Russian John Hot Springs

4.3

(127 reviews)

About This Spring

Russian John Hot Springs is a small primitive warm spring sitting in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This is an undeveloped yet scenic and comfortable spot to relax and enjoy mineral-rich geothermal water.

The soaking pool is everything that has remained of the old sheepherder’s pool used back in the day. It features rock walls and rock-and-clay bottom.

Water flows out of the source directly into the pool at about 89°F. The water temperature in the pool fluctuates depending on the weather conditions but never goes above 86°F. Summer is probably the best time to enjoy rejuvenating mineral water from the warm springs.

Clothing is optional. No overnight camping is allowed. A fire pit and a bench are available near the pool.

The parking area is located 70 yards above the highway on a slope. Park your car and walk up 100 yards to the pool.

GPS Coordinates

Community Photos

Your Photo Could Be Featured Here

Share your spring experience and help others discover this special place.
Great photos inspire visits and support spring stewardship.

Photos are reviewed before publishing · Max file size 20MB · Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, HEIC · Max 500 photos per spring

Comments and Community Forum

Submit Water Test Results

Share the latest water test in a simple text format. You can summarize numbers, notes, and observations below.

Upload test report
Drag & drop your file here Upload PDF or JPG for verification Supported formats: PDF, JPG (Max 10MB)
Water test data

Nearby Springs

Moccasin Springs natural mineral pool at dusk
Moccasin Springs photo 2
Moccasin Springs photo 3
Open
Cold Free

Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa

South Dakota · 18 mi

4.1 (44 reviews)
Artisan Well

Secluded wilderness pool fed by snowmelt and natural springs. Requires a moderate 3.2-mile…

Listing updated: March 2025 · 44 community photos

Big Spring flowing over rocks
Big Spring photo 2
Big Spring photo 3
Open Year-Round
Hot Paid · $15-$18

Big Spring, Carter County, Missouri

South Dakota · 18 mi

4.1 (44 reviews)
Artisan Well

Secluded wilderness pool fed by snowmelt and natural springs. Requires a moderate 3.2-mile…

Listing updated: Dec 2025 · 14 community photos

Hot Springs National Park mountain stream
Hot Springs National Park photo 2
Hot Springs National Park photo 3
Seasonal · Jun–Sep
Cold Free

Hot Springs National Park

South Dakota · 18 mi

4.1 (44 reviews)
Artisan Well

Secluded wilderness pool fed by snowmelt and natural springs. Requires a moderate 3.2-mile…

Listing updated: Feb 2025 · 25 community photos