Idaho
Trip Ideas

Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Idaho’s Hot Springs

Explore a weekend itinerary featuring four hot springs in Idaho for a relaxing and adventurous getaway.

Updated Nov 30, 2023

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

With more than 130 soakable hot springs in Idaho, there is always someplace nearby for you to soak, relax, and unwind. For a weekend adventure where you can de-stress and explore the Gem State, check out the following itinerary. This trip will take you to four hot springs in Idaho — some resorts and some natural. Either way, you will be in for a weekend getaway that is relaxing in every way.

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Google Maps

This weekend road trip itinerary will take you from Lava Hot Springs to Kirkham Hot Springs in the Boise National Forest. In total, you will travel approximately 450 miles, and is one trip that you can take all year long. Feel free to customize your route using this interactive map.

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Friday Night: Lava Hot Springs, Lava Hot Springs

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Lava Hot Springs - World Famous Hot Springs/Facebook

Start your weekend off at Lava Hot Springs. This is one of the most well-known hot spring resorts in southern Idaho and it is certainly heavenly. Here, you can soak in one of the five separate hot pools that range in temperature from 102 degrees Fahrenheit to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. And while the hot water is lovely, the views surrounding the resort are breathtaking. If you want to bring your family along, stop at the Indoor Aquatic Center or the Olympic Swimming Complex in the summer. After a soak, there are all types of charming vacation rentals, inns, hotels, and even campgrounds where you can spend the night before continuing on your way. Learn more about these enchanting Idaho hot springs when you watch the footage below:

Saturday Morning: Heise Hot Springs, Ririe

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Heise Hot Springs/Facebook

On Saturday morning, you will drive north to the oh-so-delightful Heise Hot Springs. This is another hot springs resort with a natural mineral hot spring. Here, you can soak in the hot pools that are kept at a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, the hot pools are the main attraction but in the summer, the entire area is home to activities such as a zipline, golf, and outdoor swimming pools. You can also grab a bite to eat at Heise Pizza Parlor before you head off to your next hot spring. You can learn about all the amenities offered here when you watch the video below:

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Saturday Afternoon: Goldbug Hot Springs, Salmon National Forest

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Makaylee Clark/AllTrails

Spend your afternoon soaking in a primitive hot spring in Idaho. Goldbug Hot Springs offers beautiful views, small waterfalls, and multiple pools of warm water. There is a 3.5-mile hike to reach the pools but the journey is worth the effort. If you choose to visit these hot springs during the winter, microspikes are essential. Curious to take a virtual tour of these hot springs? Watch the video below:

Sunday Morning: Kirkham Hot Springs, Boise National Forest

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j.a.woodhouse/jesswoodhouse.com/Flickr

The perfect ending to your weekend is at Kirkham Hot Springs, approximately five miles from Lowman. This is one of the most beautiful natural hot springs in Idaho and easily accessible as well. There is a short hike to the hot springs, which can be slippery during the winter months, but once you arrive, you will never want to leave. You’ll find a mix of natural and man-made pools, waterfalls, forest views, and more. It’s absolutely dreamy!

Are there other Idaho hot springs you would add to this road trip? What are some of your favorite hot springs in Idaho to visit? Let us know in the comments below -- we would absolutely love to hear from you! And, while you're embarking on your adventure, don't forget to check out our ultimate road trip essentials packing list.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town in Idaho is so Worth Exploring

Melba, Idaho may be small but it has history, nature, and restaurants that are worth visiting.

Published Sep 9, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

If you have been reading my articles for a while now, you know that I love the small towns that dot Idaho. These towns are not only packed with friendly faces and irresistible charm but they are also home to some of the best hidden gems and must-visit attractions. Melba, Idaho is one of these small towns. This town is small — so small that you might blink and miss it. But it’s home to many tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping that make it a town in Idaho that’s worth exploring.

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farmland, Idaho, green, dry, arid, irrigation, river, tree, mountains, houses, reflections, pastoral, grassy, fields, desert,

Tucked away in the Snake River Valley, just a short drive from Boise, lies Melba. This is a farming community where approximately 600 individuals call home.

Melba is known as the “Seed Heart of America” as the farmers here grow a variety of seed crops including onions carrots, corn, alfalfa, and more.

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a shot facing south, near the soda wildfire in Idaho. This area is adjacent to the wildfire, and remained intact.

But it is not just the rich agricultural roots that you'll notice as you drive into town, it's also the area's history. This small Idaho town was established in 1912 and over the years has captured the hearts of many.

Melba is a fabulous destination if you wish to spend a little time outdoors. In fact, it is home to one of our favorite Idaho viewpoints — Dedication Point Overlook. Part of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area,  you can take a short 0.5-mile loop trail to capture gorgeous landscape views and see incredible birds in action. It is beautiful here and you’ll certainly want to take your time when you visit.

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Tess W./AllTrails

You may also want to spend some time at Cleo’s Ferry Museum and Nature Trail where you’ll spot animal sculptures, birdhouses, peacocks, and more. I also recommend Celebration Park, which is the only archaeological park in Idaho.

Celebration Park is home to a collection of petroglyphs as well as hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities. It is also where you will find Guffey Bridge, a historic bridge from the late 1800s. It is now a pedestrian bridge that is truly spectacular.

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Historic Guffey Bridge

Of course, when hunger strikes on your adventures in this small Idaho town, there are plenty of fabulous places to eat including Buck’s Saloon and Steakhouse, Tacos El Centro, cook’s Two Hold Bar and Grill, and Extreme Pizza. There’s something for every craving.

Melba, Idaho may be small but it’s packed with all types of adventures and you never know what you will find here. It’s a town that is certainly worth exploring.

For more information on this small town in Idaho, visit Melba, Idaho’s official website.

Have you ever visited Melba? What did you think of this small town? What are some of your favorite things to do in Melba? Let us know. And if your visit to Melba is part of a road trip, make sure to pack some of our favorite car-friendly snacks for the journey. You won’t regret it!

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Trip Ideas

Our 5 Favorite College Towns in Idaho are Perfect for a Weekend Getaway

There's no place quite like Idaho's college towns and these five destinations make for the perfect weekend away.

Published Sep 3, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

When you are searching for your next getaway destination, are you like me and head to the lakes and mountains around Idaho? While these are incredible places for some time away, I have another favorite place to explore — Idaho’s college towns. I have lived in several of these towns and there is no place quite like them. These destinations are always full of events and activities, fabulous eateries, and plenty of attractions. They truly make for the perfect weekend getaway. The following are five of my favorite college towns in Idaho when you need some time away.

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1. Moscow, University of Idaho

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Moscow, Idaho, United States

I shouldn’t pick favorites, but Moscow is my favorite college town in Idaho. Located in the Palouse, this small town in northern Idaho is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills. Moscow is a town that is centered around the University of Idaho — there are always activities to enjoy. I also recommend you spend some time at the U of I Arboretum and Botanical Garden, walk along the Latah Trail, learn at the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center, and play a game of Bocce in East City Park — there is so much to do here.

2. Lewiston, Lewis-Clark State College

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Town of Lewiston, Idaho

This town is unique as the Port of Lewiston is the most inland seaport on the West Coast. And while it is fun to drive around and enjoy the river views, Lewiston is also home to the breathtaking Hells Gate State Park and Lindsay Creek Vineyards. I love visiting Lewiston around the holidays as Locomotive Park is lit with thousands of twinkling lights.

3. Twin Falls, College of Southern Idaho

Twin Falls is not only home to the College of Southern Idaho but also incredible destinations that attract people from around the country. Of course, the most popular and well-known attractions in this city are Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon. However, there are also many other destinations we love such as Orton Botanical Garden, the Buzz Langdon Visitor Center, and Perrine Coulee Falls. 

4. Pocatello, Idaho State University

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Pocatello City Sunrise Skyline Landscape over the Red Hill Observation Deck: The Beauty of the City of Gate in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, USA

If you are looking for a weekend getaway with the entire family, Pocatello is an excellent option. This college town features unique and bucket-list-worthy attractions like the Museum of Clean, Zoo Idaho, and the Idaho Museum of Natural History. If you want to spend some time outdoors, hike or bike along the Pocatello City Creek Trail System. This area is particularly stunning during the autumn when fall foliage has reached its peak.

5. Rexburg, Brigham Young University – Idaho

If you are looking for a college town with a lot of small-town charm, Rexburg is it. This town has several locally-owned shops and eateries that are worthy of a visit and the city parks are full of grassy areas, playgrounds, and more. When visiting, I recommend you take a short drive outside of town to explore Yellowstone Bear World or Yellowstone Safari Park, both drive-thru wildlife attractions. One of my favorite places to explore and spend a few quiet moments is the BYU-Idaho Gardens, also known as the Thomas E. Ricks Horticulture Gardens, where you’ll find hundreds of different types of plants and beautiful landscape features.

What is your favorite college town in Idaho? Did you attend any of the colleges or universities on our list? Let us know in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

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