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The soaking pools at Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

Lava Hot Springs/United States

Lava Hot Springs

State-run soaking pools on the Portneuf River in southern Idaho, fed by odourless mineral water since 1902.

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Bathing temperature
44°C
Bathing
Outdoor
Established
1902

Lava Hot Springs is a small Idaho town built around a series of terraced soaking pools at the eastern end of Main Street, backed by black lava rock and the Portneuf River. The water is hot, odourless and free of sulphur.

Balnevia view

Why visit

The pools are unusually hot for a public facility and are run by the state rather than a resort, which keeps them plain, open year-round and inexpensive.

Recommendations

Hotels nearby

Explore places to stay near Lava Hot Springs.

The water

Thermal water

Source
Lava Hot Springs
Mineralisation
Sulphur-free sodium bicarbonate mineral water
Character
Hot, odourless mineral water flowing continuously through terraced soaking pools

History

The springs were a neutral gathering and healing place for the Shoshone and Bannock peoples. They were placed in state trust in 1902 and have been publicly operated ever since.

Practical information

The hot pools and the summer swimming complex are separate facilities at opposite ends of town.

Official website

Getting there

Off Interstate 15 about forty minutes south-east of Pocatello.

Location

Lava Hot Springs, United States42.6188, -112.0102View on Balnevia map

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