Lava Hot Springs World Famous Hot Pools
- From $8
- 102–112°F
- 4 hr 25 min from Boise
- Walk-in OK
Five outdoor mineral pools on Main Street in Lava Hot Springs, run by the Lava Hot Springs Foundation, a self-funded Idaho state agency. Water ranges from about 102 to 112F, is not treated with chemicals and flows through to the Portneuf River. The pools are open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Price
- From $8
- Water
- 102–112°F
- Nearest town
- Lava Hot Springs
- From Boise
- 4 hr 25 min
- Reservations
- Walk-in OK
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Hours |
|
|---|---|
| Season |
|
Tickets & booking
| Price |
|
|---|---|
| Access | Day pass, walk-ins welcome |
| Booking |
|
Rules
| Swimwear |
|
|---|---|
| Ages |
|
| Dogs | No |
On site
| Pools | 5 |
|---|---|
| Camping nearby | Yes |
Water temperature
Soaking-pool temperatures as published by the venue or land agency; they vary with season and flow.
Mineral profile
Total dissolved minerals
790 mg/L
Moderately mineralized · Sodium–chloride (salty, brine-like water)
- pH
- 6.7
- Temp at source
- 109°F
- Fluoride
- 0.55 mg/L
- Boron
- 0.34 mg/L
- Iron
- 0.07 mg/L
Lab analysis of the source water at “09s 38e 22ccb1s Lava H.S.--Hot Sprg”, sampled 1952–1991 by the USGS and partners (data). Pool water may be cooled, mixed or treated, and spring chemistry is generally stable over decades. We report measurements only; we don't make health claims.
The pools
| Pool | Temp |
|---|---|
| Hot Pools (5 pools)Five gravel/rock-bottom pools at different temperatures; hottest about 112F. Rebuilt hottest pool has an ADA-compliant ramp. | 102–112°F |
As published by the venue. Temperatures shift with the seasons and the weather.
Facilities
- Natural mineral water, no chemicals
- Over 2.5 million gallons a day flow through to the Portneuf River
- No sulfur odor
- PH about 5.2
- Changing rooms: yes
- Showers: yes
- Lockers: yes
- Towel rental: yes
- Food on site: yes
- Drinks / bar: no
- Restrooms: yes
- Sauna: no
| Accessibility |
|
|---|---|
| Bring your own alcohol | Not allowed |
| Glass containers | Not allowed |
| Smoking | Not allowed |
| Good to know |
|
What's here
- five natural mineral pools 102-112F
- gravel/rock-bottom pools
- no chemicals added
- deck snowmelt system
- canopies for sun and rain
- outdoor cold shower spout
- gift shop with coffee and snacks
- Sunken Gardens next door
Getting there
- From Boise4 hr 25 min271 mi
- From Pocatello40 min35 mi
- From Pocatello (PIH)52 min45 mi
Typical driving time without traffic or snow.
| Elevation | 5,009 ft |
|---|---|
| Road |
|
Things to do near Lava Hot Springs
Sunken Gardens
Terraced flower gardens in an old volcanic sinkhole beside the Hot Pools, run by the Lava Hot Springs Foundation.
Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex
Summer outdoor 50 m pool with 5/7/10 m diving platforms and slides, plus a year-round indoor pool; 4 blocks west.
Portneuf River tubing
Summer tube floats on the Portneuf River through town; rentals from local outfitters.
Campgrounds
- Crystal Springs Campground7.6 mi
- Goodenough Creek Campground14.2 mi
- Downata Hot Springs Campground16.4 mi
- Scout Mountain Campground18.6 mi
Straight-line distances. Campground and trailhead data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nearby springs
Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs
A family-run hotel on Main Street dating to 1918, originally called the Raya Hotel. Most rooms have private baths filled with natural hot springs water. It sits within walking distance of the state-run Hot Pools.
Lava Hot Springs Inn & Spa
A historic inn at the west end of Lava Hot Springs with outdoor mineral pools from 94 to 107F and a 44F cold plunge. Non-guests can buy a $15 all-day pass at the front desk, and overnight stays include pool access and a hot breakfast. Massages, including aquatic Watsu, are offered on site.
Riverside Hot Springs Inn & Spa
An adult-only boutique hotel on the Portneuf River in downtown Lava Hot Springs. Three private indoor soaking rooms on the lower level take continuously flowing mineral water, tempered to 102-106F. Soaks are booked in advance and limited to 30 minutes.
Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs: 0 mi · Lava Hot Springs Inn & Spa: 0 mi · Riverside Hot Springs Inn & Spa: 0 mi
Sources (11)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.