Oakley Hot Spring

Cassia County, Idaho · Near Burley
42.1730°N, 113.8610°W · 5,322 ft
118°F 36°F air · Good soaking weather 5,322 ft Short Walk Camping nearby (10.1 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Oakley Hot Spring LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Oakley Hot Spring
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Oakley Hot Spring is a hot source in Cassia County, about twenty-five miles from Burley and a little under four hundred feet from a road whose name is not on file. The water is hot, past easy soaking temperature. The land owner and the access rules did not make it into the record, which you will want to settle before you visit.

Location

Dry upland at a bit over five thousand feet, where precipitation is scant and the winter snow totals a few feet. That it is a short walk from the road is the only access detail on file. Independence Lakes Campground is the nearest camping, ten miles or so. Neither the land owner nor any management unit is recorded.

Midwinter gets the best-months nod. The water is hot enough to require testing before you get in, and the temperature dates to a 1972 survey, so it could run hotter or cooler now. Independence Lakes Campground is the closest camping listed. Confirm that the spring is on public ground before you go. There is no access entry.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Oakley Hot Spring.

Setting
Hillside
The spring sits on a steep slope that climbs to the south.
Highest ground nearby
356 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the south
Cross-section through the spring

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

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

Heat Below
125 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about twice the US average of 65. It's higher than at 75% 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
22°
Jan
26°
Feb
35°
Mar
43°
Apr
53°
May
65°
Jun
75°
Jul
74°
Aug
63°
Sep
48°
Oct
34°
Nov
23°
Dec
Annual Precip: 16.6 in Annual Snow: 44.4 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 22°F · Water 118°F · +96° contrast
December Air 23°F · Water 118°F · +96° contrast
February Air 26°F · Water 118°F · +92° contrast
January offers 53°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
36°F
NNE 3.6 mph Good soaking weather
Today 72° Low 48° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +46° warmer
Wednesday 74° Low 55° Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers 18% precip
Spring is +44° warmer
Thursday 70° Low 48° Chance Light Rain then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 29% precip
Spring is +48° warmer
Friday 67° Low 45° Sunny 10% precip
Spring is +51° warmer
Saturday 70° Low 46° Sunny 5% precip
Spring is +48° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1972-10-26

The water at Oakley Hot Spring is alkaline (pH 8.7).

pH 8.7 Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 3 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 0 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 87 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 22 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 53 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Independence Lakes Campground 10.1 mi away

Independence Lake Campground and Picnic Area is a non-fee campground and picnic area where reservations are not required. There are 5 single sites.  This area is accessible for a season that varies usually between July through October. Sites are handicapped accessible. Campground amenities include 9 tables and grills, toilets, and livestock facilities. No drinking water or trash service is available. Nearby Independence Lakes Trail (#35) is 3.1 miles to the Lake. Only non-motorized travel is...

Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 5,322 ft

Oakley Hot Spring sits at 5,322 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 21% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
118°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 118°F (48°C)
Avg Air Temp 47°F
Above Ambient +71°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 380 ft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Oakley Hot Spring?
Oakley Hot Spring has a water temperature of 118°F (48°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Oakley Hot Spring located?
Oakley Hot Spring is located in Cassia County, Idaho at 5,322 feet elevation, near Burley. Coordinates: 42.1730°N, 113.8610°W.
How do I get to Oakley Hot Spring?
Oakley Hot Spring has Short Walk road access (380 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Oakley Hot Spring?
Yes, Independence Lakes Campground is located nearby (10.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Oakley Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 8.7 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Oakley Hot Spring?
With care. At 118°F Oakley Hot Spring 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