• Snively Hot Springs is a natural bathing area on the bank of the Owyhee River
• Hot water flows down through a ditch to the man-made pool
Snively Hot Springs is an excellent destination to enjoy natural soaking on the bank of the Owyhee River, surrounded by the multi-colored walls of the Owyhee River Canyon. This spot has gained significant attention due to its fantastic views and close proximity to the highway.
Located approximately 19 miles southwest of Nyssa in Idaho, along the Owyhee River in Oregon, Snively Hot Springs is a primitive yet enchanting oasis that offers an exclusive outdoor adventure.
Navigating through a maze of roads not yet on the main grid, traversing highway 201, taking Owyhee Avenue, and finally turning onto Owyhee Lake Road, which zigzags along the river, all add to the adventure.
A little over a mile before reaching Snively Hot Springs, you'll encounter a huge pipeline transferring water from Deer Butte Hot Springs in the mountains to a small pond located on the other side of the road.
The hot springs are accessible year-round, but the pool may be submerged during spring runoff, leading to temporary closure. Just before and after the spring season, Snively offers a breathtaking array of lush colors on the horizon, comfortable temperatures, and the therapeutic benefits of hot mineral water.
The extremely hot water of the thermal springs emerges from the ground approximately 300 feet away from the river. It flows down through a ditch to the manually built pool, where it mixes with the cold river water. Temperatures in the pool may vary from cold to very hot, depending on your location within it. You can find the perfect soaking spot by adjusting your position closer to or farther away from the source. The pool, with a gravel bottom, is approximately 20 feet in diameter and 2-3 feet deep.
Due to overuse and abuse of the recreation area, the site is open for day use only. Glass containers are prohibited within 30 feet of the area, and camping and fires are not allowed.
Caution. Watch out for poison ivy along the river bank and around the parking area.
Snively Hot Springs: Camping & Lodging
No camping is allowed at the hot springs but you can camp any place on BLM land.
Budget-friendly accommodations are available in Otrario, 31 miles away or in Nampa, 46 miles away.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Nampa, Idaho
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Snively Hot Springs | Facts
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: Bureau Land of Management (BLM)
Location: Owyhee River Canyon
Development: Undeveloped
Amenities: Pit toilet, picnic table
Activities: Soaking, fishing, picnicking
Clothing: Optional
Distance from the parking: Short
Road Access: Any vehicle
Restrictions: No fires, no camping, no glass are allowed
Day-use fees: None
Elevation: 2,400 ft (732 m)
Snively Hot Springs is located:
- 31 miles southwest of Ontario
- 268 miles east of Bend
- 403 miles southeast of Portland.
Water T° (source): 134°F (57°C) - 150°F (66°C)
Water T° (pool): 90°F (32°C) - 120°F (49°C)
Water acidity level: Alkaline (pH=9.2)
Type of the springs: Sodium and calcium chloride sulfate
Chemical used: None
Sodium - 93 Mg/L
Sulfate - 91.7 Mg/L
Silica - 70.2 Mg/L
Chloride - 19.5 Mg/L
Fluoride - 15 Mg/L
Calcium - 2.7 Mg/L
Potassium - 1.1 Mg/L
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Snively Hot Springs
From Ontario,
- Drive toward E Idaho Ave
- Take I-84 E and continue 4 miles toward Boise
- Take exit 3 for US-95 and turn right onto US-95 S
- Follow 7.2 miles to US-20/US-26
- Turn right onto US-20 W/US-26 W and continue 2.4 miles to OR-201 S
- Turn left onto OR-201 S toward Lake Owyhee and go for about 8 miles to Owyhee Ave
- Turn right onto Owyhee Ave and drive 4 miles to Owyhee Lake Rd
- Turn left and continue on Owyhee Lake Rd 6.5 miles to the destination on the left.
Source:
Brown D.E., et al."Preliminary Geology And Geothermal Resource Potential of the Western Snake River Plain Oregon". State of Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. 1980.
With the river being so high,are the hot springs flooded?
The hot springs and river can be submerged when the river level is high, usually late in Spring.
Wondering if there is cell service at the springs? My work involves being on-call but want to take a trip out there.
My T-mobile did not work there
When I was a kid, I went to Snively’s swimming pool that an old lady ran. We had wooden changing rooms and could buy pop and candy bars after our swim. Later, after the woman died, the pool was so mistreated, it was blown up (?) and removed. Anyone have a more accurate historical story?
In the late 50’s and early 60’s we as a family went to Snively quite a lot. I was there when the pool and bath houses were in good condition, that must mean I am getting old I guess