Located right outside Stanley, Idaho, Boat Box Hot Springs is a tiny metal tub that sits alongside the beautiful Salmon River. It is one of the smallest and most unique hot springs in Idaho. Boat Box Hot Springs is an awesome little spot for those who want to spend some time soaking in the hot springs. Since it is only a few miles from Stanley, this hot spring is a perfect roadside escape after a rafting trip or a day of hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains.
Note: Please make sure to respect this beautiful place and the surrounding areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE. This means no loud music, no graffiti, no taking artifacts or fossilized items, and pack out what you pack in! Please help us protect this place for generations to come!
Stats
Where
Boat Box Hot Springs
44°14’41.2″N 114°53’10.0″W
Parking
There is a small pull-out on the side of the road, right next to the springs.
Restroom
There is no restroom
Fee
Free
Time:
15 minutes to a few hours (depending on how long you’re planning to soak)
Pet-friendly
Probably best if you leave your pets in the car.
Ideal Time
You can go any time. If you want the tub to yourself, you might want to go earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
Weather
Video
History of Boat Box Hot Springs
Boat Box Hot Springs actually has a very interesting history. It used to call Elkhart Hot Springs, a local favorite because of its proximity to town. The name eventually changed to Boat Box Hot Springs because of the wooden box tube that was once sat there. After a river flooding swept it away, it was replaced by the metal tub, secured by metal cables. This hot spring is maintained by the community of Stanley. It was and still is a popular spot for rafters as well as other visitors.
The Adventure
Getting There
Boat Box Hot Springs is super easy to find as it is located right on the side of Highway 75. From Stanley, head north on Highway 75 for 3.8 miles. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled. You should be able to see the tub on the right-hand side of the road. There is a small turn-out for parking, with only enough spaces for maybe 2 or 3 cars.
Visiting Boat Box Hot Springs
Once we pulled up to Boat Box Hot Springs, we were lucky enough to find an empty parking spot left. This place can get busy during peak season so it is best to go either early in the morning or later in the evening. There is a quick walk down the small hill to get to the metal tub. The tub is filled by a small pipe, channeling the hot water oozing out from the hot springs on the sidehill above. There is no faucet to turn off this pipe. You simply move it to the side and let the hot water run down to the river. If the water is too hot, you can cool it down using the cold river water. There is a small bucket next to the tub just for that purpose. This means that the water inside the metal tub can be really hot, therefore, always check the water before getting in.
Although the tub is tiny and only fits about 2-3 people, you can still enjoy the hot springs if the tub is full. There is hot water running down the side of the hill to the river. You can build yourself a little pool of hot springs right alongside the river by mixing the cool river water with the hot springs water.
Hot Springs Ettiquete
- Wear clothing | Boat Box is located along a busy road, it is not a place to soak in the nude. It is best to put your bits away.
- Limit soaking time to 30 minutes or less | As a general rule, it is polite to let someone else enjoy the tub after 30 minutes. If you’re there all by yourself, by all means, stay as long as you want. But it is nice to share. Honestly, about 20 minutes was probably long enough as the water is really hot.
- Take out your trash! Please don’t be that person that leaves trash wherever you go. If you bring it there, take it back with you. It’s not that hard
- Please DO NOT urinate or defecate in the water. Go use the restroom | Yep, just don’t do it. It shouldn’t even be an issue but it’s happened… Always, don’t use soap, shampoo, or such in the tub. It is not your bathroom.
If you’re visiting Central Idaho, we recommend checking this cute little hot spring out. We enjoyed our time here. If you love hot springs, stay tuned for more adventures as we explore a few more hot springs in the Stanley area.
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
- Swimsuits (the hot springs are located along the busy road, you don’t want to be nude for this…)
- Towels, change of clothes
- Water! You’ll get dehydrated fast in the hot springs.
- Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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