Tubing Down the River

If you are looking to fill up a Lava Hot Springs bucket list, you simply have to add tubing down the Portneuf River. Steadily gliding down the rapid current can be a lot more thrilling and engaging than you may initially think, and with three different pathways to choose from, you can be guaranteed a great time!

Tubing Down the River

Tubing in Lava Hot Springs: What You Need to Know

Piling almost as high as the buildings themselves, tubes will line Main Street in our tiny town. Floating on Portneuf has been an Idahoan tradition since the Lava Hot Springs were first discovered, and there is no way it is stopping anytime soon. Tourists enjoy plunging into the refreshing river water when it's hot outside, and the different sections of river have their own discoveries to unveil.

While it may not be as family friendly as the water park and not as thrilling as zip lining around town, tubing the river is easily the most accessible and cost-effective activity that is still a blast! Instead of paying to go on the river itself, you rent the tube for a set amount of time and are free to travel the river as much as you want. Most renters offer single-rider tubes, dual-rider tubes, and four-rider tubes. The higher the rental time and number of passengers, the higher the price.

To get the most out of these tubes, you might want to pay an additional fee for shuttle benefits. These trucks will drive you back to the start of the river course so you can ride the Portneuf more times. If you don't mind only riding the course a couple of times, then don't worry about shuttling.

On the River

Now that you have your tubes, there are a few things you should know about the river. You'll start your river expedition at any of the docks around town, of which there are three. Each of the paths leads to different sections of town, and they will take you through mini rapids, under bridges, and across rocky surfaces.

Deciding to push through the rapids or avoid them is thrilling for first-time riders, especially when you don't have a great way to control where your tube goes. It can also be somewhat relaxing to sit and float. Each ride is approximately 20 minutes.

Most people think of the river as exclusively spring and summer activities, but every winter a modest group of people gather at Lava Hot Springs for a polar bear plunge. Jumping into a 20 degree (Fahrenheit) water is unimaginably cold, but for those who choose to do so, they'll have a fun story to tell.

Rapid Changes

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Rules and Cautions

Riding the river can be a lot of fun, but in rare cases things can end catastrophically. By having common sense and heeding the local river guidelines, you'll be able to have fun with your family while keeping yourself, your family, and your property safe.

Here are some rules for the river:

1. When bringing younger crewmates who can't swim, make sure they are wearing life jackets. While most of the river is shallow enough for most adults, younger kids will not be able to touch.

2. Be careful with your technology. Either leave it at your hotel room, or place it in sealed baggies in your pocket if you want pictures while you're out there. Not doing so can destroy your technology, and that's not worth snapping a memory at the river.

3. Be aware that rocks can scratch up your arms and legs pretty good. Make sure your bottom doesn't hit rocks underneath the tubes.

4. Apply sunscreen.

5. Listen to any other rules and pointers from the locals. They have likely been on the river far more than you have, and they know what works and what doesn't.

Tubing on Portneuf River will be one of the highlights of your trip! On top of supplying plenty of laughs, you'll be happy to do something so integrated with nature. Treat the river with respect, follow the rules, and have a great time!