The Best Tubing River In The Country Is Right Here In Idaho And It’s A Blast

Summer in Idaho just isn't complete until you've spent an afternoon floating down one of our rivers. After all, there's no better way to cool off on a blistering hot day than by cruising along a cold and refreshing river. It just so happens that the best tubing river in the country is located in Idaho. This comes as no surprise to us, but it's always nice to get some national recognition for our state's incredible natural features. It looks like the secret is out, so pack your bags (and your tube!) and get headed to this gem of a river for some world-class fun in Idaho!

One of Idaho's most popular rivers for recreation was named "The Best Tubing River In America" by USA Today back in 2016. Pretty impressive, right? Well, it only makes sense to us that the Portneuf River would snag the top spot.

This is one of the state's most beloved spots for a fun summer afternoon tubing down the river. It's a rush that's hard to beat.

When it comes to river tubing, the Portneuf River that runs through southern Idaho has long been one of our state's best-kept secrets. For decades, the stretch of river that runs through the town of Lava Hot Springs has been used for summertime fun.

People come from far and wide to experience this summertime rush.

In fact, thousands of people travel to the small town in southeastern Idaho just to play on the river. Residents from both Utah and Wyoming have long been coming to Lava Hot Springs to rent a tube and spend the afternoon floating down the river's current, and now the rest of the country will too.

For many people this pilgrimage is an annual tradition and their summer wouldn't be complete without it.

The Portneuf River beat out 19 other tubing locations throughout the country, like the San Marcos River in Texas and Delaware River in New Jersey. Once you hop onto the river, you'll instantly see why. This is a tubing experience like none other.

Grab a bright yellow tube for yourself or a group tube and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

The Portneuf boasts a swift current with several thrilling but manageable rapids. This tubing experience lies somewhere in between a leisurely lazy river float and an all-out white water adventure. It's truly the best of both worlds.

Rider feels tentative or wild will both find satisfaction in this experience.

Lava Hot Springs contains a number of outfitters who rent out tubes of various shapes and sizes. This is a universal activity that is suitable for most ages and requires virtually no skills to partake in the fun. Tubing is for everyone, and that's the way it should be.

The activity is perfectly safe as long as you're wearing a life vest and align with any recommended safety guidelines.

The town's main claim-to-fame may be their famous hot springs, but the Portneuf River is a close runner-up. Nationally speaking, it's first place! This is an iconic Idaho tradition that must be experienced so be sure to plan a trip to Lava Hot Springs before summer ends.

Remember that safety must always come first when tubing the river. Wear protective clothing, life jackets, and always proceed with caution. TPD Tube Rentals is a popular company that offers tube and equipment rentals. You can visit the official TPD Tube Rentals website for more information.

Have you visited this famous tubing river yet? If so, let us know in the comments below. We love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique experiences.

You better plan a trip before summer comes to an end. Don't forget to check out our list of five lazy rivers in Idaho that are perfect for tubing on a summer's day for more great places to go tubing in Idaho!