How to enjoy Worswick Hot Springs: Sawtooth National Forest – Fairfield, Idaho

Dreamy and steamy views await near Soldier Mountain! Hundreds of Idaho Hot Springs can be found throughout the state, some natural and some commercial. This specific natural hot spring is a special one. There are a few pools spread out on a mountain side with streams trickling into each of them. They are mostly formed with river stones. Worswick Hot Springs is one of the few truly magical springs out in the forest & totally natural. It allows you to reconnect with nature and take in the beauty of the world. Remember to leave no trace always to respect this truly stunning piece of nature.

By adhering to the Leave No Trace principles, we can ensure that Worswick Hot Springs remains a pristine haven for future generations.

Want this swim suit? Get 15% off Londre sustainable swimwear using code EARTHTOSARAH15 on https://londrebodywear.com

Directions to Worswick Hot Springs

Where is Worswick Hot Spring? Located north of Fairfield, Idaho; it is 2.5 hours from Boise, and 2 hours from Twin Falls.

The Worswick Hot Spring parking lot is located about 20 miles from Fairfield, and takes around an hour to drive. Take road 227 off of road 094 at Little Smoky Campground. Google maps also works by typing in ‘Worswick Hot Springs’. The road can be bumpy, and is not serviced in the winter.* As you navigate the gravel roads, be mindful of wildlife and livestock that may be sharing the path with you. Drive slowly and carefully to ensure their safety and yours.

*Important Seasonal Note!! These springs are only accessible when the snow is completely melted. The road does, however, turn into a snowmobile path. Use caution if accessing them this way as avalanche danger in this area is high. The best time we recommend visiting this Idaho hot spring is late spring, summer, and fall. Fall nights bring chilly mountain air, and the hot spring’s steam rises in the sun. It is a gorgeous place to relax!

Shop my storefront for my camera and hiking gear: https://www.amazon.com/shop/earthtosarahphotos

Finding the Springs

Upon arrival, you’ll spot a restroom and a sign marking ‘Worswick Hot Springs.’ This is below the pools. Before setting off to the springs, take a moment to prepare. Remember to carry all your essentials, including water, towels, and a garbage bag for your waste. I recommend having a blanket to lay out and set all your belongings on so you don’t forget anything and keep it all dry/clean. Take Liquid IV to have extra electrolytes in you so you don’t get dehydrated. Use this link to get $5 off! https://glnk.io/qv1w/earthtosarahphotos

The hot springs are a short hike up from the parking area. Follow any of the paths to one of the 3 main top pools which are the warmest, or stay near the stream at the bottom to soak in cooler pools. The two main pools are in center in sight above the lot, and one of the main pools is hidden behind a hill(to the right.)

Leave No Trace Principles in Action

While enjoying the natural beauty of Worswick Hot Springs, it’s imperative to adhere to the Leave No Trace principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know what the weather will be before you go. If there is more than a few inches of snow it is not accessible. Proper planning ensures you have a safe and enjoyable experience while minimizing damage to the environment! It can be cold, get warm Merino Wool clothing here:  http://shrsl.com/2jcpv-2p4f-17unv
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to existing trails and campsites. Avoid trampling vegetation and disturbing wildlife habitats. The established path to the springs helps protect the surrounding ecosystem. There are campgrounds nearby. Find it here: Sawtooth National Forest Five Points Campground
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out. Bring a bag to carry out all your trash, leftover food, and litter. Use the restroom at the entrance to minimize human waste in natural areas.
4. Leave What You Find: Preserve the past by examining, but not touching, cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact: If you decide to stay overnight, use a camp stove for cooking. Avoid making new fire rings and keep fires small. Always ensure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed animals; feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Share the pools if there are lots of people, let others enjoy if you’ve been there for a while, keep noise levels down, wear clothing when others are present, and be mindful of how your presence affects their visit. I love sparking a conversation and chatting with other outdoors lovers while hot springing! Be kind 🙂

When is the best time to Photograph Worswick Hot Springs?

Worswick Hot Springs is a photographer’s dream!!! Ready to get that golden steam shot? Here is the camera I shoot with: Sony A7riii & Lens

• Golden Shot: to get the steam glowing, you have to visit at sunrise. It will happen after sunrise as there is a hill in front of the springs. Get there early and try to get the top most left pool. This one is the deepest. The middle pool is the most perfectly circle.
• Wide Shots: Use wide-angle shots to capture the expansive beauty of the hot springs and surrounding landscapes.
• Detail Shots: Focus on the small details – the steam rising from the water, the textures of rocks, and the vibrant colors of the surrounding vegetation. There are a ton of yellow wildflowers in the month of June and into July.
• Too crowded? If there are too many people to get a shot in one of the main pools, drive back down the parking area and park across the road. There is a beautiful steamy stream and pool area that not many go to. It isn’t as hot but it is just as lovely!

Be Respectful: A Shared Responsibility

Remember, your visit to Worswick Hot Springs is a privilege. This natural wonder has been around long before us and, with our care, will continue to thrive long after. By respecting nature and following the Leave No Trace principles, we honor the land and ensure its beauty endures.

Worswick Hot Springs is the best spring to reconnect with nature at. Try to visit on week days to avoid crowds. Whether you are soaking in the hot springs, hiking the trails, or capturing memories with your camera, let respect and mindfulness guide your actions. Leave No Trace always, and leave Worswick Hot Springs as beautiful as you found it for the next adventurer to enjoy!

Take only photos, leave only footprints.

Get yourself some photography prints on my website! https://earthtosarah.darkroom.com