Kirkham Hot Springs - Day Use Only


Lowman RD - Hot Springs near Kirkham Campground

Kirkham Hot Springs is open for DAY USE ONLY from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. 

Visitors will approach a locked gate, then cross the bridge to enter the site. There is a $5.00 day use fee for parking outside the gate.  

THERE IS NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING AT THIS TIME  

 

Overview:

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.

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: Kirkham Hot Springs is open for DAY USE ONLY from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. THE SITE REMAINS CLOSED TO OVER NIGHT 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.
Operational Hours: Walk in - 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. until further notice.
Fees: There is a $5.00 fee per-vehicle / per-day use fee for parking outside of the closed gate.  
Usage: Heavy
Closest Towns: Lowman, Idaho
Water: Drinking water is not available
Restroom: Vault
Information Center: There is a $5.00 day use fee for parking outside of the locked gate. Please bring cash or checks.  No entrance after 9 p.m.  Please contact the Lowman Ranger District at 208-259-3361 for questions. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided.  A small gas station/cafe and mechanic are nearby.

General Information

Directions:

From Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 55 to Banks, Idaho approximately 38 miles.

At Banks, turn right (east) onto State Highway 17 (Banks-Lowman Road) and travel 31 miles to Lowman, Idaho.

At Lowman, turn left at the intersection of State Highway 17 and State Highway 21.  Proceed east towards Stanley, Idaho along State Highway 21

The campground is located 5 miles further at milepost 77.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

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

Day Hiking

Interpretive trail (foot) - 0.2 miles.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Scenic Driving

Highway 21 winds along the South Fork of the Payette River below forested mountains. Interpretive signs along the highway north of Lowman describe the Lowman Fire of 1989. The forest was replanted and many of the small trees are now 4-5 feet in height.

Swimming

The rock and sand hot springs pools interspersed with a steaming waterfall come in all sizes, shapes, and temperatures.

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
44.07237

  Longitude : 
-115.54165

  Elevation : 
3,978