Home: Idaho Hot Springs: Loftus Natural Hot Spring
Boise National Forest Overall Rating: C+
3,600 ft Water Temperature: Upper pool 108°, lower pool 100°
Atlanta Area Usage Level: Extreme

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07.16.02: How sweet it is!


07.16.02: Mmmmm Hmmmm


07.16.02: Looking down on the lower pool


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General Description
Loftus features two, sturdy user built rock pools (top pool reinforced with mortar) with sandy bottoms located along the Middle Fork of the Boise River Road.
Dates Visited: Trash Levels: Bug Levels:
09.16.06 EXTREME none
07.16.02 low light

Water Clarity:
Clear to Semi-Clear

Visibility:
High

Odor(s):
n/a

Wildlife Sighted: Deer, Elk & Cougar
Seasonal Notes
Usable all year - note winter access via the only route open (usually) can be very dangerous. Check road conditions with the Forest Service before committing to a winter journey to this area.
Camping Notes
There are a handful of campsites near the hot spring, not to mention plenty of nearby National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites. Expect wild partiers here - at times I've even encountered multiple kegs with groups of 20+ people. This hot springs has become a favorite party spot for young hunters and ATVers.

Briefings

09.16.06
I almost ran over a drunken hunter guy on approach to Loftus. After finally finding a spot amongst the myriad of partiers, I realized that there were at least 2 kegs present. The partiers were a combination of hunters and ATVers from Boise. It was around 10am and most everyone was wasted and there was trash everywhere. You can imagine how shocked I was to find the pool empty. I admit that I was a bit skeptical though, trying not to let my mind wander about what went on in the pool the night before. That thought alone was probably why my soak was short. Or, it could have been the cold looks from the inebriated, so called 'outdoor enthusiasts'.
Rating: D

07.28.03 Guest Briefing
The upper pool at Loftus is in good shape except for a loose rock in the seat part. The lower pool is very small and goobery. Lots of poison ivy in the area too so you have to be careful. Someone built a fire next to the upper pool close enough for burnt wood to get into the pool. We cleaned it but there is still a lot in the pool. 2 of the 3 times we visited there were at least 10 people present.
-Daryl

07.16.02
The two steamy pools of Loftus are located right off the washboard road between Boise and Atlanta along the Middle Fork of the Boise River. We visited Loftus on a day when the high temp. was close to 100 (out of the water). The evening felt just as hot due to the overcast conditions and scattered T-storms. The rough road was most definitely the worst part of the whole excursion. The upper pool is in great condition thanks to much volunteer work. Its temperature is a bit on the toasty side though. The lower pool sports a better soaking temperature, but isn't nearly as nice as the pool above. Watch out for poison ivy!
Rating: B

Average Rating: C+
Traffic Updates

06.12.03
Driving by Loftus a total of 4 times on this day (to and fro other HS in the area) revealed that it experienced a continual stream of visitors all day and night. Although, only 1 group was camping at the springs, many people camping in the area or on a drive stopped by for a soak.

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