Garden Valley, Idaho Cabin- A Hot Spring Slice of Heaven in the Mountains
On a cliff next to the South Fork of the Payette River, sits a luxurious modern cabin with its own hot spring. This is the kind of place that I debated even writing about, wanting to keep it to myself and easier to book in the future. (It just opened in October of 2020 and the dates sold out within a few hours) Right by Boise National Forest, this unique spot is just an hour's drive from Boise, with beautiful views along the way. The owners, Shane and India, have put so much thought into the design and details of the property. They live next door and are some of my favorite Airbnb hosts I’ve ever met. India even created most of the artwork in the property, down the to beautiful watercolor welcome note you receive upon arrival. How freaking special is that! Shane is an Idaho native that loves the outdoors and searched for years for the perfect spot to build his mountain dream home. I must say his dedication to the search paid off.
We spent four days and three nights at this incredible property, and I loved that I had no service (there is wifi if you need it) and was able to really disconnect and relax surrounded by nature. I was likely to be a permanent prune after all the time I spent in the water. I mean not only do you have the hand-crafted hot spring built into the rocks, or the river access right behind the property, there is ALSO a fabulous water trough tub that sits overlooking the river. Water from the hot springs flows through the tub, keeping the water hot and fresh. I enjoyed feeling like Beth Dutton and did my best to channel her spirit by drinking some champagne in the tub. (If you haven’t watched Yellowstone yet, what are you waiting for!?) Side note, due to the steep cliff this property sits on, I wouldn’t recommend bringing small children to this spot.
The cabin itself is a little under 1,100 sq feet and has two bathrooms and three bedrooms. The two main floor bedrooms both have queen beds and are really good size rooms. The larger bedroom is more secluded and has its own connected bathroom, and door to its own private patio. The other patio is off of the kitchen and living area. Several of India’s paintings hang in the bedrooms and bathrooms. The home is such a well-decorated, welcoming, and peaceful environment.
The other main room and bathroom are right off the living area. The home is heated through the floor using the hot spring water! The third room is a lofted area off the kitchen with a steep staircase (like a ladder) to queen bunk beds and another little living area with a TV to hang out or read in. Lots of windows fill the room with natural light, and views of the surrounding trees.
The kitchen is stocked with all the essentials, as well as a beautiful coffee maker. We did a grocery run at Trader Joe’s before we left Boise, and the full-size fridge had plenty of room for all our food. e. e kitchen has everything you'll need to cook/prep meals as well as enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning. The microwave, oven, and induction stovetop are all high-quality appliances. The Garden Valley Market is about 15 minutes away in the little town of Crouch should you need anything, and there are also a handful of dining options there should you not want to cook.
Trader Joe’s butternut squash soup pumpkin seeds, and bread make for the perfect cosy cabin lunch.
The views from the giant windows are stunning.
Is there anything better than the smell and taste of homemade cinnamon rolls?
The hot spring they have crafted into the rocks is my favorite part about this one-of-a-kind place. Soaking in this hot spring feels like your own personal quiet spa paradise in the mountains. I mean how many places have their own private hot springs by a beautiful river in the mountains!? It is so apparent how much thought went into this restorative property. There are even lights in the hot spring for at night, and comfy warm robes to walk to and from the cabin in.
Here is some more info on the water temperature from the Airbnb listing:
“Water at the source is around 125 degrees and enters the pool at around 115 degrees. Temperatures in the pool will range between 100 - 105 degrees. New water is constantly coming into the hot spring and flowing out to the river. It flushes with new water every 8 hours.”
I’m already dreaming of the day I can go back. There are not enough stars to give this place, and I’m just so grateful that Shane and India rent out this magical gem of a property so that others can enjoy it too.
WHERE TO EAT
This is the kind of place you’ll want to bring groceries and make most of your own meals as there are only a handful of dining options in the area. If you are driving in from Boise there is a giant Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and several other grocery stores available to stock up at before you head to the cabin. About 15 minutes from the Airbnb is the Garden Valley Market in Crouch.
Two Rivers Grill - big outdoor covered patio
Wild Bill’s - coffee and breakfast
Dirty Shame Saloon - burgers and bar food, frequently have live music
WHAT TO DO
Hiking, rafting, and biking are all available to you and more! The property is close to Boise National Forest.
Idaho Whitewater Unlimited is about 15 minutes from the cabin, and they have experiences for everyone - whether you are looking for more of a float on the river type or an adrenaline-filled experience on the rapids.
Hot Springs - there are several natural hot springs spots throughout the area, but why go to public ones when you have your own private spot?
CELL SERVICE & GETTING AROUND
Service is pretty nonexistent in the area. Highly recommend downloading a google map of the area ahead of time to your phone so that you can still navigate easily offline. If you haven’t done this before HERE is a helpful how-to guide. Wi-fi is available at the property, but it is not high speed or dependable if storming. Not a spot for working away from home, but honestly when you’re here you’ll love feeling disconnected!
You can get to the property with 2 wheel drive, but the road to get to the property is bumpy and full of big potholes. I highly recommend having 4 wheel drive for the winter months, or in the spring for those late season snow storms.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE PROPERTY
This is not a place to throw a party. It sleeps up to 8 but would be comfortable for two couples, 6 chill friends, or a family. Due to the cliff, I wouldn’t bring small kiddos here.
There are neighboring cabins, and the owners live next door, but it feels incredibly private. Shane and India will leave you be but are happy to help you with anything. They are so kind and wonderful so if you get the chance to say hi to them I highly recommend :)
This did not bother us, but there is not a ton of space to sit together when eating. You have the two chairs at the island. They are adding a picnic table outside on the patio for the nicer weather months.
They have a washer and dryer on the property, which was so nice to have for the towels and robes that got a lot of action throughout the day going to the hot spring, tub, or down to the river.
My last tip would be to watch out for future date openings, and snag them as quickly as you can when they do open up!
Jessica DeMers Photography
Check out this other fabulous Idaho spot below - a fun ranch in the Teton Valley!
