It’s no secret that hot springs are great for soothing your soul, but these natural hot springs in Idaho are quickly becoming world famous for their healing powers, both physical and mental. Lava Hot Springs is a tiny community in southeastern Idaho named after the aforementioned springs. These springs are locally renowned for their healing abilities and the small resort town attracts visitors throughout the year who come from all over to take a dip in these magic waters.
It was the Bannock-Shoshone Native Americans who originally inhabited the land and believed that the natural hot springs contained curative properties.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
The Lava Hot Springs were originally known as “Poha-Ba” or “Land of Healing Waters” by the Shoshone-Bannock tribe.
Lava Hot Springs/TripAdvisor The land was initially considered to be shared land between the Native Americans and the U.S. government in the late 1800’s.
It’s been recorded that the hot springs were considered a gathering place for several nomadic tribes, including Utes, Paiutes, Cheyenne, and the Flathead tribes. The Shoshone-Bannock people were the ones who mainly lived in the area.
John B/TripAdvisor These native tribes used the natural mineral water and mud baths for healing purposes.
Today the springs take the form of five man made pools ranging in temperature from 102 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
Johnny P/TripAdvisor The pools are constantly being refreshed with new water, since 2.5 million gallons makes it way through the pools before draining out into the Portneuf River.
The pools are set among a beautiful sunken garden which highlights both native and imported plant species all year long.
Matt N/TripAdvisor
It’s hard to imagine a more relaxing setting than this! It’s no wonder the small community of approximately 500 people swells to about 15,000 during its tourist season.
milst1/TripAdvisor
The hot springs are full of the purest mineral water, containing a variety of different minerals that are chock full of health benefits.
stazi0ne/TripAdvisor However, sulfur is not present in these waters….which means no odor!
This is definitely one of the best places in Idaho to just sit back and relax. Even if you don’t have any physical maladies in need of being cured, the soak is sure to refresh your mind and rejuvenate the soul!
santacruztrainer/TripAdvisor
Have you been to Lava Hot Springs? What did you think? Be sure to check out our article, “Everyone In Idaho Should Check Out This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible”!
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Lava Hot Springs/TripAdvisor
The land was initially considered to be shared land between the Native Americans and the U.S. government in the late 1800’s.
John B/TripAdvisor
These native tribes used the natural mineral water and mud baths for healing purposes.
Johnny P/TripAdvisor
The pools are constantly being refreshed with new water, since 2.5 million gallons makes it way through the pools before draining out into the Portneuf River.
Matt N/TripAdvisor
milst1/TripAdvisor
stazi0ne/TripAdvisor
However, sulfur is not present in these waters….which means no odor!
santacruztrainer/TripAdvisor
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