Beautiful Boat Box Hot Springs 😍 One of the best hot springs in Idaho and is set in the most beautiful spot: on the side of a river, surrounded by trees and a valley all round. It’s sometimes referred to as the witches cauldron and it’s easy to see why with the shape of the tub and the steam rising from the piping hot water.

It is the perfect remedy for a cold morning in Stanley, soaking in this picturesque tub surrounded by swirling mist and the golden light of the sun as it rises above the mountains. A trip to Boat Box hot springs should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Idaho.

A guide to Boat Box Hot Springs

If you’re feeling jaded or a little gloomy, then Boat Box is a place which will restore your faith in humanity once more. At some point, someone built a customised tub to collect the hot water from a local spring; not for profit or personal gain, but so anyone can turn up and enjoy. The tub is now maintained by the community who are happy for anyone to use it free of charge. These little acts of kindness just make you feel good about people and the world in general.

Boat Box is one of those places that you’d never see unless you knew it was there. The tub is just down from the road but isn’t visible until you get out your car and peer over. The giveaway is the steam that appears by the side of the road.

We arrived when it was 28F (-2C) outside and the steam looked like a dense patch of fog! After hopping out the car we made our way down to see this epic spot for ourselves. It didn’t disappoint.

How to use Boat Box Hot Spring

Boat box is pretty simple to work out and happily you have the freedom to control the temperature. Start by filling up using the white piping that is next to the hot water (be careful as the water is scolding hot!).

Then you can either choose to add ice cold water from the river or let the air temperature balance it out. In the middle of the day you’ll probably need cold water, but when it’s sub zero temperatures the air will work a gem.

The tub also has a valve you can open to drain the water if you need to add some more to balance it out.

It only fits 1-2 people comfortably, so don’t come with a big group expecting to all squeeze in!

Boat Box is one of our favourite hot springs in Idaho with it’s unique tub, ability to create the perfect water temperature and water which is deep enough to cover almost your entire body which is amazing in cold weather (and rare to find in Idaho).

The views from Boat Box Hot Springs at Sunrise

Essential info about Boat Box Hot Springs

Best time to go to Boat Box Hot Spring

Boat Box is no secret and as you can imagine, it’s very likely to be occupied in peak season. We decided to visit at sunrise so we could enjoy it without having to worry about a queue forming.

We’ve heard that some people have waited for an hour to have a dip, so be prepared to wait if you don’t want to make an early or late start.

If you feel a little weird about others waiting (or want a really long soak without anyone waiting for you to finish), then this isn’t the place for you! In the early morning it was idyllic, but knowing others are waiting might take an edge off the enjoyment.

If you are there when there is a queue then don’t stay too long so that everyone gets a chance to experience it.

How to get to Boat Box hot spring

Boat Box is a really short distance from Stanley and is about 3-4 miles east on Highway 75. The main thing to look for is the steam and a small lay-by on a sharp corner. Take it slow as the lay-by is pretty narrow and has virtually no stopping distance!

You can find the exact location on Google Maps by clicking here.

Other hot springs to consider which are nearby

Stanley has a plethora of hot springs and Boat Box is one of many you can choose from. Just down the road is Sunbeam Hot Springs, another stop on the side of the river and much bigger than Boat Box. These hot springs are in the river itself with small pools that have been created by damming off the hot water coming in. The deeper into the water you go, the cooler the temperature.

Another alternative is Stanley Mountain Village Hot Springs. This is one of the few in Idaho where you have to pay to get in (they are privately owned), but the views are pretty spectacular. The springs are in a rustic shed which overlooks the river and the Sawtooth Mountains which loom over Stanley.

If you’re willing to go further a field, then check out Kirkham Hot Springs and Goldbug. These two certainly have the wow factor and are a must for any hot spring addict.

Hot Springs etiquette

As with all natural areas you should leave the hot springs exactly as you found them. We were disappointed to see some littler at many of the springs. Pack out everything you bring in.

Don’t let dogs into the pools. Respect other people, many of the springs are tiny so let everyone have the chance to experience them - don’t stay for hours in one pool if it’s busy.

Clothing is optional at Boat Box hot spring so be mindful if taking photos in the area.

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