Southeast Idaho is a hot bed of hot spring locations. From family-friendly and full of fun, to relaxing and tranquil, these hot springs offer something for every kind of hot spring enthusiast. Whether you’re seeking a bustling small town with multiple pools and amenities like Lava Hot Springs or a secluded and tranquil experience like Maple Grove Hot Springs, southeast Idaho has something to cater to every taste.
These hot spring spots offer various options for lodging, some have restaurants or snack bars, and they all have lovely scenery with options for additional recreation nearby.
Why Visit Southeast Idaho’s Hot Spring Spots?
- Natural Therapy: The mineral-rich waters of these hot springs are believed to offer numerous health benefits, including stress relief, improved circulation, and soothing relief for aching muscles and joints.
- Scenic Surroundings: Southeast Idaho is blessed with natural beauty, including stunning mountain ranges, forests and valleys, and tranquil rivers. These hot springs allow you to immerse yourself in the region’s enchanting landscapes, providing a feast for the eyes and a balm for the soul.
- Year-Round Appeal: Whether you visit during the vibrant colors of fall, the snowy wonderland of winter, the blooming springs, or the sunny summers, these hot springs are open year-round, inviting you to indulge in their warm waters regardless of the season. Some pools are only open in summer, so check the hot springs’ websites for hours and opening dates.
- Family-Friendly Experiences: With a range of activities and amenities suitable for all ages, these hot spring locations are perfect for family outings and gatherings. From swimming complexes and waterslides to secluded pools and natural play areas, there’s something for everyone in the family.
Let’s take a closer look at four must-visit hot spring spots in southeast Idaho: Lava Hot Springs, Downata Hot Springs, Bear River Hot Springs, and Maple Grove Hot Springs.
Lava Hot Springs
Located in the charming town of Lava Hot Springs, this location is a mecca for family fun and outdoor recreation.
There are two parts to Lava Hot Springs – the Hot Pools and the Olympic Swimming Complex. The facilities are at the opposite ends of town (four blocks apart) and can be visited separately or together with a combination ticket. Your ticket covers one entry; there is no reentry without paying again.
At the Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools, a range of mineral-rich hot pools, varying in temperature and size, cater to all preferences. Pool temperatures range from approximately 102˚ F to 112˚ F degrees and are open year-round.
The attractions include the Olympic Swimming Complex, featuring diving platforms and waterslides, and the indoor Aquatic Center with Portneuf Kiddie Cove, an area perfect for families with young children. The outdoor swimming pool is open late May – September and the indoor pools are open year round.
In addition to soaking in the hot pools and playing at the swimming complex, visitors can rent inner tubes in several places in town and float down the Portneuf River. There are a couple of hiking trails that leave right from town.
Downata Hot Springs
Downata Hot Springs is a 100-year-old hot spring located near Downey on the edge of the Caribou – Targhee National Forest. The hot spring is surrounded by mountains and forests on one side and a lush valley on the other.
There are a variety of onsite lodging options, including cabins, yurts, covered wagons, RV sites, and a campground.
The water at Downata Hot Springs is naturally heated and contains minerals that are said to be beneficial for health. There are a variety of water facilities, including a large outdoor pool with multiple water slides, a hot tub, a sauna, and a water playground perfect for families and big groups.
The big pools are only open in summer so check their website for operating hours. The two large soaking hot pools are open year round. In addition to the water facilities, Downata Hot Springs also has a restaurant, bar, spa, and gift shop. The restaurant and bar are open in summer with limited availability in the winter.
There are several hiking trails in the nearby national forest and a couple of historic sites along Highway 91 between Downey and Preston.
Bear River Hot Springs
Bear River Hot Springs is a natural mineral hot springs destination located just six miles north of Preston in the lovely Riverdale Valley. The four pools, ranging in temperature from 102 to 112˚ F degrees, provide hours of relaxation and fun.
In addition to the pools, Bear River Hot Springs also offers a variety of other amenities, including a waterslide, a game room, and a snack bar. You can also stay overnight in a hotel room, cabin, condo, or RV or tent site.
The Glendale Reservoir with great fishing opportunities is nearby. You can float the Bear River, golf at the local links, or find a trail in the Bear River Mountains.
Maple Grove Hot Springs
Nestled in the picturesque Bear River Valley with a stunning riverside setting, Maple Grove Hot Springs is a charming retreat that offers a mix of rustic and modern amenities.
The retreat features a series of pools with different temperatures, ensuring a delightful experience for all visitors. Maple Grove Hot Springs is renowned for its tranquility and intimate atmosphere ensuring a soothing soak.
Lodging options include furnished yurts, canvas glamping, wood cabins, and mountainside tent camping. Maple Grove offers a variety of events throughout the year including yoga retreats, guided hikes and musical experiences.
Maple Grove is off the grid and doesn’t have cell service. Be sure to make a reservation to soak on their website as they limit the number of people on the grounds. With small pools, paddle boarding or kayaking on the Bear River, and upscale glamping-style lodging, this hot spring location provides an idyllic escape.
Southeast Idaho’s hot spring spots provide an extraordinary opportunity to play, gather, relax, rejuvenate, and immerse in the region’s natural wonders. Whether you choose to visit Lava Hot Springs, Downata Hot Springs, Bear River Hot Springs, or Maple Grove Hot Springs, you’re sure to find a delightful combination of healing waters, some of Idaho’s best scenery, and plenty of recreational opportunities both within the hot springs and nearby.
Feature image credited to Melynda Harrison.
Melynda Harrison writes about travel and outdoor family adventure at TravelingMel.com, YellowstoneTrips.com, and many local and regional publications. When she’s not behind a laptop, you can find her cross-country skiing, hiking, floating a river, or traveling to far-flung locations.
Published on September 5, 2023
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