Idaho has an array of hot springs and mineral pools in both resorts and in the natural environment, which are open for the public to enjoy.
Some are easily accessed by hiking trails or dirt roads, while others can be savored in the luxury of a resort with special extras such as spa treatments massages, comfortable accommodations, and award-winning restaurants. Visitors flock to the pools to soak up the healing geothermal waters and spend time soaking, relaxing, and having fun.
1. Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs
Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs is a family-friendly vacation village with guest rooms and rental homes and a hot springs pool at the center of the retreat. Located alongside the Portneuf River, the hot springs pool rests beneath giant evergreen trees and offers a relaxing and tranquil experience with waters ranging between 102°F and 105°F. Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs also has beautifully manicured gardens and grounds, an intriguing labyrinth, and a lovely riverfront meadow in which guests can relax. Accommodation is available at Ash Lodge in downtown Lava Hot Springs, which is within walking distance to all of Lava's main attractions and several vacation homes that can be rented for various periods of time.
196 E, Main St, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho 83246, Phone: 208-776-5800
2. Burgdorf Hot Springs
Burgdorf Hot Springs is a rustic resort tucked away in the mountains of Idaho that features several mineral pools with temperatures ranging between 105°F and 113°F. Open to the public daily, 365 days a year, the hot pools are located north of McCall and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Surrounded by pristine forests and rolling meadows, the hots springs consists of two pools – a huge warm water pool and small “hot pot” – and there are also a few rustic cabins available for rent. The springs are accessible by cars or off-road vehicles during the warmer months and snowmobile and tracked UTV in the snow-bound winter months.
404 French Creek, McCall, ID 83638, Phone: 208-636-3036
3. Elkhorn Boat Box Hot Springs
Located in the Sawtooth National Forest near Stanley, the Elkhorn Boat Box Hot Springs are unusual and unique hot springs because when the natural springs submerge during the spring run-off, the warm water can still be enjoyed in a wooden soaking box tub that is usable all year long. The riverside hot tub must be filled with water and the temperature adjusted by bringing cooler water in with a bucket, and it comes with sunken seating for additional comfort. When the river is low, there are one or two seasonal pools that have scalding hot 136°F water that is cooled by the river water, making for a relaxing spot. The pools are near the eastern Sawtooth trailheads and are easily accessed by hiking.
Sawtooth National Forest: Idaho 75, Stanley, ID 83278
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4. Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of the Sawtooth National Forest, Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs are natural hot springs located 11 miles west of Ketchum. Also known as Warfield Hot Springs, Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs are thermally heated mineral pools with temperatures of up to 110°F filled with water from three different springs. One of the pools is situated on the roadside of Warm Springs Creek, while the other two are on the other side of Warm Springs Creek and can be accessed by wading across the creek. The Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs are set in the heart of the pristine Sawtooth National Forest and are surrounded by dense forests and a network of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Sawtooth National Forest: Idaho 75, Stanley, ID 83278
5. Gold Fork Hot Springs
Surrounded by the beautiful foothills of the North Fork Range in the small town of Donnelly, Gold Fork Hot Springs features hot and cold mineral-rich pools that are open to the public year round. Connected by geothermally heated sidewalks, the springs feed six different pools formed by natural rock formations in a flow-through system with varying temperatures, ranging between 85°F and 110°F. Some of the pools have hydrotherapy jets to offer additional relaxation, and the facility provides suits and towels for rental as well as free lockers and heated changing rooms. Next read: Best Weekend Getaways in Idaho
1026 Gold Fork Rd, Donnelly, ID 83615, Phone: 208-890-8730
6. Goldbug Hot Springs
Set along Warm Spring Creek in the Salmon-Challis National Forest about 20 miles south of Salmon, the Goldbug Hot Springs feature six waterfall-fed pools with varying temperatures up to 113°F. The natural mineral pools are dammed by rocks and boulders, have sandy or gravel floors, and flow into the Salmon River. Open year round and free to the public, the Goldbug Hot Springs can be accessed by vehicle from a well-maintained dirt road or by hiking along the trail, which features sturdy bridges and a few stairs. There are numerous primitive campgrounds along the path, and there is a campground above the highest pool along Warm Spring Creek.
Salmon, ID 83467
7. Kirkham Hot Springs
Nestled on the South Fork of the Payette River, Kirkham Hot Springs is a legendary hot spot that is one of many along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Situated below a highway campground, a small wooden staircase leads down to the hot springs and geothermal soaking pools of varying temperatures. The pool also features small steaming waterfalls where hot water pours over the cliff into pools below and feels like a natural shower. There is a campground with primitive campsites near the falls as well as vault toilets, and the campground and mineral pools can be reached by driving or hiking in the summer or snow-hiking or snowmobiling in the winter.
7658 ID-21, Lowman, ID 83637
8. Lava Hot Springs
Named for its numerous hot springs that are famous for bathing, swimming, tubing, and canoeing, Lava Hot Springs is a city in Bannock County. Located on the old route of the California and Oregon Trails in the mountainous valley of the Portneuf River, Lava Hot Springs features several aquatic and water parks with pools filled from geothermal hot springs boasting temperatures ranging from 102°F to 112°F. An indoor aquatic center has a six-lane 25-yard pool as well as an aqua climbing wall, a hot pool with a diving board, and the Portneuf Kiddie Cove, while the outdoor complex has an Olympic-size swimming pool, diving platforms, water slides, and an indoor pool.
430 East Main, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, Phone: 208-776-5221
9. Maple Grove Hot Springs
Set along the banks of the Bear River in the scenic Oneida Narrows Canyon at the north end of Oneida Narrows Reservoir, Maple Grove Hot Springs features three large soaking tubs and one large therapy pool along with a 14-foot rock and mortar tub with a rock bench. The Southern Idaho retreat also offers a variety of other amenities, including overnight camping and lodging in two yurts, a fully equipped kitchen, restrooms with changing room, hot showers, and toilets, small boating facilities, and a snack bar. Nearby attractions range from the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and the Oneida Reservoir to Bear River and the cities of Montpelier and Preston.
11386 Oneida Narrows Rd, Thatcher, ID 83283, Phone: 208-851-2126
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10. Miracle and Banbury Hot Springs
Miracle and Banbury Hot Springs are located near Miracle on the beautiful Snake River. The springs offer year-round relaxation and rejuvenation with a constant flow of natural hot spring water rich with minerals. The springs have been providing healing geothermal mineral waters to the public since 1920, with several large swimming pools and private baths heated by mineral water bubbling up from the earth at 138°F. The water is then cooled to a comfortable temperature with cold water from the Snake River aquifer. The Miracle Springs feature 15 private pools, six VIP pools, and four large outdoor pools with chemical-free geothermal waters for the public to enjoy in both summer and winter.
19073A U.S. 30, Buhl, ID 83316, Phone: 208-543-6002
11. Mountain Village Resort Hot Springs
The Mountain Village Resort is a family-friendly retreat in Stanley, Idaho, that features a large concrete soaking pool with a sandy bottom that is filled with warm mineral waters of varying temperatures of between 103°F and 106°F. The pools are covered so they can be enjoyed throughout the year and there are changing rooms with beautiful views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Other facilities at the Mountain Village Resort include overnight lodging, a family-friendly restaurant, and a convenience store that sells camping essentials, souvenirs, and gifts. Nearby attractions include the Sawtooth Mountains and National Forest, the Salmon River, the White Cloud Mountains, and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
3 Eva Falls Ave, Stanley, ID 83278, Phone: 208-774-3661
12. Mundo Hot Springs
Mundo Hot Springs is a simple family-friendly resort featuring comfortable accommodations, tent camping, RV sites and trailer cabins, and a hot, spring-fed swimming pool. The pool is filled with warm, geothermal water that is piped directly from the hot spring to the resort’s pool and spa and it is cleaned once a week. Mundo Hot Springs features a variety of accommodation, ranging from simple hostel-style lodgings to fully equipped trailer cabins and a grand pool house. There are also camping facilities for tents and RVs with electricity, water and waste hookups as well as an onsite bistro that serves home-cooked food and drinks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
3024 Goodrich Rd, Cambridge, ID 83610, Phone: 208-257-3849
13. Riverdale Resort Hot Springs
The Riverdale Resort is a family-friendly resort with several swimming pools filled with warm geothermal waters from the local hot springs. Located 5 miles north of Preston in the beautiful Riverdale Valley, the Riverdale Resort’s natural mineral hot springs can be enjoyed in four swimming pools of varying size, which have two water slides and an array of fun. Pools include both small and large mineral soaking pools, which range in temperature from 90°F to 105°F to a junior Olympic pool with geothermal hot water and a maximum depth of 10 feet. The resort also has two Hydrotube water slides, which descend over 60 feet before emptying into the pool, along with covered picnic areas with barbecue grills, picnic tables, and chairs, and play areas for children.
3696 N 1600 E, Preston, ID 83263, Phone: 208-852-0266
14. Riverside Inn and Hot Springs
The Riverside Inn and Hot Springs is a historical adult-only boutique hotel located in downtown Lava Hot Springs next to the Portneuf River. The stylish inn features beautifully appointed, individually decorated guest rooms with modern decor, an award-winning restaurant and lounge, and a relaxing spa with mineral hot springs. Built in 1914 and known as “The Honeymoon Hotel,” the resort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is renowned for hosting several famous people, including President Theodore Roosevelt. The exclusive spa features healing hot mineral springs with chemical-free geothermal waters with temperatures ranging between 102°F and 106°F.
255 East Portneuf Street, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, Phone: 208-776-5504
15. Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
Located about an hour and a half from Boise, the Rocky Canyon Hot Springs is located along the Middle Fork Payette River in the Boise National Forest. There are four primitive and rustic hot spring pools, which are surrounded by rocks and boast varying temperatures, cooled by the river water cascading down a cliff into the pools. Rocky Canyon Hot Springs is relatively secluded, hidden by large rocks and the rising steam from the waters, and can be accessed by fording the river.
Garden Valley, ID 83622
16. Royston Hot Springs
The Royston Hot Springs is nestled in the Sweet Valley and features a natural hot springs indoor pool and a large jetted hot tub. The pool and the hot tub are filled with mineral water welling up from the ground at 140°F and cooled to 98°F for the pool and 104°F for the hot tub. Royston Hot Springs also features the Spring House, a large 3,500-square-foot building that can be hired for special events, which features full kitchen facilities, a banquet area with a stage, and access to bonfire pit with picnic tables. The resort also has a campsite with a tent camping area and ten full hook-up RV spots, a games room, restrooms and showers, and coin-op laundry facilities.
7880 ID-52, Sweet, ID 83670, Phone: 208-584-3371
17. The Springs - A Mountain Hot Springs Retreat at Idaho City
The Springs is a hot springs retreat in the historic mining town of Idaho City. Located just a short drive northeast of Boise, the resort features a state-of-the-art pool fed by a natural geothermal hot spring water. The resort has sizeable open-air swimming pools and private hot tubs and baths and provides an array of amenities such as towels, lockers, toiletries, non-alcoholic beverages, heated and air-conditioned dining and massage yurts, picnic areas for outside food and floaties on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursday evenings. The Springs features a seven-room hotel situated just down the road from the hot springs with comfortable guest rooms and modern amenities for overnight stays.
3742 ID-21, Idaho City, ID 83631, Phone: 208-392-9500
18. Trail Creek Hot Springs
The Trail Creek Hot Springs is located northwest of Cascade, Idaho, and has two geothermal hot springs, a primitive campsite with a firepit, and several hiking trails. The smaller first pool is approximately 10 feet wide and 3 feet deep, features a rock wall with a rock and sand bottom, and is filled with hot water that slides down colorful algae-laden rocks. The second pool is around 8 feet wide and 2.5 feet deep and has a rock wall and a sandy bottom and is filled with hot water from the pool below. Both pools are surrounded by dense forest and rising steam, creating a tranquil and secluded spot for relaxing. There are several campsites with fire rings slightly above the springs, and the Boise National Forest camping areas and campground are nearby.
NF-22, Cascade, ID 83611
19. Zims Hot Springs
Located in New Meadows, Zims Hot Springs features several outdoor pools filled with hot geothermal mineral waters with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 106°F. The waters are cooled by the waters of the Little Salmon River and are treated with chlorine for hygiene reasons. The springs include an outdoor soaking pool with a temperature range of between 103°F and 106°F and an outdoor swimming pool with warm waters between 90°F and 100°F. Other facilities at Zims Hot Springs include picnic areas, changing rooms, locker rooms, a campground with tent and RV pitches, and a snack bar.
2995 Zims Rd, New Meadows, ID 83654, Phone: 208-347-2686
The 18 Best Idaho Hot Springs near me today according to local experts:
- 1. Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs
- 2. Burgdorf Hot Springs
- 3. Elkhorn Boat Box Hot Springs
- 4. Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs
- 5. Gold Fork Hot Springs
- 6. Goldbug Hot Springs
- 7. Kirkham Hot Springs
- 8. Lava Hot Springs
- 9. Maple Grove Hot Springs
- 10. Miracle and Banbury Hot Springs
- 11. Mountain Village Resort Hot Springs
- 12. Mundo Hot Springs
- 13. Riverdale Resort Hot Springs
- 14. Riverside Inn and Hot Springs
- 15. Rocky Canyon Hot Springs
- 16. Royston Hot Springs
- 17. The Springs - A Mountain Hot Springs Retreat at Idaho City
- 18. Trail Creek Hot Springs
- 19. Zims Hot Springs
More Getaway Ideas in Idaho: Talus Rock Retreat in Sandpoint
Tucked away in the midst of 30 acres of pristine wilderness, Talus Rock Retreat is an elegant bed and breakfast just a few miles from the heart of Sandpoint in Idaho. The charming mountain retreat offers four stylishly appointed and individually decorated guest rooms and suites with private bathrooms, including one suite with stunning artwork and textiles inspired by Rudyard Kipling, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. A complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning, and an array of guest services and amenities are available such as an outdoor swimming pool, loaner bikes, spa services and a free airport shuttle service. Talus Rock Retreat is a short drive away from downtown Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille.
Talus Rock Retreat offers four stylishly appointed and individually decorated guest rooms and suites with contemporary mountain retreat-style décor and lavish furnishings, spacious bedrooms with pillow-top beds and luxury linens, and en-suite bathrooms with showers/baths/shower-over-bath combinations. Kitchenettes have fridges, microwaves, toasters, cutlery and crockery and coffee/tea makers with complimentary coffee and tea and cozy living spaces have tables and chairs for relaxing. Modern amenities abound, including air-conditioning and heating, cable television, hairdryers, thick towels, organic bath products, complimentary wireless Internet.
The Kipling Room is an east-facing sanctuary decorated with vibrant décor and artworks. The room features a king-size bed with luxurious linens and plush pillows, an en-suite bathroom with bright Talavera Mexican tiles, a deep jetted tub, thick towels and deluxe bath products, and a private Parisian balcony with glass sliding doors and awe-inspiring views of the waterfall and the Cabinet Mountains.
The Rio Room is a pretty, pastel-colored room that faces the north and offers beautiful views of the forest and horse arena. The room features a king-size bed with luxurious linens and plush pillows and a small loft with a single mattress for a third guest, an en-suite bathroom with a copper dragonfly sink, a deep soaking tub and shower, thick towels and deluxe bath products.
The Selkirk Room is decorated in warm earthy tones with African accents and features a king-size bed with luxurious linens and plush pillows and a small loft with a single mattress for a third guest, an en-suite bathroom with a copper dragonfly sink, a deep soaking tub and shower, thick towels and deluxe bath products. A cozy cubby offers lovely views of the mountain and forests.
The Grand Arbor is the retreat’s signature suite - a heavenly, romantic, open-plan sanctuary with an octagonal 30-foot copper ceiling, wooden floors, a king-size bed in luxurious linens and plush pillows, an en-suite bathroom with a unique double-headed tree shower, soaking tubs, thick towels and deluxe bath products. French doors lead onto a private deck with breathtaking views of the majestic Cabinet Mountains.
The Syringa Suite is a cozy and luxurious mini-apartment that is ideal for a couple or small family with a private entrance and wraparound private deck with spectacular views. The apartment has a relaxing living room with a queen-size futon, a full kitchen with appliances and utensils, a bedroom with a queen-size bed in luxurious linens and plush pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a vibrant sunflower mosaic-tiled shower and matching sink, and shower.
The Nooma Escape is a versatile 3,200 square-foot luxury suite that is ideal for family or group gatherings with a master bedroom housing a king-size bed with luxurious linens and plush pillows, an en-suite bathroom with shower, deep jetted tub, thick towels and deluxe bath products. The retreat also has futons, fold-out sleepers, bunk beds, and rollaway that can sleep up to 12 extra guests if required. A spacious living and dining room have comfortable chairs and tables for meals and relaxing, and a fully equipped kitchen has all the necessary appliances and utensils for easy vacation living. The house has a ground floor entrance and easy access to the surrounding gardens, fire pit, and hot tub.
Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning that includes traditional hot and cold choices, such as waffles, freshly baked pastries and bagels, yogurt, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit and juices, and hot coffee and tea.
Talus Rock Retreat offers an array of amenities and guest services, including a complimentary buffet breakfast served every morning, a heated outdoor swimming and hot tub, beautiful gardens with a fire pit for relaxing under the stars. The retreat has a library with board games and books and a piano, a movie theater room with a selection of classic and contemporary films, and spa services are available on request. Activities include bikes to use and a network of nature trails to explore.
Talus Rock Retreat features beautiful spaces for events, functions and special celebrations for up to 30 guests and offers a range of packages and services to every taste and budget. Some of the services provided include an officiant to perform the ceremony, a two-hour pre-gathering planning consultation, and a shared list of preferred vendors.
Back to: Weekend Getaways in Idaho
291 Syringa Heights Rd, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Phone: 208-255-8458
More Getaway Ideas in Idaho: Middle Fork Lodge
Tucked away near the Sun Valley in Cascade, Idaho, Middle Fork Lodge is a secluded but upscale lodging experience for guests looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In fact, the lodge can only be accessed by arranging a charter flight from one of six nearby airports or through booking a wilderness rafting trip. All guests to the lodge will enjoy home-cooked meals, multiple options for guided excursions, and personalized staff attention during their stay.
Accommodations
All of the accommodations at Middle Fork Lodge come in the form of guest quarters. Guest quarters are located in a variety of different areas around the resort.
One of those areas is the Upper Lodge, which has guest quarters on the second floor. This lodge is located on the hillside, just above where the Main Lodge is situated. All rooms in the Upper Lodge have views of the river and the orchard and come with a king size bed and a private bathroom.
Guests who prefer a more private experience can rent one of the six cabins available at the lodge.
The Honeymoon Cabin is located between the Main and the Upper Lodges and features a king size bed, bathroom with a bathtub/shower combination, and a sitting deck with panoramic views of the river.
Larger groups or families may consider the larger Family Cabin. Located the closest of all the guest quarters to the Main Lodge, this cabin has two adjoining bedrooms (one with a king size bed and the other with two twin size beds) that come with their own private bathrooms. Each bedroom can be entered into privately and has its own deck as well.
There are also four River Cabins available for rent. These cabins were designed to provide the best overall views of the lodge property, and each has a king size bed, private bathroom, and a porch where guests can sit and enjoy the view.
One additional option for guest quarters is the River House, which is similar in size to the Family Cabin. The building is situated in the banks of the Salmon River with a deck for guests to sit and look out over it. The River House also has two adjoining bedrooms (one that has a king size bed and the other that has two twin size beds). There is a single, private bathroom, but each bedroom has its own, privately accessible entrance.
All guest accommodations have a two-night stay reservation minimum. Smoking is not allowed in any of the guest quarters, but there are designated smoking areas on the premises.
Amenities
Staff at Middle Fork Lodge provide five-star guests amenities for all visitors. Each guest quarter comes with toiletries, high-quality mattresses and linens, and personalized staff attention. All bathrooms are made from marble, and each room is heated using local geothermal energy.
Guest can also enjoy swimming at one of the multiple on-site pools, which are all heated by local hot springs and open all year round.
Dining
The cost of each guest’s stay at Middle Fork Lodge also includes three meals, snacks, and all non-alcoholic beverages daily. These are served family style in the Main Lodge’s dining hall.
The skilled cooks at the lodge work to provide fresh, upscale options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Examples of menu items previously served at the lodge include seared yellowfin tuna with wasabi, roasted herb chicken with apple stuffing, chicory, and goat cheese salad, and filet mignon. Alcoholic beverages like wine and beer can be purchased through the lodge’s wholesaler, or guests can bring their own.
Activities
Due to the lodge’s proximity to a wide variety of outdoor activities, the staff has compiled a list of the top activities for guests to take part in during a stay at Middle Fork.
Many of the guests enjoy local fly fishing. Middle Fork is considered a “catch and release” fly fishing area, so guests cannot keep any of their catches and must use barbless hooks when fishing. However, the area has earned several blue ribbons for the abundance of large (up to 16 inches) rainbow trout and cutthroat trout that live there. Guests must have a valid fishing license, which can be obtained through the staff at Middle Fork Lodge. There are also private fly-fishing tours available, where guests will be led on horseback by an experienced guide to some of the top areas for fishing.
Horseback trips are another popular activity at Middle Fork Lodge. These trips are designed for horseback riders of all experience levels and led by a guide from the lodge. Guests will be led through some of the more historical portions of the local area, including shelter pits, hunting blinds, and pictographs used by the Native Americans who inhabited the land. It is also a great way to view the local wildlife. Overnight and custom trips are also available. Guests can choose from a short, three-mile ride to Marble Creek, half-day rides to either Jackass Flats or Thomas Creek, or one of the full days/potentially overnight rides to Mitchell Ranch or Cameron Creek. Space can be limited, and reservations are encouraged.
Guests who want to explore the area on foot may enjoy taking a hiking trip. Trips range from easy, quiet hikes to more challenging ones, and the staff at the lodge can help guide guests toward what option will work best for them. There are eight different trips available, many of which follow similar trails to the horseback trips. One of the most popular is the Showerbath Hot Springs, where guests can actually enjoy a shower at the local springs before heading back to the lodge. This hike takes approximately two to three hours in full.
There are also other special interest trips available through the Middle Fork. Space for these trips is extremely limited, but they are hosted all year round. Three of the most popular are the trophy hunting, bird watching, and wildlife photography trips.
Salmon River, Cascade, ID 83611, Phone: 877-468-6635
Attraction Spotlight: Lava Hot Springs
Located within the Pocatello, Idaho Metropolitan Statistical Area near the Portneuf River and Range, Lava Hot Springs is a resort town area known for its natural geothermal hot springs, which serve as popular bathing sites. The Lava Hot Springs area was originally part of the Fort Hall Native American Reservation, an 814-square-mile reservation located along Idaho’s Snake River Plain 20 miles northwest of the city of Pocatello.
History
The reservation was founded according to the terms of an 1868 treaty, named for a popular European trading post in the Portneuf Valley that comprised a major stop on the 19th-century Oregon and California Trails. The Fort Hall Reservation is the officially recognized home of the Shoshone-Bannock indigenous tribes and contains a population of 5,762, including 5,300 registered tribe members.
The Lava Hot Springs area is home to a number of natural geothermal hot springs, which are produced by rising heated groundwater from within the Earth’s crust. Hot springs waters have traditionally been believed to serve medicinal and healing purposes because of their high mineral content, leading to many folklore legends and traditions among world cultures encouraging bathing in heated springs waters as a cure for ailments such as rheumatism. As part of the 1868 treaty, 178 acres of hot springs land was acquired by the United States federal government, which was transferred to the State of Idaho as part of a 1902 public land use act. The land was later transferred to the control of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation, supervised by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, which retains management of the hot springs facilities today.
Permanent Attractions
Today, Lava Hot Springs is best known for its world-famous Hot Pools Complex, which is located at 430 East Main Street in the city’s downtown area. The pools utilize more than 2.5 million gallons of water per day, which are then diverted into the Portneuf River, and are noted for their lack of sulfur smell. Five outdoor pool areas are available for bathing, with water temperatures ranging between 102 and 112 degrees. A 102-degree “cooler pool” is offered, equipped with a snow melting system and sun-blocking canopies surrounding pool areas. Alcohol and glass containers are not permitted within the pool complex, and use of the facility’s hot pools is not recommended for children under the age of two, as hot springs waters may be dangerous for infants.
Above the hot pools, a Sunken Garden Complex is landscaped with native and international plants, offering an urban garden area terraced by rock walls formed by algae reefs that were once part of the Portneuf River. A system of trails offers shade and opportunities for bird watching. Admission to the gardens is free of charge and does not require pool complex admission.
In addition to the hot pools, Lava Hot Springs offers an Olympic Swimming Pool and Indoor Aquatic Center Water Park complex. An outdoor Olympic-sized pool, which formerly served as an AAU Championship venue, measures 50 meters in length and is divided into eight lanes, containing over a million gallons of water. Its full diving platform offers five-, seven-, and 10-meter platforms above a 17-foot deep end. Several water slides beside the pool provide drops of up to six stories, along with a curly slide complex for younger riders, and a picnic and sunbathing area that allows coolers and lawn chairs. Within the indoor swimming pool complex, an AquaClimb wall offers wet climbing opportunities, and the Portneuf Kiddie Cove provides a safe play area with toys and slides for young visitors.
Ongoing Programs and Events
Small group swimming lessons are offered year-round for a variety of age groups at the indoor pool complex. One-week summer group sessions are offered for children, with four levels of year-round lessons offered based on skill level and technique sets. A Baby and Me swimming group meets for 30-minute sessions, and a Junior Lifeguard program for teenagers ages 11-14 offers opportunities to volunteer on the facility’s premises throughout the summer months. A pre-competitive and recreational league for adult students introduces the four Olympic swimming strokes, along with basic starting and turning techniques. The Rocky Mountain Masters swimming group provides opportunities for drop-in and monthly aquatic workouts and skill development courses, and a competitive swim team, the Lava Hot Springs HEAT, is offered for youth ages 5-18.
A Dogapoolooza event in September offers open swim time at the pool and water park complex for families with pets. In December, the Snowman Games Endurance Swim serves as a charity fundraiser for Toys for Tots and offers Santa visits in the indoor pool’s lobby. A Kids’ Tri Lava Triathlon race is held in May, and a Fire and Ice Children's Water Carnival serves as part of the city’s annual Fire and Ice Winterfest festival.
430 East Main Street, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho 83246, Phone: 208-776-5221
