We may still have some time before spring grinds to a halt here in Idaho, but planning for summer is half of the fun! If you’re from around here, you probably can’t get enough of our wild state’s stunning natural beauty. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to explore every nook and cranny of Idaho’s best and most overlooked landscape treasures, like hiking a state parks or taking a scenic drive. But why not enjoy the great outdoors in a new, carefree way?
As temperatures start to warm up, splashing around in the Gem State’s lakes, rivers, and creeks is a family tradition for most. But you know what? A summer trip to the Portneuf River might just be one of the best ways to cool off and take in the scenery at the same time.
USA Today recently ranked the best rivers to float across the country - and guess which Idaho favorite made #1?
Edgar Zuniga Jr/Flickr
Idaho’s own lazy river: the idyllic, temperamental, and shaded Portneuf River through Lava Hot Springs.
Edgar Zuniga Jr/Flickr You can check out the full list here.
Lined with lush trees, plentiful vegetation, and naturally curving along with the landscape, this natural spring-formed river is a true treasure.
Edgar Zuniga Jr/Flickr
Of course, a tumble over the Portneuf Falls is a rite of passage for any tuber!
jerry stephens/GoogleMaps
But the shallow water and slow, steady pace of the river makes this one scenic attraction that is perfect for the whole family.
Edgar Zuniga Jr/Flickr
And the scenery isn’t too shabby either!
Edgar Zuniga Jr/Flickr
And on the lefthand side? A small mineral hot spring running off the side of the hill.
Mitchell Friedman/Flickr The perfect spot to take a floating break, wouldn’t you say?
There are literally dozens of places to rent tubes throughout Lava Hot Springs - it’s no secret that this is the best place to cool off in town!
Edgar Zuniga Jr/Flickr Relaxing, refreshing, breezy - skip your next waterpark trip, you won’t need it!
Just hop on over to the river walk to find the put-in spot.
Swift Witness Ministries/YouTube More info and map
Tip: There’s also an auto tour of the California-Oregon Trails nearby! Be sure to check it out!
For many Idahoans, floating the local river is a summer must-do. How awesome is it that one of Idaho’s own tops the country? Please keep in mind, this is a natural river and can be swift and/or dangerous at times – be safe!
Edgar Zuniga Jr/Flickr
You can check out the full list here.
jerry stephens/GoogleMaps
Mitchell Friedman/Flickr
The perfect spot to take a floating break, wouldn’t you say?
Relaxing, refreshing, breezy - skip your next waterpark trip, you won’t need it!
Swift Witness Ministries/YouTube
More info and map
Tip: There’s also an auto tour of the California-Oregon Trails nearby! Be sure to check it out!
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