How Long Is The Gold Bug Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Goldbug Hot is located just south of Salmon, Idaho near mile marker 282 on Highway 93. The trailhead is accessed by a dirt road. The two-mile trail (

four miles round trip

) is well traveled and easy to navigate. The hike in can be difficult, climbing a total of 1,350 feet.

Is Goldbug Hot Springs free?


Campsites near Goldbug Hot Springs are FREE of charge

, as they are on BLM Land!

Can you camp at Gold Bug?


Goldbug Hot springs is an amazing hot springs to visit, and camp at

. While the trail is not to long, the last bit is steep, and you really feel it if your carrying a full backpack with a night stay at the hot springs.

How hot is the water at Goldbug Hot Springs?

Goldbug is listed as having a temperature of

113 °F (45 °C)

, but the temperature of the pools will vary depending on the time of year. The pools have a sand/gravel bottom and are dammed by boulders.

Can you hike Goldbug Hot Springs in the winter?

Winter: In the winter, temperatures can dip into the single digits or below. However, the heavy snowpack is the concern.

Due to Goldbug's high elevation, the snow can become a major burden and may stop many people from hiking

. Come prepared with winter gear if you're attempting to visit Goldbug in the winter months.

Which tiny Idaho town is known for its many hot springs?


Kirkham

is arguably the most famous (and most popular) hot springs in Idaho. This is partly because it is relatively close to Boise, but it's also because of the waterfall which serves as a shower!

Why does Idaho have so many hot springs?

Ninety percent of Idaho's 340 hot springs are the result of

leftover energy heating water near fault lines

. This energy is essentially leftover from a 17 million year old meteorite collision that occurred in present day southeast Oregon.

Can dogs go to Goldbug Hot Springs?

Access to this hot springs requires a hike from the trailhead which starts at the end of the county road. The first 1/4 mile of the trail passes through private property with public access provided by an easement.

Dogs must be leashed while crossing the private property

.

How many hot springs are in Idaho?

Yes! Idaho has

130 soakable hot springs

, more than any other state, thanks in large part to the Idaho Batholith, 15,400 square miles of mountains created over millions of years by colliding tectonic plates.

Is Trail Creek hot springs open?

Hot Spring Tips: ​Trail Creek Hot Springs is

open year round depending on the road conditions

. Check road conditions for accessibility. The hot springs may be submerged due to spring runoff. You should never camp close to a hot springs.

Are there hot springs in Montana?

In a state known for rugged landscapes and a long winter,

hot springs in Montana are one of the best ways to soak in the beauty of Big Sky country

. Many commercial facilities in the western half of the state offer natural hot spring pools with lodging and food options.

Where is Renova Hot Springs?

Renova Hot Springs is a undeveloped hot spring located

south of Whitehall, MT

. This hot springs is located on a back channel of the Jefferson River. This hot spring is very dependent on the water flow of the Jefferson River.

How long should you soak in hot springs?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, warm water works wonders to relieve pain, with effects that last long after your soak. For maximum therapeutic benefit, doctors recommend soaking for

20 minutes

at a time, combined with gentle stretches in the water.

Should you shower after hot springs?


Don't take a shower after you have finished

bathing

Medicinal components in the water will get washed off in the shower, and their effects will be reduced. If your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, please do rinse yourself off with fresh water.

Who owns Lava Hot Springs?

A:

The State Foundation

owns and operates the two main attractions in Lava Hot Springs.

What do hot springs smell like?

The minerals that make hot springs soaks so good for your health—sulfur in particular—can also generate an

egg-like scent

. The minerals are dissolved by the warm water as it comes to the surface from deep underground, so the amount of sulfur in the soil makes a difference.

What state has the most hot springs?


Nevada

has more hot springs than any other state in the country, with more than 300 occurring naturally. Many can be found in Northern Nevada.

Why are hot springs good for you?

Hot springs are a rich source of sulfur and its healing benefits include

treating skin irritations and infections such as rashes and eczema

. Sulfur-rich hot springs are also thought to help treat dry scalp, arthritic pain and internal problems such as menopausal symptoms and digestive disorders.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.