Goldbug Hot Springs
Elk Bend (south of Salmon) · Salmon River corridor, US 93
Hike-inhike-in (the first quarter mile crosses private land on a public easement)no fee
°F scale 60–120
Waternot published
FeeFree to soak
Seasoncheck with the BLM
LandBLM (Salmon Field Office) trailhead; springs lie on the Salmon-Challis National Forest
WhereElk Bend (south of Salmon), Idaho
DriveMissoula ≈ 2 h 45, Boise ≈ 4 h 45
A free hike-in soak south of Salmon, with the trailhead on BLM land and the springs themselves on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Head 23 miles south of Salmon on Highway 93, turn east just past Elk Bend, and drive 0.3 miles on the county road. The first quarter mile of trail crosses private land on a public easement: keep dogs leashed there, stay on the path, and be a good guest, because courtesy is what keeps that access open. Nobody publishes the trail length, the number of pools or a water temperature, so bring water and decent shoes and give yourself plenty of daylight.
From Bureau of Land Management, Salmon Field Office, last checked 19 September 2026.