Lava Hot Springs Foundation Pools - Day-use fee or pay-per-soak in Lava Hot Springs, ID (2026)
A state-run complex channels 2.5 million gallons of odor-free mineral water through five terraced pools with heated sidewalks and changing rooms. The adjacent town packs in motels, float rentals, and summer tubing on the Portneuf River.
Lava Hot Springs Foundation Pools is the state-run, deliberately family-friendly mineral pool complex in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho — a small Bear River Valley town built almost entirely around the 2.5-million-gallon-per-day artesian flow from the namesake springs. Five terraced pools at temperatures from 102°F to 112°F, heated sidewalks, full locker rooms, and an adjacent indoor aquatic center with waterslides give it the most polished public-soak operation in Idaho. The Portneuf River runs through town and is the country's most accessible commercial inner-tube float. The town is busy summer weekends, quiet midweek and winter.
What to expect
Pay $23 at the bathhouse entrance for unlimited entry to the five outdoor pools. Combo tickets bundle the indoor aquatic center with waterslides ($35 for both). Heated walkways between pools, full locker rooms, towel rentals. The town center is 3 minutes' walk for tubing rentals, restaurants, and motels. Plan a half-day for the pools and an additional half-day for the river float in summer. Glass containers strictly banned and enforced.
Temperature
102°-112°F
Pools
5 soaking pools
Best season
Year-round
Reservations
Walk-up friendly
Dog policy
No pets at pools
Family policy
Family windows available
Safety notes
- The hottest upper pools exceed 112°F—limit time to 10 minutes and cool down in the lower basins.
- Glass containers are prohibited and strictly enforced; pack stainless or plastic bottles only.
Amenities & etiquette
FAQ
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Nearby hot springs
Burgdorf Hot Springs
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This 1870s mining-era resort keeps its hand-hewn bathhouse, two massive log-lined pools, and a handful of dry cabins tucked in the Payette National Forest. In winter the only way in is by snowmobile or fat bike, turning the soak into a full adventure.
Goldbug Hot Springs
Salmon, ID
A two-mile climb up BLM Trail #642 leads to cliffside tubs with sweeping views of the Salmon River Mountains. Backpackers spread out across primitive campsites tucked between the cascades and the main overlook pool.
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Lowell, ID
A swinging bridge over Warm Springs Creek leads to terraced pools perched above the Lochsa River, framed by cedar forest and mist.
Kirkham Hot Springs
Lowman, ID
Dozens of thermal cascades pour over travertine ledges into the South Fork of the Payette River, creating adjustable rock tubs within a five-minute walk of the campground. Picnic tables and vault toilets make it one of Idaho's most accessible roadside springs.
Editor’s picks nearby
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs — the iconic three-pool wild soak on US-12, 1.5-mile hike across the Lochsa swinging bridge — closed Dec 1–May 1 for elk winter range.
- Kirkham Hot Springs — the drive-up Highway 21 favorite along the South Fork Payette — multiple terraced pools.
- Goldbug Hot Springs — the Salmon River corridor classic — 2-mile uphill hike to terraced creekside pools above US-93.