Hot spring
Goldbug Hot Springs
Salmon, Idaho, US
- Tolerated / customary
- Audience not stated
- Customary, unofficial
- Status unknown
Last checked Aug 2026
Goldbug Hot Springs sits above the Salmon River in central Idaho, a roughly 4-mile round-trip hike up a canyon on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management to a series of cascading soaking pools with wide mountain views. Like much of Idaho's backcountry hot spring scene, clothing-optional soaking is a long-established visitor custom rather than an official BLM designation.
Know before you go
The trail gains significant elevation and crosses a creek, so plan for a real hike rather than a roadside stop, and expect no facilities once you leave the trailhead. Nudity is customary but not guaranteed or official, weekend crowds can be large in summer, and BLM asks visitors to pack out all trash and stay on established trails to protect the fragile canyon terrain.
Frequently asked questions
Is clothing required at Goldbug Hot Springs?
Nudity is customary and generally tolerated here, but it is not officially designated — use discretion.
Is nudity at Goldbug Hot Springs officially sanctioned?
No — nudity here is customary rather than officially sanctioned, so enforcement can vary.
Can I visit Goldbug Hot Springs for the day?
Access: Day use, no reservation. Day access: Yes.
When is the best time to visit Goldbug Hot Springs?
Season: Late spring through fall (creek crossings and snow can close the trail in winter).
Official links
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More clothing-optional places
Related guides
- Clothing-Optional Hot Springs in the US: What to Know Before You Go
A traveler's guide to the clothing-optional hot springs of the American West, from Colorado's Strawberry Park to California's Orr Hot Springs — what to expect, when to go, and how policies vary.
Sources
No public sources recorded for this listing yet.