Pete Creek Hot Springs

Pete Creek Hot Springs is built around a sight worth the trip by itself: a hot waterfall pouring into the Middle Fork Boise River in the Atlanta area. The soak — small, user-built rock pools below the falls on the far side of the river — exists only seasonally, roughly August through October when the river runs low. On documented visits outside that window there were no pools at all, just the falls and a cold river crossing, so time this one carefully.

Pool Condition

Seasonal user-built rock-walled pools form below the waterfall at low water. For most of the year the site is submerged or pool-less; clarity is impossible to judge when the river is up.

Seasonal Notes

Ford the river only at low water — the soaking window is usually August through October, within the broader late-July-to-November low-water season. Most roads into Atlanta close in winter, and the Middle Fork Boise River Road is heavily washboarded year-round.

Camping

Plenty of National Forest campgrounds and primitive sites nearby, plus many other hot springs along the same corridor.

Pete Creek Hot Springs Soak Stats

• Season: August–October (low water)
• Access Type: River ford
• Public Land: Boise National Forest
• Elevation: 3,700 ft
• Water Temperature: Not documented
• Water Clarity: Hard to tell (pools submerged)
• Visibility: High
• Odor(s): n/a
• Nearest Town: Atlanta area
• Wildlife: Deer, elk, fox
• Usage Level: Light-moderate