs located?
Goat Hot Springs is located in Valley County, Idaho at 4,320 feet elevation, near Cascade. Coordinates: 44.4000°N, 115.8200°W.
How do I get to Goat Hot Springs?
Goat Hot Springs has Hike road access (1.2 mi from the road).
Is Goat Hot Springs free to visit?
Goat Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Goat Hot Springs?
Yes, Boiling Springs Cabin is located nearby (3.0 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Goat Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.3 (alkaline).
Sources: USGS NWIS