Kirkham Day Use Area is located next to the South Fork Payette River just east of Lowman, Idaho, along Highway 21 at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Visitors enjoy soaking in popular Kirkham Hot Springs on the banks of the river and exploring the scenic Kirkham Ridge Trail.
Kirkham Hot Springs is located at the river's edge. A trail leads down to the soaking pools and small steaming waterfalls. Take caution walking on rock surfaces near the hot springs. They are uneven and can be slick when wet.
Pets are welcome. Please keep them leashed at all times and away from the hot spring pools and runoff areas.
The South Fork Payette River offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and trout fishing. The Deadwood and Danskin River Access areas are nearby on the road to Garden Valley. Kirkham Ridge Trail is one of the Lowman Ranger District's premier trails. It begins less than 1/4-mile away and stretches through beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It is open to hiking, mountain biking and horses. Sections of the trail are open seasonally to off-road vehicles.
Kirkham Hot Springs is open for DAY USE ONLY from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING. Visitors will approach a locked gate, then cross the bridge to enter the site.
All visitors are required to display their confirmation number on the dashboard of their vehicle for the duration of their stay.
Please have the Recreation.gov app downloaded prior to arrival. Once purchased please write down confirmation number on provided envelope and post in vehicle dashboard.
This pass does not guarantee parking availability. For your safety, please remember that parking outside of designated areas is discouraged and visitors who park illegally may be fined and towed. This pass is valid until 9:00 PM of the date listed on the pass, and only for the date and vehicle specified for this pass.
America the Beautiful Passes: Senior, Access, Military, Gold Star, Veteran, and Golden Age Senior/Access area accepted at this site. These passes cover fees for the passholder and up to three adults per vehicle.
Passes are non-transferrable between operators, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
Cell phone connectivity on the forest is very limited, plan ahead by downloading the Recreation.gov app.