Russian John Hot Spring
Ketchum, Idaho
Hot Springs
Russian John Hot Spring sits on a sagebrush bench just west of Idaho Highway 75, about 18 miles north of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It is on Sawtooth National Forest land, it is free, and there is no permit or day-use fee. Maps and some guidebooks call it Russian John Warm Spring, and that name is the more honest one. Water leaves the source at roughly 89°F and the pool usually holds at 86°F or a little less, depending on the air temperature and how many people have been in it. On a cool spring evening it feels closer to a bath that has sat too long. On a hot July afternoon after a ride on the Harriman Trail it is about right.
The turnoff is on the west side of the highway, a couple of miles north of the Baker Creek Road junction and around milepost 146. A short dirt spur (Forest Road 913) climbs to a small gravel parking area above the road. From there a footpath runs about 100 yards up the slope to the pool, so the walk takes a few minutes. Some listings put the pool 1000 yards from the highway, but the parking area, the trail and the pool all sit within a few hundred yards of the pavement.
The pool is small. It is a shallow basin with low rock walls held together with mortar and a sandy, clay-and-rock bottom, and it fits two to four people comfortably. Warm water seeps up through the sand rather than pouring in from a pipe. The chemistry is a mild, alkaline sodium silicate water with little or no smell. Because the water is only lukewarm, it grows algae, and early in the season after a winter of light use there can be green strands on the walls and silt that clouds up when you move. Expect some mud on your feet. There is a bench and a fire ring beside the pool. Check current fire restrictions for the Sawtooth National Forest before lighting anything, since summer fire bans are common here.
The view is the reason most people stop. The pool faces north up the Big Wood River valley toward the Boulder Mountains, which stay streaked with snow well into summer. Deer and elk use the meadows below.
Summer and early fall are the best times to soak. The spring is reachable all year, but the pullout can be buried by highway plowing in winter, so plan on parking elsewhere and walking or skiing in. The Harriman Trail, an 18-mile gravel path between the Sawtooth NRA Headquarters and Galena Lodge, runs along the valley floor a few hundred yards away, and the Blaine County Recreation District grooms it for Nordic skiing in winter. Be ready for a cold climb out of lukewarm water when the air is below freezing.
About a quarter mile away is the Russian John Guard Station, a Forest Service site set aside as a ranger station in 1908. Its current buildings went up in 1934 and are listed in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Idaho collection. The buildings are not a public facility, so leave them alone.
Camping is not allowed at the spring. The closest developed option is Easley Campground, about 4 miles south on the Big Wood River, with ten first-come sites. Wood River Campground (about 10 miles north of Ketchum, 30 sites) and North Fork Campground (8 miles north of Ketchum, 28 sites, most reservable) are a little farther south along Highway 75.
Clothing is optional by long custom, so expect that and don't be surprised by it. The pool is small, so if it is full, wait your turn or come back later. Pack out every can and cigarette butt, skip the soap and shampoo, keep glass away from the pool, and keep dogs out of the water. The spring gets heavy use in summer, and a small pool like this one shows every bit of trash.
More Information
Harriman Trail - BCRD
News: Quigley Trails Park is closed for Paving August 8-14. Harriman Trail Named in honor of W. Averell Harriman, the Harriman Trail is an 18 mile non-motorized gravel pathway north of Ketchum, Idaho between Galena Lodge and the Sawtooth NRA Headquarters. Summer Trailink Harriman Trail Maps Download Map In the…
https://bcrd.org/summer-trails/our-summer-trails/harriman-trail/Hot Springs Near Sun Valley | Discover Wood River Valley - Hailey Chamber
Hot Springs There is nothing quite like a soak in natural hot springs. Take in the stunning mountain views and the sounds of crisply flowing river water as you relax in soothing warm mineral pools. Russian John Hot Springs
https://valleychamber.org/things-to-do/sports-outdoors/hot-springs/Idaho Hot Springs: Russian John Warm Spring
Boise Area Public Soaks Public Map Pay Soaks Pay Soak Map Guides Videos Other Areas: GPS
https://idahohotsprings.com/destinations/russian_john/Node: Russian John Warm Spring (4962107915) | OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.
https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/4962107915Russian John Guard Station | Civilian Conservation Corps in Idaho Collection
The CCC in Idaho Digital Project invites engagement and interpretation of the history and legacy of the CCC in the rural West through a focus on its impact on the land, participants, and communities in Idaho. The site encourages participation through access to thousands of digitized photographs, oral histories, articles, maps, and documents donated to the project. Use of this collection is further enhanced by guides, digital tools, and interactive features.
https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/cccidaho/structures/extantccc108.htmlRussian John Hot Springs: A Quiet Warm Spring Retreat in the Sawtooths - Hot Springs Locator
Russian John Hot Spring is a small primitive warm spring sitting in Idaho's Sawtooth National Recreation area. This is a simple, yet comfortable spot to relax and enjoy mineral-filled geothermal water.
https://www.hotspringslocator.com/russian-john-hot-springsSawtooth National Forest | Easley Campground | Forest Service
Easley Campground is located along the beautiful Big Wood River 14 miles north of Ketchum. The campground, comprised of 8 single and 2 double first-come, first-served campsites, is situated in groves of cottonwood and aspen at an elevation of 6,800 feet. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking and soaking at Easley Hot Springs. Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine and aspen offer plentiful shade in the campground. Colorful summer wildflowers are abundant, and willows dot the banks of the river. The campground provides easy access to the 18-mile Harriman Trail. There is a hot springs swimming pool with a lifeguard at adjacent Easley Resort. Easley is part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where outdoor activities abound. Fly-fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout is popular on the Big Wood River, as is float tubing. This is a terrific place for hiking, viewing wildlife and the scenery.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/recreation/easley-campgroundSawtooth National Forest | North Fork Campground | Forest Service
North Fork Campground is composed of 28 campsites including 3 double-sites located at the beginning of the 18.6 mile Harriman Trail. 26 of the 28 sites are currently available for reservation online or by phone. The campground is on the edge of the Big Wood River in a primarily aspen and cottonwood environment. Trails in North Fork Canyon lead to Amber Lakes, Window Lake and into the Hemingway-Boulder Wilderness Area and there is trail access from the campground to the Harriman trail. Fishing is available in the Big Wood River and surrounding creeks and the wildlife viewing is excellent.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/recreation/north-fork-campgroundSawtooth National Forest | Wood River Campground | Forest Service
Wood River Campground is composed of 30 campsites including 1 double-site and a picnic area which are all first-come, first-serve. Wood River Group Overnight Area is located inside the Wood River Campground, can accommodate up to 150 people, and may be reserved by visiting www.recreation.gov or by calling (877)444-6777. The campground setting is heavily forested and divided by the Big Wood River. Trails in Northfork Canyon lead to the Amber Lakes, Window Lake, and into the Hemingway-Boulder Wilderness Area. This campground is located on the banks of the beautiful Big Wood River at an elevation of 6,400 feet. Ketchum, Idaho is conveniently close, only 10 miles south. Visitors enjoy fishing and tubing in the Big Wood river and exploring local trails. There is an amphitheater which is available for group events and for Ranger programs.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/sawtooth/recreation/wood-river-campground
Be careful. Pay attention to posted signs and always test the waters before you get in. Some hot springs can get up to boiling temperatures. Be sure to drink plenty of water to combat the dehydrating effect of the spring.
Be respectful of other soakers and the hot spring. Don't hog the pool. Camp at least 200 yards away and keep fires in designated areas. Keep your pets out of the water and never pee in thermal feature. Glass bottles should never go near a hot spring.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Ketchum, Idaho
- Head southwest on Sun Valley Rd toward N Main St (131 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto N Main St (0.2 mi)
- Continue straight onto ID-75 N/N Main StContinue to follow ID-75 NDestination will be on the left(17.1 mi)
GPS coordinates should be accurate to within 150 yards
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