Welcome to my blog on Boat Box Hot Springs, Idaho. My name is Gabrielle Rene. I grew up in Colorado Springs and was raised by a Cuban American father, so travel and culture were very important in our household.
My dad moved us to Spain during my childhood so we could experience Spanish culture and live in a different country. So I would say the root cause of my travel bug was my father. Additionally, I also got hooked on travel when I lived in Australia for a while which was a great experience.
In Australia, I was encouraged by an employer to start documenting my experiences. Social media was how I began that process and as a creative, photography and the artistry of it really just made my soul sing. A passion bloomed for social media and travel that I didn’t know I had.
Visiting the Various Hot Springs of Idaho
So this is crazy but I never planned on going to Idaho. I had never heard much about the state and my interest was low to explore the area. Originally my adventures were taking me to Canada through Washington and then back through Montana, skipping this state all together.
With the pandemic and the borders being closed though, I sat down and said to myself: “Okay Gabi, you are driving through Idaho, let’s do some research.” That is how I started my hot springs tour extravaganza through the area. I mainly only visited hot springs but I also visited Coeur D’Alene which was amazing. My Idaho excursion was about five days in total.
Ticking Boat Box Hot Springs off the Bucket List
I do a lot of extensive research before I travel, mainly because I later end up making travel itineraries that I then sell to my followers. So I only want to explore the best of the best. I spent hours deep diving the Internet and stumbled upon local blogs talking about the hot springs “highway”: a strip of road riddled with different hot springs of different levels to explore.
Boat Box Hot Springs is located on the side of the road. You just park in this pull off area and you are there! It’s visible from the road but easy to miss. Anyone (of any skill level) can get to these hot springs and it requires hardly any physical effort to get there. You just park and walk up to Boat Box.
Here you will find just the one hot spring in the tub. There are many other springs just a short drive away though. The tub is situated on the river and you have the water source right there if you want to take a chilly dip in the cool waters. Boat Box is a magical little spot that is best enjoyed in winter.
Luckily, I was at the hot springs in March and there was no one else around to bother me. It was still off-season for a lot of travel in this region. One other couple was there before me. They respectfully didn’t spend over 15-30 minutes there and let me take over after their dip. Everyone in Idaho is so kind and respectful, so if you visit just be sure to be aware of others.
There is no reservation at the hot spring. It’s not run or owned by anyone. Boat Box is a unique piece of landscape that is open to all, therefore it’s our responsibility to take care of it. Make sure you don’t ruin it for others and I would advise not drinking alcohol while soaking, as not only is it unsafe for you physically but it contributes to the damage and littering of the place.
Boat Box Hot Springs was one of the most unique hot springs I visited on my five day tour of Idaho. I took a book and relaxed, while just enjoying the scenery and my own thoughts. It was a relaxing experience and I loved exploring the whole area/everything that Idaho as a state has to offer.
Tips for Visiting Boat Box Hot Springs
I was full-time van living while visiting Idaho, so I just stayed overnight in my van whilst at Boat Box Hot Springs. But there is a cute resort near Boat Box called Mountain Village Resort that has rooms to stay in and plenty of campground/free parking for RV and Vanlifers. If you are looking for accommodation then I would recommend Mountain Village Resort.
When you go to the springs, drink lots of water beforehand. You want to be hydrated! Also, don’t wear jewellery while soaking as it will get tarnished – this is no joke as I learned this the hard way. Clean up as you go and leave no trace. If you are interested in more hot springs in the area, I sell a travel itinerary on the best hot springs in Idaho. Feel free to contact me!
