Getting Into Hot Water

You'll Like Getting Soaked This Way.

Is anything more relaxing than sinking into a pool of hot water? Idahoans have more to choose from than most. Thanks to its abundant geothermal resources, Idaho has over 300 hot springs – more than any other state.

Of those, about 130 are soakable, according to the website www.idahohotsprings.com, (which is also a wealth of information about hot springs, including reviews of them).  These are among those categorized by the Department of Water Resources as “low temperature geothermal,” meaning they range in temperature from 86 to 212 degrees; the ones categorized as “high temperature geothermal” are more than 212 degrees. So take note – make sure a pool is safe before stepping into it.

But other than the possibility of imitating a boiled lobster, there’s other reasons people prefer their eau a little less naturelle and choose a private hot spring over a public one. Public hot springs have no control; you don’t know how many other people will be there or how they’ll act. You can’t always be sure the water is sanitary and safe. (To quote a Dasani commercial, and to paraphrase W.C. Fields, salmon spawn in it.) Private or commercial hot springs can offer more modern amenities – including privacy.

So, think about what you’re looking for. A pool where you’ll soak with others? A small one for you and someone special? Are you looking for a massage, too? Hot springs are usually a bit off the beaten path; are you looking for accommodations? Do you want a room, or are you camping? How far are you willing to drive?

Here’s several hot springs within a few hours of Eagle you can try.

Lava Hot Springs

Pronounced Lava, not Lahva, this Idaho icon is southeast of Pocatello, about four hours away. It has five outdoor hot pools at different temperatures, some of which are Jacuzzis. It also includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools (the outdoor pool is closed in the winter). There are no private pools. It’s open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving from 8 am to 11 pm in the summer (May 1-September 30) and from 9 am to 10 pm in the winter, though it stays open till 11 pm on weekends. The water ranges from 102 to 112 degrees Farenheit. Massages are available. Both lodging and camping are available in the area.

Contact information:

Phone: 776-5221 or (800) 423-8597

http://www.lavahotsprings.com

Rates:

Weekdays: children under 2 free, children 3-11 and seniors $5, adults (over 12) $5.50. Re-entry allowed.

Weekends (Friday-Sunday): children under 2 free, children 3-11 and seniors $5.50 or all day for $7, adults (over 12) $6 or all day for $7.50. All-day required for re-entry.

Burgdorf Hot Springs

Feeling adventurous? Just two and a half hours up Highway 55, in a ghost town, is Burgdorf Hot Springs – but in the winter, it’s so remote you’ll need to snowmobile or ski the last 20 miles. There’s one pool, 55’ by 85’ feet, with a kiddie section, plus a hot tub. There are no private pools. It’s open to the public daily from 9 am to 8 pm, and is limited to lodgers at night. The water temperature ranges from 94 to 100 degrees Farenheit; the hot tub is 113. Twelve cabins from 70 to 132 years old are available to rent; you can bring your own bedding and cooking equipment, or rent use of a kitchenette for $20. 

Contact information:

Phone: 636-3036

www.burgdorfhotsprings.com <http://www.burgdorfhotsprings.com>

Rates:

Children 4 and under free, children 5-13, $3, adults $5. No credit or debit cards.

Miracle Hot Springs

Ten miles northwest of Buhl on Highway 30, you’ll find Miracle Hot Springs. It offers two shared outdoor pools, as well as 15 private pools. In addition are four “VIP” private pools, which are twice as big. It’s open Monday through Saturday year-round from 8 am to 11 pm; the pools are also open Sunday morning from 8 to 10 for people lodging there. Massages are available. Lodging is available in “domes,” as well as camping. And yes, three alligators have lived there since 2000, but don’t worry -- they’re not allowed in the pools.

Contact information:

Phone: 543-6002

http://www.mhsprings.com/ <http://www.mhsprings.com/>

Rates:

Under 4, $1; 4-13, $4; adult, $9; senior (55+) $7.  ($2 off per adult or senior before 6 pm weekdays)

Private pool (additional): $2 1 hour, $6 1 ½ hours, $10 2 hours.

VIP Private pool: $6 1 hour, $12 1 ½ hours, $18 2 hours.

Gold Fork Hot Springs

Gold Fork is a little over two hours from Eagle on Highway 55, near Donnelly. (The last four miles are on a dirt road.) It offers six outdoor pools in varying temperatures. There are no private pools. It opens every day (except Tuesday -- closed for cleaning) at noon, and closes at 11 pm on Saturday and 9 pm the rest of the week. It is particularly noted for the high mineral content of the water. Both lodging and camping are available in the area.

Contact information:

Phone: 890-8730 or (866) GLD-FORK (leave a message; the springs are not served by telephone or electricity)

Rates:

Free for children under 2, $6 for children under 11, $8 for adults. No credit or debit cards.