Imagine having the opportunity to soak in a big thermal and mineral-rich pool, nestled in the heart of Boise National Forest, surrounded by the magnificent scent of pine trees and Silver Creek, whilst having fun among easy-going friends and family. This is what Silver Creek Plunge Resort is all about. This is a place that prides itself on being the biggest family-friendly facility that offers numerous ways of keeping its visitors entertained, exercised, happy, and most importantly, rejuvenated.
| Address | 2345 Silver Creek Road, Garden Valley, ID 83622 |
| Location | 2 hours from Boise, Idaho |
| Open | Year-Round |
| Clothing | Required |
| Temperature | 97°F |
| Road Access | Easy; any vehicle |
| Admission | Required |
First Impressions
Located only 2 hours from Boise, Idaho, Silver Creek Plunge Resort has been providing all sorts of rejuvenating services to its guests since 1957. It is no surprise that the resort refers to itself as a “worthy family getaway”. With its numerous rustic accommodation options that give off immaculate familial and friendly vibes, a thermal pool big enough for a couple of dozen people, surrounding greenery and wildlife, and many camping opportunities, you really are in for a good time.
The Hot Spring Pool
There is only one hot spring pool in Silver Creek Plunge but it is big enough to accommodate up to 20 people. It is located within a short walking distance of all lodgings and a quarter-mile from the Garden Valley National Center (basically a campground) that the Boise National Forest is also home to.
This pool holds 180,000 gallons of geothermal water. The liquid source enters the pool from the ground at 102-104°F and exits at 97°F. The water flow rate is around 540 gallons per minute, making the volume of the water change every 6 hours.
The Best Time To Visit
The resort gets very crowded during the peak seasons, which also affects the price rates of the lodging (scroll down for details). If you want to avoid crowds and a potential splurge, let’s say, avoid coming during Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July Weekend, and Labor Day Weekend.
It is highly recommended to take advantage of Silver Creek Plunge Resort during the winter months when snow-covered pine trees create stunning and picturesque views for visitors’ enjoyment.
Rates
Pool
| Children under 2 | Free |
| Children aged 2-12 | $10 |
| Adults ages 13-59 | $12 |
| Adults Ages 60+ | $8 |
Working hours: 9 am-10 pm every day.
Note that every Wednesday the pool is drained and closed for cleaning and maintenance. Reopens around 7:30 pm
Accommodation
| Type | Regular Cost /Peak Season Cost |
| A-Frame | $79 per night/$89 per night |
| Family Cabins | $109 per night/$119 per night |
| Deluxe Family Units | $139 per night /$149 per night |
| Tent and RV Spots | $15 per night |
Additional Information To Take Into Account
- Advanced Reservations are required if you’re planning an overnight stay
- Camping and RV spaces in Silver Creek are on a first-come-first-served basis and no advanced reservations are required in this case.
- Dogs are allowed at the resort but not near the pool and need to be kept on a leash at all times.
- The resort is not clothing optional. Bring Swimsuits
Directions
From Hwy 55 or Hwy 21, take the Banks-Lowman Rd toward Crouch/Garden Valley.
Take Middle Fork Rd toward Crouch and follow Middle Fork Rd through Crouch. About 5 miles outside of Crouch the pavement ends and becomes dirt/gravel as you enter the Boise National Forest. From this point, you are 15 miles from Silver Creek Plunge!
After about 8 miles the road will form a “Y”. Take the slight right toward Silver Creek Campground (this is Forest Service Road 671)
After another 7 miles, turn right into the Silver Creek Campground, cross over the bridge, and follow the signs to Silver Creek Plunge Office, Pool, and Check-In.
What You Can Explore
The convenience of Silver Creek Plunge’s location is in its close proximity to the town of Boise, which is also two hours away from two other hot springs that are waiting to be explored by outdoor lovers.
You can visit:
You can also explore Boise National Forest, one of the area’s biggest attractions on its own.
Other close attractions are located in the town of Boise, which very graciously welcomes its visitors with:
- Boise River Greenbelt
- Old Idaho Penitentiary
- World Center for Birds of Prey
- Idaho State Capitol Building
- Idaho Botanical Garden
- Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
- Julia Davis Park
- Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area’
- Kathryn Albertson Park
- Freak Alley Gallery
- Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center
- Lucky Peak State Park
As you can see, there are quite a few attractions to check out in this friendly and familial town in Idaho. We are certain that once you get there, you’ll find specific things based on your own personal preferences that you’ll be able to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
It is very clear that Silver Creek Plunge Resort stays true to its word and triumphs as one of the best family-friendly, secluded getaways. However, if you’d like to know for sure, you have to see it for yourself. You will find a lot of interesting things to spend your time doing, and you can even turn this visit into a full-on trip around the whole area. With countless other hot springs to check out, endless hiking and camping opportunities as well as the never-ending greenery to help you feel refreshed and at peace, a trip circling Silver Creek Plunge does sound like a very tempting idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Silver Creek Plunge is open all year round from 9 am to 10 pm.
The elevation is 4498 feet.
Silver Creek Plunge is in Boise National Forest, Idaho.
The cell service is unstable near Silver Creek. However, there have been no cell reception-related issues reported at Silver Creek Plunge Resort.
Silver Creek Plunge is in Garden Valley, located in Boise National Forest.
Silver Creek Plunge is 25,4 miles from Garden Valley.
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about these hot springs sites, life happens, weather happens, and property owners happen. We always recommend you go to the official hot springs’ web page and/or the relevant state authority page to check conditions, times, and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your soak!
