BONNEVILLE HOT SPRINGS, IDAHO
Bonneville Hot Springs
is located about 20 miles east of Lowman. These springs have been rated
"five star" by some naturist groups. The 108 degree F springs mix
with cold creek water, providing year around use.
DIRECTIONS: First, purchase a map of the Boise National
Forest from any ranger station and then from
Loman take Route 21 east for about 20 miles. Go past the Bonneville Campgrounds
and look for the trailhead to a short 1/4 mile trail on the north end of the
campgrounds. This trail will lead you to the hot springs
SITE REVIEWS:
Subject: Bonneville
Date: Tue, 7 May 2002
From: Name Withheld By Request
Just a note about a good spot in Idaho,
check out Bonneville hotsprings in central Idaho near Lowman, good hotsprings and
friendly people. Please don't use my name.
Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999
From: Alan Rainey (nwcrafts@in-tch.com)
My Wife and I have visited Bonneville many times and I would like to comment
on this one. You reccommend that people buy a forest service map while this is
a good idea it doesnt show something I believe people should know. Bonneville
Hot Springs is not located on public land, my point is. How can the Forest Service give anybody a ticket for going nude on
private land? Also the "no nudity" regulation refers to a CFR. A CFR
is Code of Federal Regulation, In fact this CFR states something in the order
of "the District Ranger has the right to make rules and regulations for
the good of the district" this is the same CFR they use to limit campers
to a 15 day stay in one place. What people are running into is one-persons
morality, I'm not saying that a person should flaunt thier nudity, but should
instead treat each situation differently. The last time we were at Bonneville I
ask a ranger about it. He stated that they would only give a ticket if an nude
individual infringed on previsously existing clothed bathers. He also stated
that the people that were first there set the theme for any new-people. in
other words if you were there first, nobody could get you a ticket if you were
nude and insisted on staying that way.
Alan Rainey - nwcrafts@in-tch.com
Date: Mon, 27 May 1996
From: stevej@cyberhighway.net
Latest update - May 25, 1996. Drove again from Boise, and found the access road to the
campgrounds open. USFS signage is complete and posted, with the admonition,
"Nude bathing is prohibited under USC 621.38(j)." Along with that was
a short comment to the effect that if anyone nude is asked to put their
clothing back on and refuses they will be cited and fined a max of $35.
Regulations aside, I found a pool full of nude bathers (this was,
however, after dark). There were also some people still clothed, coversing with
the nude folks, with no signs of tension. The next day, however, was a
different story. NO ONE, ALL DAY, was in the pool nude. That night, tho, back
to skin. I talked with some folks who said they visit the springs regularly,
and have never been asked to put their clothes back on. I guess maybe this is a
'live and let live' type place.
So, officially, nudism is prohibited. Unofficially, 'go for it!'.
sj
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996
From: stevej@cyberhighway.net
Hi. I took the afternoon, and drove from Boise to Bonneville Hot Springs. Quite a nice
drive, scenic and all that -- and about 2 hrs 15 min from Boise if you obey the speed limits. At the
present, the access road to the campground and springs is closed, but you can
walk in - I estimate 3/4 mile or so.
The campground and general vicinity are beautiful. The springs emerge
from the side of a mountain, and flow naturally down to a somewhat secluded
pool, filled with !! clothed soakers. Not wanting to cause a scene, I remained
(yech) clothed.
There are no signs posted (that I saw) advising clothing
optional/not-optional, so I don't know the status. None of the folks in the
pool really knew anything, either. I'm going to contact the Forest
Service to find the scooby-do, and I'll let you know.
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