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Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs is located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along State Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Visitors enjoy soaking in popular Kirkham Hot Springs on the banks of the river and exploring the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail.
Kirkham Hot Springs is open for DAY USE ONLY from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING. Visitors will approach a locked gate, then cross the bridge to enter the site.
Natural Features:
The area offers little shade, though a few Ponderosa pines are scattered throughout the site. The site can be very hot and sunny during the summer. Wildflowers dot the landscape.
Recreation:
Kirkham Hot Springs is located at the river's edge. A trail leads down to the soaking pools and small steaming waterfalls. Take caution walking on rock surfaces near the hot springs. They are uneven and can be slick when wet.
Pets are welcome. Please keep them leashed at all times and away from the hot spring pools and runoff areas.
The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby on the road to Garden Valley. Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District's premier trails. It begins less than 1/4-mile away and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horses. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles.
Nearby Attractions:
Numerous natural hot springs pools can be found along Highway 21, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and the Banks-Lowman Highway, also known as the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway. Both byways offer scenic views, wildlife watching, historical information kiosks and several trail opportunities.
Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the South Fork and Main Payette Rivers. Several companies in the area offer guided half and full-day trips.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Open for DAY USE ONLY from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm with NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING. Visitors will approach a locked gate, then cross the bridge to enter the site. There is a $5.00 fee per-vehicle / per-day use fee for parking outside of the closed gate. |
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| Operational Hours: | Walk in from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. |
| Reservations: | No reservations are necessary. There is a $5.00 fee per-vehicle / per-day use fee for parking outside of the closed gate. |
| Open Season: | End of May - End of September |
| Closest Towns: | Lowman, Idaho |
| Water: | Drinking water is not available |
| Restroom: | Vault |
General Information
Directions:-
From Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 to Banks, Idaho approximately 38 miles.
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At Banks, turn right (east) onto State Highway 17 (Banks-Lowman Road) and travel 31 miles to Lowman, Idaho.
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At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21. Proceed east towards Stanley, Idaho along State Highway 21
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The campground is located 5 miles further at milepost 77.
Parking:
There is a $5.00 day use fee for parking outside of the locked gate. Please bring cash or checks.
Activities
Campground Camping
Kirkham Hot Springs - Day Use Only - No Camping.
River and Stream Fishing
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game manages the South Fork of the Payette River as a wild fishery. No stocking occurs along the river. However, fishing is a popular activity along the river with rainbow trout and whitefish being the predominant species.
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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Day Hiking
Interpretive trail (foot) - 0.2 miles.| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
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