The Gem State is dotted with many breweries, taphouses and pubs worthy of a stop—or a session, as brewmasters say. Behind the scenes of some of Idaho’s top breweries, you’ll find talented women in craft beer who are developing unique flavors coupled with stellar vibes. Four remarkable connoisseurs are crafting the future of brewing in Idaho, from intriguing beverages to inviting taprooms.

Penny Pink

Portneuf Valley Brewing | Pocatello

Penny Pink may lovingly call herself Idaho’s “grandmother of brewing,” but her legacy as the state’s first female brewer ensures that Portneuf Valley Brewing isn’t your grandma’s typical watering hole. When Pink and her husband moved to Idaho in 1986, she gifted him a homebrewing kit and then took over the operation when his first round exploded. “Once he discovered the broken glass all over his power tools, he said, ‘You are the one with a degree in microbiology and chemistry—you brew the beer!'” she laughs.

After building her first brewing system out of scrap metal in her driveway and bootstrapping her way into growing the business, Pink unveiled Portneuf Valley Brewing’s first commercial pour in July 1996. Today, the space is equal parts brewery, restaurant and community hub. While you might come for the atmosphere, live music and great food, the diverse beer lineup is undoubtedly the shining star.

Portnuef offers six flagship beers—all of which Pink developed—and a host of seasonal and rotating brews.

“One of the reasons I have brewed a lot of different styles over the years is because I like a diversity of things,” she says. “In the summer, I want light and crisp, and in the winter, I want dark and satisfying. I bring a range of beers to the tap.”

Of her flagship beers, Ligertown Lager and Belligerent Ass remain Pink’s personal favorites. Ligertown is a classic all-malt, all-American pilsner known for its balanced flavor and light body. Belligerent Ass is a nut brown ale that was lovingly named for her husband (a fact he’s quite proud of, Pink confirms). It is brewed from six types of malted barley and two varieties of hops that create a rich, well-rounded beer.

Beth Bechtel & Hailey “Alex” Alexander

Bear Island Brewing Co. | Boise

Beth Bechtel came to brewing by way of serving her country. After a successful career in personal training and professional boxing, she was looking for her next chapter and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Throughout her travels, she became fascinated with the breadth of beers abroad. “I became a beer geek. The best brown ale I ever had was in Rome, where I had an epiphany that I needed to learn how to brew.”

Fast-forward to 2014, when Bechtel—along with her husband, business partner and fellow Navy veteran, Steve—evolved from brewing in a two-car garage to founding Bear Island Brewing Co. Today, it is housed in the historic Firehouse #6 building in Boise and offers a welcoming “community living room” vibe, Bechtel says. “Beers brings people together. It is our job to craft community.”

Bechtel, who is the CEO and CBO (chief brewing officer), works alongside Hailey “Alex” Alexander, the site’s head brewer. Alexander got her start in the wine industry but soon gravitated toward crafting beer. “I kept finding myself at breweries, learning about beer and drinking beer,” she recounts. “I just love the atmosphere of brewing.”

When it comes to her approach, Alexander explains, “I want to create something that is unique but sessionable, which means you can have more than one, and you want to have more than one.”

While both women gravitate toward Brewhouse #6—a Euro-style pilsner—their go-to brew of choice is Idaho® Potato Ale, the brewery’s flagship IPA. Bechtel crafted this beer out of necessity. “While I was on my final deployment in the Middle East, I ran out of barley and needed a replacement starch to make beer,” she recalls. She describes this juicy, tropical and approachable IPA as “Idaho in a glass.”

Ginger Cantamessa

Black Lodging Brewing | Coeur d’Alene

Ginger Cantamessa is a self-described beauty-school dropout who found her way to brewing. “The first really good beer I made was a stout,” she says. I realized that (much like processing hair) temperature matters more than you think it does. The adjustments on your grain mill matter—all the things really matter—and everything came together perfectly for that batch.”

Cantamessa had worked at a variety of bars, wineries and pubs but found herself gravitating to the production side. Getting in the weeds with recipes, science and logistics suited her, and a dream of what would become Black Lodge Brewing Brewing took hold. Cantamessa and her husband, Josh, opened the brewery in Coeur d’Alene in 2021, creating a spot that pays homage to the Davide Lynch TV show, Twin Peaks.

“I am a huge David Lynch fan, and I wanted [the brewery] to have [the show’s] ethereal, dreamy pop vibe,” Cantamessa admits. “It’s a very chill, low-key place where you can enjoy good food and good beer.”

A small but mighty brewery, Black Lodge always has one of Cantamessa’s recipes on tap but also serves up a rotating list of other regional craft beers. While you never know what she’s brewing or what you’ll find on tap when you visit, you can be certain it’ll be a nice, clean beer with funky flavors. “I like sours, I like dark beers, I like [beers that] have more depth,” she asserts. “I like some complexity to [them].”

These remarkable women in craft beer have made an indelible impact on the landscape of Idaho brewing, infusing it with their expertise, creativity and hospitality. They inspire others to redefine the craft beer scene in Idaho, while engaging brew enthusiasts and fostering a lasting sense of community.

After you’ve checked out these creative female craft brewers, you can discover more of Idaho’s impressive craft beer scene at breweries across the state.

Kate Hull is a travel and lifestyle writer and editor. She is the co-publisher and editor-in-chief of Powder Mountain Press—the publisher of Teton Valley Magazine based in Driggs. Hull lives in Victor with her husband and young son and enjoys biking, baking and exploring the Teton Mountains.

Eagle Island State Park | Eagle

This 545-acre park is home to a year-round disc golf course that is challenging in all the right ways. The handcart-friendly route provides intermediate-to-advanced players with a mix of open fairway and wooded shots across 19 holes. The course is lined by water and features slight elevation changes.

Farragut State Park | Athol

This park’s five, yes five, year-round courses are known for their balanced mix of hole layouts and difficulty. Each course features 18 holes, with one geared toward beginners and children, three in the intermediate-to-advanced range and one highly technical, advanced course designed with professionals in mind.

Hells Gate State Park | Lewiston

This charming, intermediate nine-hole course sits along the Snake River and is available to play year-round, although summer access may depend on the park’s mowing schedule. Several holes prompt players to use strategy in avoiding light brush, tree groupings and water hazards.

Lake Walcott State Park | Rupert

With 21 holes open all year and various options for approaching play, the course at this state park is easily adjustable to suit a player’s skill level and is a fast favorite for first-time visitors.

Lucky Peak State Park | Boise

Sandy Point, a hillside section of this scenic state park near Boise, offers a welcoming 18-hole course with changing basket layouts. The park is generally accessible from October through May.

Massacre Rocks State Park | American Falls

This challenging, elevated adventure features nine holes available year-round and is best for intermediate-to-advanced players. There are drops and rises, narrow fairways and even several baskets located over ravines at this park. Beginners can get their throws in on an additional junior course.

Priest Lake State Park | Coolin

Harvey’s Hemlock Hideaway, a disc golf course located in the lovely Priest Lake area, was designed with beginners and families in mind. The nine holes feature scenic views and a mix of open shots and tree coverage. This picturesque location is technically seasonal, but baskets are left out for those willing to brave the elements throughout the year.

Three Island Crossing State Park | Glenns Ferry

Spend the entire day outside on a beautiful 18-hole course. This moderately challenging route along the Snake River incorporates water and can be tricky when it’s windy. The course at this park is accessible year-round despite occasional snow cover.

Thousand Springs State Park | Hagerman

Niagara Springs is one of six units at this renowned state park, where disc golf enthusiasts can find a well-designed course at a higher elevation with a mixture of shots. The play on this 18-hole disc golf course in Idaho leans toward intermediate or advanced, but beginners can also enjoy honing their throws here.

Castle Rocks State Park | Almo

Aim for an ace against a backdrop of ancient granite formations at this remarkable state park known for its rock climbing. The small, grassy course here has only three holes, but visitors can also take advantage of nearby scenic picnic areas, as well as hiking and fishing access.

Dworshak State Park | Lenore

Recently upgraded to 18 holes, the FoxBurrow fairway is found near the Freeman Creek Campground within the 850-acre park. The course allows ample opportunities for intermediate-to-advanced players to show off their skills over shots of differing lengths, inclines and technicality.

Looking for insider tips on visiting Idaho’s state parks? Check out Ranger Talks! This series gives you firsthand tips from the people who know each park inside and out: the rangers.

Find additional resources and check out more activities and adventures you can experience in Idaho State Parks.

When I’m traveling outside of Idaho and share that I live in the Gem State, people will often throw out the names of destinations that they’ve either been to or heard of. Boise. Sun Valley. Some mention the stunning natural beauty of Redfish Lake or the adventures that await near McCall. While I love hearing what people know of this beautiful state, I’m always keen to share that Idaho is full of memorable places to visit that are just off the beaten path.

Take a chance on one of these destinations that flies just-under-the-radar for many, but are perfect spots for exploring this summer.

Explore Island Park

Island Park is Idaho’s gateway to Yellowstone National Park, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s not a destination in its own right. Whether you fish, hike, paddle, ATV, or simply like to relax on the riverbank with your favorite drink in hand, Island Park is your kind of place.

Tucked along Idaho’s border with Montana and Wyoming, Island Park is best known for the Henrys Fork of the Snake River (known simply as the “Henrys Fork”). The Henrys Fork is a world-class fishing river whose primary source, Big Springs, gushes forth from the ground just minutes from downtown Island Park. Anglers love the river for its large trout, prolific hatches, and accessible riverbanks. Everyone else loves it for its wide, sometimes lazy flow that is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming.

Those looking for more terrestrial adventures will find them in spades in Island Park. Hiking and ATV trails criss-cross a landscape that was formed by the same volcanic forces that continue to shape Yellowstone National Park. Harriman State Park is a favorite hiking spot and features historic ranch buildings that are open for tours in the summer. A bit further south, stunning Mesa Falls careens for ten stories over an ancient caldera and is an ideal spot to relax with a picnic lunch.

Soak in Lava Hot Springs

If a family-friendly destination is what you’re after, look no further than a trip to Lava Hot Springs. Located in Idaho’s southeastern corner, this small resort town grew up around a series of natural pools that fill with crystal clear, odorless mineral water that emerges from the ground at perfect soaking temperature. The highlight of any trip to Lava Hot Springs is hours spent soaking, splashing, and playing in the pools themselves, but there is plenty more to explore beyond the hot springs.

Spend a morning at historic Chesterfield, a Mormon pioneer town that remains lovingly preserved by the families of the settlers who once called this quiet patch of prairie home. Free tours are given from Memorial Day to Labor Day, or you can walk the grounds yourself and get a taste of what life was like for pioneers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Adventure seekers will want to book an afternoon with Lava Zipline for hours of fun “riding the lines” across a wide, green canyon just outside of town. The experience continues with a run through a high ropes course that towers two stories above the ground.

Enjoy the Snake in Twin Falls

The Snake River that is! The Snake is one of the Northwest’s major rivers, cutting a broad smile across southern Idaho from the Wyoming to the Oregon borders. Halfway through its journey across the state, the Snake flows through Twin Falls, a city of 50,000 people nestled along the edge of the deep river canyon.

Though Twin Falls is known as the commercial hub of south-central Idaho, its trendy Main Street and desert beauty make this bustling city worth a trip. Start your explorations with a morning at Centennial Waterfront Park. Enjoy beautiful views of I.B. Perrine Bridge, whose distinctive truss arch rises almost 500 feet above the water. Kayak rentals are available right along the shore, and in summer, a zipline course whizzes overhead.

Those looking for an even bigger thrill might be inclined to book a tandem jump with a BASE instructor—the Perrine Bridge is one of the only structures in the United States that doesn’t require a permit to launch from the deck into the canyon below.

Make your way to Twin Fall’s newly revitalized Main Street for lunch at a local eatery before heading to the impressive beauty of Shoshone Falls. Known as the “Niagara of the West,” the river plunges 212 feet over a horseshoe-shaped cliff. The sight is most impressive during the spring snowmelt but worth checking out any time of year.

Get Your Thrills in Hells Canyon

The Grand Canyon may get all the fame, but did you know that the deepest river gorge in North America is right here in Idaho? Hells Canyon, located on our southern border with Oregon, plunges 7,900 feet at its deepest point. Its entire length is wild, dramatic, and a little hard to get to…but getting there is at least half the fun.

Start your journey by driving the 22-mile Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, which stretches north from the Oxbow Bridge to the Hells Canyon Dam. This narrow, winding road looks down into the canyon itself but peel your eyes away from the water to keep a lookout for mountain goats, deer, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles. The Hells Canyon area was home to Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Tribe, and petroglyphs dot the cliffs.

The Hells Canyon Dam is the start of the designated “Wild and Scenic” section of the Snake River, and though the road stops here, you won’t want to miss what’s beyond. To explore, book a whitewater rafting trip from Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburgh Landing. This 35-mile rafting adventure takes three days and will bring you through the wildest and deepest parts of Hells Canyon. If whitewater rafting isn’t your style, make your way north to the Riggins area, where you can book a jet boat adventure that motors for a half-day or a full-day up the Snake River and into the rugged canyon bottom.

Catch a Sunset in Sandpoint

From the arid high desert in the south to the jagged terrain of central Idaho’s mountain ranges, few are ready for the surprise of the north—a land that is densely wooded, hilly, and filled with beautiful lakes, streams, and rivers. Love those Pacific Northwest vibes? Northern Idaho is where you’ll find them.

Coeur d’Alene is a popular jumping-off point for northern Idaho adventures. This town of 50,000 sits on the edge of Lake Coeur d’Alene, a lake popular with boaters and sightseers. Don’t have your own boat? Book a scenic cruise that leaves right from the downtown marina, or rent a paddleboard to ply the waters yourself. 

An hour north of Coeur d’Alene lies the resort town of Sandpoint, nestled on the shore of Idaho’s biggest and deepest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. Sandpoint has a quiet, beautiful charm that lures vacationers back year after year. Spend your days relaxing on the lakeshore, grabbing a bite to eat and a local pint at one of the many restaurants and breweries, and exploring the nearby hiking and paddling trails. Don’t miss the chance to catch a sunset over Lake Pend Oreille—the sight is one you won’t soon forget.

No matter where you visit this summer, Idaho is sure to leave you with memories that’ll last a lifetime. We’ll see you soon!

Featured image credited to Sara Sheehy.

Sara Sheehy is a writer and photographer who travels the world seeking wild places and great stories. When she’s not on the road, Sara spends her time exploring the mountains around her home base of Sun Valley, Idaho.

Those who know, know Pocatello.

If Idaho’s mountain biking scene has a secret handshake, Pocatello is it. Situated in a narrow wedge of valley between the Bannock and Portneuf ranges on the Snake River plain and wedged between better-known destinations in Sun Valley and the Wasatch, the riding in one of Idaho’s largest cities remains an open secret, even to locals.

Simply put, Pocatello is one of the best trail towns you’ve never heard of.

Forming the western edge of the valley, the Bannock Range is the backbone of the city’s sprawling trail network. Three riding regions—City Creek, Gibson-Jack and Scout Mountain—string north to south across sagebrush-draped hills and wooded valleys. The hills here come alive with the bright pop of balsamroot flowers in April and May, although higher-elevation trails may remain snowbound until summer. Autumn riding brings stunning color and mild temperatures. And although Pocatello sits in the “dry” part of the state, locals will tell you the city seems to create its own weather; snow squalls and sweltering temperatures can rub shoulders most seasons. It all adds up to a true backcountry feel, including limited cell service, within 10 miles of the city.

With hundreds of miles of trail—the numbers vary; no one has mapped all of them—there’s enough riding here for even the most intrepid explorers to keep discovering secrets. But the following rides will teach you the secret handshake and make you a convert.

City Creek Loop | A Pocatello Primer

Managed by the City of Pocatello and accessible via a quiet residential neighborhood on the edge of downtown, the City Creek system is the centerpiece of Pocatello’s trail network. The uphill-only Lower City Creek trail crosses ten wooden bridges as it traces the shaded streambank of its namesake. The occasional rock or short, punchy climb will keep riders focused, but overall this trail suits all levels of single-track skill. After a mile Lower City Creek intersects City Creek Road; past here, Upper City Creek—now open to uphill and downhill travel—meanders next to or slightly above the creek bed for another mile, providing access to several local favorite routes. On the return, several downhill routes parallel Lower City Creek; the big dips and banked turns of 911 will finish off the ride with flair, while Lifeflight takes a mellower tack.  

Grove / Bowling Ball Loop | City Creek Dirt Surfing

The City Creek trail is the stem for several classic Pocatello loops, and Grove – Bowling Ball loop is among the best. Beginning from Upper City Creek, the Grove trail quickly leaves grassland behind for a tunnel of twisted maple trunks. The scenery will be a surprise for those with preconceived notions of the arid Snake River plain of southeast Idaho. From the top of Grove, the Bowling Ball loop climbs faint bovine-braided tread to a rocky knob with impressive views of Pocatello. Ride the loop counterclockwise and finish with Gutterball, where all those leaves mulch into a surprisingly surfy dirt. Drift into steep, leaf-littered turns before a return trip on Grove, where branches flash past in a blur of tight turns.

Slate Mountain / Gibson Jack Loop | Bannock Backcountry

Backcountry rides often sacrifice single-track quality for the overall ride experience. Not so the Slate Mountain / Gibson Jack loop in the Gibson Jack riding area. This 14-mile loop alternates between steady, never-too-steep climbs and fast, twisting descents accompanied by views—of aspen-lined valleys and rows of low, forested hills—that rival any single track in the state. Ride this route clockwise for the best climbs-to-views payoff that culminates in a fast, rock garden descent through tall grass and aspens and across splashing creeks. All this from a trailhead ten minutes from downtown.

Post-ride

Tacos and two wheels make a natural trio, and El Herradero offers the former, as well as a full menu of authentic Mexican staples, in a setting where bike shirts will not feel out of place. While sushi is a less-obvious post-ride pairing—especially in landlocked southeast Idaho — Sumisu is a local favorite for good reason.

Feature image is credited to Aaron Theisen

Aaron Theisen is an outdoors writer and photographer whose work has appeared in Freehub, Mountain Flyer, Powder, Backpacker and elsewhere. His passions are the big peaks and small towns of the Northern Rockies. When he’s not searching for obscure trails or sampling the region’s dive bars, Aaron can be found mountain biking and skiing around his hometown of Spokane, Washington.

Riding bikes and playing in the leaves: two of the giddiest joys of childhood that, when combined, make fall the best season for mountain biking. (It’s just science.)

Throughout Idaho, the cooler weather, smaller crowds and perfect autumn dirt set the stage for a final victory lap before winter. But it’s the fall colors that seal the deal: the golden slopes of western larch and the yellow and orange corridors of aspen trees.

Below are fall mountain biking recommendations  for key riding regions throughout the state. Practice your leafy skids and get ready to feel like a kid again.

1. Sandpoint

The signature cedar forests of northern Idaho shade most of Sandpoint’s expansive—and growing—trail system. But in autumn, larch is the star as this deciduous conifer lays down a carpet of gold needles on the tread. Connecting the trail network of Schweitzer to the town, the Schweitzer Basin descends more than 4,000 vertical feet to valley bottom ecosystems. The trails—High Point to Sidewinder to the Lower Basin DH is a prime route pick—provide a highlight reel of hues, from the gold of larch and hardwoods to the rosy blush of huckleberry shrubs and the yellow of ferns. And they come with an added bonus — spectacular views of Lake Pend Oreille from the top of the trail.

2. Boise

The City of Trees lives up to its name late in the fall, when the shrubs and cottonwoods of the Boise Foothills complement the vibrant trees lining the streets of the historic neighborhoods. Of the approximately 200 miles of singletrack in the Foothills trail system, the nine miles that descend Freddy’s Stack Rock and Sweet Connie provide one of the best combos of high-speed fun and peak autumn color for top-notch Boise mountain biking. Beginning near the top of Bogus Basin Road, Freddy’s curls around shrubs and rock formations before dropping into the stacked, swooping curves of Sweet Connie. Canyon and creek bed foliage flash by, while nearly the whole way, views of Boise’s trees far below angle for attention.

3. Pocatello

Pocatello’s biking bona fides may be hiding in plain sight, but its fall colors are right out in the open. The folded foothills of the Bannock Range west of town, where most of the area’s trails lie, put on one of the best fall color shows in Idaho. The City Creek Trail System, on a low bench of land just west of downtown, encompasses some of the area’s best and most easily accessible fall mountain biking. The City Creek trail snakes alongside the namesake creek under a canopy of red and orange — meanwhile, aspens and maples mingle on the Grove–Bowling Ball Loop, where leaves pile in big drifts and invite extensive drifting turns through the curling path. Time your ride right, and the views will include the snow-capped peaks of the Portneuf Range to the east.

4. Teton Valley

September is when the Tetons have serious competition for scenic bragging rights, as the peaks on the edge of eastern Idaho’s border with Wyoming appear to sit on a throne of orange and yellow foliage. Even after Grand Targhee Bike Park’s chairlifts stop spinning for the season—capped with the early-September celebration of bikes that is the Wydaho Rendezvous, so named for the cross-border cultural connection of the region (the bike park sits in Wyoming but is only accessible through Idaho)—riders can still pedal the resort’s trails. The vast aspen groves of the Rick’s Basin trails, such as Perma-Grin and Quakie Ridge, provide new photo opportunities at every turn.

5. Sun Valley

Autumn in the Sun Valley area might mean a slower pace in town, but riders can still find a heart-quickening pace on the trails. Some 400 miles of singletrack wind across the Wood River Valley, and the five-mile Fox Creek Loop, ten minutes north of Ketchum, makes a fine entry to the area’s shoulder-season possibilities. From a trailhead immediately off State Highway 75, the popular trail crosses and climbs above the Big Wood River. Views from the top of the loop encompass aspens capped by the snowclad Sawtooth Range. A fast descent through fall colors follows, finished with a riverside return through the cottonwoods. Combine this loop with the popular four-mile Chocolate Gulch Loop for even more sensational Sun Valley mountain biking with fall colors and fast dirt.

6. McCall

Although it’s perhaps more commonly considered a lake town in the summer, the brisk autumn temperatures will remind riders that McCall is a mountain town, too. And so will the excellent McCall mountain biking. Just north of downtown, the Bear Basin trail network encompasses a handful of stacked loops that allow for quick-hit rides on flow trails framed by fall colors. The six-mile shuttle-accessed descent of the Payette Rim Trail ends nearby, and Brundage Mountain Resort will soon have single track connecting its trails to Bear Basin. The resort’s motto is “the best snow in Idaho,” but the trails give the area a claim for the best dirt, too. Bonus: no lines for post-ride ice cream or beer in downtown McCall.

Feature image credited to Aaron Theisen.

Aaron Theisen is an outdoors writer and photographer whose work has appeared in Freehub, Mountain Flyer, Powder, Backpacker and elsewhere. His passions are the big peaks and small towns of the Northern Rockies. When he’s not searching for obscure trails or sampling the region’s dive bars, Aaron can be found mountain biking and skiing around his hometown of Spokane, Washington.

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.