Located in a mountainous valley, the super small town of Lava Hot Springs is well-known for its abundance of soaking opportunities. Historically used by the Shoshone and Bannock indigenous peoples, people have been taking advantage of the area’s spectacular thermal mineral springs for thousands upon thousands of years. If anything, spending some time in this small town is a must for anyone looking for the best hot springs in Idaho, and this historic hot springs hotel is a great place to start.

There’s no better place to spend the night in Lava Hot Springs than the historic Riverside Hot Springs Inn. Established over a century ago, this place is the ultimate destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. It is just one of the many natural hot springs in Idaho.

Riverside Hot Springs Inn

The Riverside Inn was originally opened in 1914 by a man named William “Billy” Richard Godfrey. Nicknamed “The Honeymoon Hotel” at the time, it quickly became known for its elegance and quiet, dreamy atmosphere, making it a popular place for long, romantic getaway for two.

Riverside Hot Springs Inn

The hotel was built on the banks of the Portneuf River because of its direct access to hot mineral water. In these early days, settlers were just beginning to realize the healing effects that the geothermal waters possessed.

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Today, the Riverside Inn is an excellent place to soak in the area’s world-famous hot springs. It’s the only full-service hotel in town and it boasts its very own on-site hot springs. Its only a great place to stay if you’re searching for unique winter getaways in Idaho.

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This adults-only hotel offers a wide array of amenities, including one of the best award-winning restaurants in Idaho, massages, continental breakfast, and spa, dining, and massage packages.

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The spa and soaking facilities can be found on the lower level of the hotel. Boasting three indoor soaking rooms (plus an old-fashioned outdoor soaking barrel), guests can enjoy a relaxing soak in geothermal water that’s around 102-106 degrees Fahrenheit.

Riverside Hot Springs Inn

Travelers have been soaking in the springs at this historic hotel, one of the most well-known historic hotels in the state, for a long time, so come see what the fuss is all about and plan a stay here for yourself. More information about Riverside Hot Springs Inn can be found on their website. Just the pictures alone will get you in a hot springs kinda mood!

Management/TripAdvisor

What do you think? Are you ready to spend some time at this historic hot springs hotel? Staying here looks absolutely heavenly. Tell us about your favorite hot spring spots in the Gem State below!

Riverside Hot Springs Inn

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Address: 255 East Portneuf Street, Main St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hot Springs in Idaho June 05, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Can you name some other great hot springs in Idaho? Absolutely! Located within the Boise National Forest just about an hour and a half south of Boise is one called Mile-16 Hot Springs. A really unique one in the Clearwater National Forest, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, has 3 hot springs but one doesn’t rise to the surface until late summer. And for those who want an easily accessible one, try Trail Creek Hot Springs near Cascade, Idaho. I’ve heard that the Trinity Hot Spring Resort is wonderful. What can you tell me about it? You heard right! Trinity Hot Spring Resort is definitely one of the best hot springs resorts in Idaho. In addition to the amazing setting and a family-friendly soaking destination, it is the only hot springs in North America carrying the Naturliches Heilwasser certification, which means “natural health water” in German. I know there are several hot springs not too far from Boise. What other things can we do while in the Boise area? There are so many fun and interesting things to do in Boise. From museums to outdoor recreation, to dining, to live music, to great shopping, you will find it here. A fun fact for you: one of the things that Boise boats is as the home of the world’s largest pine tree! You can find it in the city’s Kathryn Albertson Park. I’m searching for winter getaways in Idaho. Can you name one in the northern part of the state? If you like winter camping, I’ve got one for you. Located just about 40 minutes south of Coeur d’Alene, Heyburn State Park, the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest, turns into a snowy paradise in winter. Choose from cozy cottages or cabins for your winter stay here.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hot Springs in Idaho

June 05, 2022

Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Can you name some other great hot springs in Idaho? Absolutely! Located within the Boise National Forest just about an hour and a half south of Boise is one called Mile-16 Hot Springs. A really unique one in the Clearwater National Forest, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, has 3 hot springs but one doesn’t rise to the surface until late summer. And for those who want an easily accessible one, try Trail Creek Hot Springs near Cascade, Idaho. I’ve heard that the Trinity Hot Spring Resort is wonderful. What can you tell me about it? You heard right! Trinity Hot Spring Resort is definitely one of the best hot springs resorts in Idaho. In addition to the amazing setting and a family-friendly soaking destination, it is the only hot springs in North America carrying the Naturliches Heilwasser certification, which means “natural health water” in German. I know there are several hot springs not too far from Boise. What other things can we do while in the Boise area? There are so many fun and interesting things to do in Boise. From museums to outdoor recreation, to dining, to live music, to great shopping, you will find it here. A fun fact for you: one of the things that Boise boats is as the home of the world’s largest pine tree! You can find it in the city’s Kathryn Albertson Park. I’m searching for winter getaways in Idaho. Can you name one in the northern part of the state? If you like winter camping, I’ve got one for you. Located just about 40 minutes south of Coeur d’Alene, Heyburn State Park, the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest, turns into a snowy paradise in winter. Choose from cozy cottages or cabins for your winter stay here.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Absolutely! Located within the Boise National Forest just about an hour and a half south of Boise is one called Mile-16 Hot Springs. A really unique one in the Clearwater National Forest, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, has 3 hot springs but one doesn’t rise to the surface until late summer. And for those who want an easily accessible one, try Trail Creek Hot Springs near Cascade, Idaho.

I’ve heard that the Trinity Hot Spring Resort is wonderful. What can you tell me about it?

You heard right! Trinity Hot Spring Resort is definitely one of the best hot springs resorts in Idaho. In addition to the amazing setting and a family-friendly soaking destination, it is the only hot springs in North America carrying the Naturliches Heilwasser certification, which means “natural health water” in German.

I know there are several hot springs not too far from Boise. What other things can we do while in the Boise area?

There are so many fun and interesting things to do in Boise. From museums to outdoor recreation, to dining, to live music, to great shopping, you will find it here. A fun fact for you: one of the things that Boise boats is as the home of the world’s largest pine tree! You can find it in the city’s Kathryn Albertson Park.

I’m searching for winter getaways in Idaho. Can you name one in the northern part of the state?

If you like winter camping, I’ve got one for you. Located just about 40 minutes south of Coeur d’Alene, Heyburn State Park, the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest, turns into a snowy paradise in winter. Choose from cozy cottages or cabins for your winter stay here.