If the hot springs are Lava Hot Springs' soul, the Portneuf River is its pulse — especially in summer. The river runs right through the center of town, and floating it on an inner tube has become the defining summer activity. On any warm July afternoon, the river is dotted with hundreds of tubers lazily drifting through town, and the banks are lined with people getting in, getting out, and going back for another run.
River Tubing
Why It's the Big Draw
River tubing on the Portneuf is simple, accessible, and deeply fun. You don't need experience, special skills, or expensive gear. You sit in an inflated tube, the river carries you, and you enjoy the ride. That's it.
What makes Lava Hot Springs tubing special:
- Through-town route — You float right through the middle of town, past restaurants and shops
- Easy access — Multiple entry and exit points along a short stretch
- Gentle current — The river moves at a relaxing pace with a few mild rapids for excitement
- Repeat-friendly — The float is short enough to do multiple runs in an afternoon
- Tube rentals everywhere — Multiple shops rent tubes right on the riverbank
The Float
Distance: The main tubing section is roughly 1 mile through town Duration: 30-60 minutes depending on water level and how often you stop Difficulty: Easy — suitable for older children and adults of all fitness levels Season: Late June through early September (water level dependent)
Tube Rentals
Multiple outfitters in town rent tubes, most located right along the river:
What to expect:
- Single tube: $8-15 per run or hourly rate
- Cooler tube: Additional tubes designed to carry a small cooler (no glass allowed)
- Multi-run deals: Some shops offer day rates for unlimited runs
- Deposit: Many shops require a small deposit or ID hold
What's included:
- Inflated tube
- Brief safety orientation
- Directions to put-in and take-out points
What to bring yourself:
- Swimsuit and water shoes (rocks on river bottom)
- Sunscreen (applied before entering — don't put it on in the water)
- Waterproof phone case (or leave your phone behind)
- Water bottle (stay hydrated)
- Sunglasses with a strap (the river claims many pairs)
Put-In & Take-Out Points
Multiple access points line the river through town. Rental shops will direct you to current put-in locations based on water levels. Take-out points are well-marked — don't miss yours, as the river continues past town into areas less suited for casual floating.
The Experience
A typical tubing run goes like this:
- Rent your tube from a riverside shop
- Walk to the put-in point (usually a short walk upstream)
- Enter the river — wade in, sit in your tube, and let the current take you
- Float through town — gentle current with a few fun spots where the water picks up
- Navigate small rapids — nothing dangerous, but enough to keep it interesting
- Exit at the take-out — marked exits where you climb out and return your tube
- Walk back and do it again
Most people do 2-4 runs in an afternoon. The walk back takes 10-15 minutes, which is just enough time to dry off before getting wet again.
Kayaking & Canoeing
For those wanting more control on the water, the Portneuf offers kayaking and canoeing options.
In-Town Kayaking
The same stretch used for tubing works for kayaks, with more ability to explore eddies, navigate rapids, and paddle upstream sections.
Rentals: Some outfitters in town rent kayaks alongside tubes Difficulty: Easy for experienced paddlers; moderate for beginners due to current and rocks Best for: Those wanting a more active water experience than tubing
Extended River Sections
Beyond the town center, the Portneuf continues through scenic canyon terrain:
Upstream sections:
- Calmer water, scenic canyon walls
- Good for beginners in kayaks or canoes
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Less crowded than the in-town section
Downstream sections:
- More remote, less developed
- Faster water in some stretches
- Best for experienced paddlers
- Scout conditions before running unfamiliar sections
Rental Information
Kayak rentals:
- Single kayak: $20-40/hour or $50-80/day
- Tandem kayak: $30-50/hour or $70-100/day
- Availability varies by season and demand — reserve for summer weekends
What to wear:
- Quick-dry clothing
- Water shoes (not flip-flops — you need something that stays on)
- Sunscreen and hat
- PFD (personal flotation device) — provided with rental
Fishing
The Portneuf River and surrounding waterways offer fishing opportunities for those who want to combine their hot springs trip with time on the water with a rod.
What You Can Catch
- Rainbow trout — Stocked in sections, reliable catch
- Brown trout — Some sections hold decent browns
- Mountain whitefish — Common in the river system
- Cutthroat trout — In tributaries and upper stretches
Where to Fish
In and near town:
- River access points along the Portneuf through town
- Less productive during peak tubing season (too much activity)
- Best early morning or late evening when tubers are gone
Upstream from town:
- Quieter stretches with better fishing
- Access via roads and pulloffs along US-30
- Less fishing pressure, more natural feel
Nearby options:
- Portneuf River upstream toward Lava Hot Springs proper
- Tributaries feeding the Portneuf hold trout
- Reservoirs in the region for different species
- Bear Lake (1.5 hrs) for Bonneville cisco and lake trout
Fishing Practical Notes
- Idaho fishing license required — Purchase at sporting goods stores in Pocatello or online at Idaho Fish and Game
- Regulations: Check current Idaho Fish and Game regulations for the Portneuf River — sections may have different rules
- Best season: Spring and fall offer the best fishing; summer is too busy with recreation
- Gear: Standard trout tackle — spinning or fly fishing both work
River Safety
The Portneuf through Lava Hot Springs is generally safe for recreational use, but water demands respect. Follow these guidelines:
For Tubers
- Wear water shoes — Rocky river bottom can cut bare feet
- No glass on the river — Broken glass is dangerous for everyone; use cans or plastic
- Watch for rocks — Low water levels expose rocks; lift your rear to avoid scraping
- Don't tube drunk — Alcohol impairs judgment and swimming ability in current
- Supervise children — Kids should be old enough to swim and should wear PFDs
- Know your exit — Don't miss the take-out point; the river continues past town
- Check water levels — High water (early season) can make the river too fast for safe tubing; outfitters will advise
For Kayakers
- Wear your PFD — Always, even on calm sections
- Scout unfamiliar sections — River conditions change with water levels
- Tell someone your plan — Where you're putting in, where you're taking out, when to expect you
- Avoid strainers — Fallen trees and debris that trap boats are the main kayaking hazard on rivers like this
Water Level Awareness
The Portneuf's character changes with water level:
High water (spring/early summer): Faster current, fewer exposed rocks, more exciting but potentially dangerous for inexperienced tubers. Some outfitters may close tubing operations during peak runoff.
Normal summer levels: Ideal for tubing and kayaking. Moderate current, some exposed rocks to navigate, manageable rapids.
Low water (late summer): Slower float, more rocks to dodge, may need to walk shallow sections. Still enjoyable but less smooth.
Planning Your River Day
Half-Day River Trip
Morning river session:
- 9 AM: Arrive, rent tubes
- 9:30 - 12 PM: 2-3 tubing runs
- 12 PM: Lunch in town
- Afternoon: Hot springs soak to warm up and relax muscles
Full-Day Water Adventure
The complete Lava Hot Springs water day:
- 9 AM: Morning hot springs soak (warm up for the day)
- 10:30 AM: Rent tubes, start floating
- 10:30 AM - 1 PM: Multiple tubing runs
- 1 PM: Lunch break
- 2 PM: Olympic swimming complex — pool and waterslides
- 4:30 PM: Return to hot springs for sunset soak
- 6:30 PM: Dinner, thoroughly water-logged and happy
What to Bring for a River Day
Essential:
- Swimsuit (wear it under clothes)
- Water shoes (old sneakers work too)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ — reapply between runs)
- Water bottle
- Cash for tube rentals and snacks
- Towel (leave in car for after)
Nice to have:
- Waterproof phone case
- Sunglasses with strap
- Dry bag for valuables
- Change of dry clothes for after
- Snacks
Leave behind:
- Glass anything
- Expensive electronics without waterproof protection
- Flip-flops (they come off in the river)
- Anything you can't afford to lose
Seasonal Guide
Peak Season (July - August)
- All outfitters open, full tube inventory
- Warmest water and air temperatures
- Busiest weekends — arrive early for tube rentals
- Best river conditions for casual tubing
- Extended hours at rental shops
Early Season (Late June)
- Water may be higher and faster from snowmelt
- Check with outfitters on conditions before renting
- Fewer crowds — the locals' sweet spot
- Water temperature is colder
Late Season (September)
- Water levels dropping, some shallow sections
- Fewer rental shops open — check availability
- Beautiful fall colors beginning along the river
- Air and water cooling — shorter sessions
- Far fewer people — peaceful floating
Off-Season
The river is there year-round, but tubing is strictly a summer activity. In winter, the Portneuf is scenic for riverside walks but too cold for recreational water activities. Focus on the hot springs instead.
The Portneuf River through Lava Hot Springs is summer at its simplest and best: sun, water, gentle current, and the luxury of doing it over and over again all afternoon. Add in the fact that you can finish your river day with a soak in chemical-free mineral hot springs, and you've got one of the most complete water days anywhere in Idaho.
Planning a summer river adventure? Join our VIP list for early access to LuxeDen Resorts, opening 2027 with Nordic-inspired glamping domes steps from the Portneuf River and hot springs pools.
