Paradise Hot Springs

Camas County, Idaho · Near Fairfield
43.5530°N, 115.2670°W · 4,480 ft
126°F 4,480 ft Short Walk Camping nearby (1.8 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Paradise Hot Springs LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Paradise Hot Springs
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.

Paradise Hot Springs sits in Camas County, about 27 miles out from Fairfield. When USGS came through in 1981 the water was running well above soaking temperature, and the flow was modest, half a cubic foot a second. Ownership and access have never been recorded, so the name is no invitation to walk in.

Location
30 miles from Glenns Ferry, ID

Grouse Creek Road passes within a couple hundred yards, a short stroll from wherever you park. The spring sits at middling mountain elevation. Snowfall runs close to eight feet over a winter and the climate is otherwise dry, with cool temperatures across the year.

Elks Flat Campground is under two miles off, the closest camp in the record. Winter is the season the record favors, though eight feet of snow means you will want to know the road is open before you drive out. The water was hot at the last measurement and would have needed cooling before anyone sat in it. With no owner named, ask around in Fairfield before you count on soaking.

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 Paradise Hot Springs.

Setting
Hillside
The spring sits on a steep slope that climbs to the east.
Highest ground nearby
359 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
131 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's about twice the US average of 65. It's higher than at 81% 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
24°
Jan
27°
Feb
34°
Mar
40°
Apr
50°
May
61°
Jun
71°
Jul
70°
Aug
60°
Sep
46°
Oct
32°
Nov
22°
Dec
Annual Precip: 24.2 in Annual Snow: 94.9 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 22°F · Water 126°F · +104° contrast
January Air 24°F · Water 126°F · +102° contrast
February Air 27°F · Water 126°F · +99° contrast
December offers 49°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
SSE 2.3 mph
Today 74° Low 40° Sunny
Spring is +52° warmer
Wednesday 80° Low 45° Sunny
Spring is +46° warmer
Thursday 72° Low 40° Showers And Thunderstorms Likely 73% precip
Spring is +54° warmer
Friday 72° Low 39° Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers 18% precip
Spring is +54° warmer
Saturday 75° Low 41° Sunny 4% precip
Spring is +51° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1981-07-16

The water at Paradise Hot Springs is alkaline (pH 9.5).

pH 9.5 Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Calcium 2 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Sodium 46 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 16 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 3 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Elks Flat Campground 1.8 mi away

Overview Elks Flat Campground is situated on the banks of the South Fork Boise River, at the foot of the Trinity Mountain Range in Idaho. It is five miles north of the town of Pine. Visitors enjoy fishing, swimming and exploring trails in the surrounding area. Recreation The South Fork Boise River runs along the eastern edge of the campground, offering rafting, swimming and fishing for rainbow trout. Paradise Hot Springs is nearby. Green Creek Trail 270, a 4.5-mile trail for hiking, horsebac...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
126°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 126°F (52°C)
Avg Air Temp 45°F
Above Ambient +81°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Short Walk
Nearest Road Grouse Creek Road
Distance to Road 0.1 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Paradise Hot Springs?
Paradise Hot Springs has a water temperature of 126°F (52°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Paradise Hot Springs located?
Paradise Hot Springs is located in Camas County, Idaho at 4,480 feet elevation, near Fairfield. Coordinates: 43.5530°N, 115.2670°W.
How do I get to Paradise Hot Springs?
Paradise Hot Springs has Short Walk road access, with the nearest road being Grouse Creek Road (0.1 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Paradise Hot Springs?
Yes, Elks Flat Campground is located nearby (1.8 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Paradise Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Calcium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.5 (alkaline).
Is it safe to soak at Paradise Hot Springs?
With care. At 126°F Paradise 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