Burgdorf Hot Springs and Warren
For a remote and rustic hot springs experience, you can’t beat historic Burgdorf.
Prepare for magnificent views of the Salmon River mountains as the grade climbs 26 miles to Burgdorf. This is a one-lane road, so watch for oncoming traffic and pull over into the nearest wide spot to avoid dangerous meetings.
Driving into the Burgdorf resort is like driving into a ghost town. It is very rustic. Don’t expect cement or tile. The pool itself is long-lined with a sandy gravel bottom. The office is an old log cabin with curtain-draped changing rooms, lots of memorabilia and a piano — very lived-in and relaxed.
The view from the pool is a big grassy meadow and mountains. Surrounding the pool are cabins to rent and ancient buildings with stories to tell. The whole place has character to spare and you’ll want to take pictures of everything.
Rates for swimming are $5.30 for adults and 2.65 for children. All transactions are strictly cash.
History:
Fred Burgdorf went to Warren’s Diggings for gold in 1864 but didn’t have much luck. He heard about the hot springs nearby and ended up staking a claim. He became a cattle rancher and resort owner, serving the miners in both industries. The resort became well-known for its hospitality and fine dining.
By 1901, Burgdorf had made many improvements on his property. There was a two-story hotel and his family’s residence was considered a showplace.
While you’re in the area, consider driving to the old mining town, Warren. Turn left from the hot springs, drive to the “T” and turn left again, onto Warren Wagon Road.
Warren is a perfect frontier gold rush town. Some of the original buildings are still standing. It is easy to imagine Charlie or Polly Bemis, miners and gamblers crossing the street to go into the saloon or blacksmith shop.
How to get there?
Located near the southern boundary of Idaho County, Burgdorf Hot Springs is most easily reached by taking the Warren Wagon Road from McCall in Valley County. The 30-mile trip on paved road skirts Payette Lake and is a short and beautiful drive. Only the last couple of miles are gravel.
Burgdorf can also be reached by diving to Riggins and up the main Salmon River. Cross the Little Salmon River just as you’re about to leave Riggins on the southern end and drive through the rodeo grounds to the Big Salmon Road. The road will cross the Salmon a couple of times. Turn right onto the French Creek road, about 19 miles from the Little Salmon River bridge.
When you’re ready to head back, drive past the turnoff to Burgdorf and follow the Warren Wagon Road into McCall. Turn right onto State Highway 55 and continue north to Idaho County.