description Lava Hot Springs Overview
Lava Hot Springs is a geothermal spring system and resort town situated along the Portneuf River in Bannock County, Idaho. The area features natural mineral water pools that surface at temperatures up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit, utilized by multiple bathhouses and commercial facilities. In 1902, the land was officially ceded by the Shoshone and Bannock peoples to the United States government specifically for the development of a health and recreational resort. Today, it serves as a regional destination for thermal bathing, tubing, and winter tourism.
help Lava Hot Springs FAQ
How hot is the water at Lava Hot Springs in Idaho?
Water emerging from the geothermal springs can reach about 113°F, or 45°C. The public bathing pools are maintained at different temperatures so visitors can move between milder and hotter water.
Does Lava Hot Springs add sulfur or other chemicals to its pools?
The hot pools use naturally heated mineral water and are known for lacking the strong sulfur odor found at some geothermal sites. Pool treatment and operating practices are managed separately from the spring's natural mineral content.
What is the connection between Lava Hot Springs and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes?
The federal government obtained the hot-springs land through a 1902 agreement involving the Shoshone and Bannock peoples. The springs were later transferred to the State of Idaho for public recreational and health use.
Are the hot pools the only attraction at Lava Hot Springs?
No. The Idaho resort also has a separate Olympic Swimming Complex and access to tubing on the Portneuf River, making it both a thermal-bathing and summer recreation destination.
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