• Bear River Hot Springs offers year-round soaking, thrilling water slides, and family-friendly amenities
Bear River Hot Springs, formerly known as Riverdale Resort, is a modern, well-developed resort nestled along the Bear River in the scenic Riverdale Valley.
This family-friendly destination offers a wide range of amenities, including two hot pools, a swimming pool, two hydrotube water slides, covered picnic areas with tables and grills, kids’ play areas, and even a dog park.
Whether you're stopping by for a refreshing soak or planning an overnight stay, the resort provides a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs.
It’s also a popular spot for reunions, birthday parties, school trips, and corporate events.
Bear River Hot Springs Experience
Geothermal water emerges from the local hot springs at 120°F and is piped directly into the resort’s pools.
Hot Tub, maintained at 105°F, is the hottest pool on the property and is not recommended for small children. It remains open year-round and is covered by an all-weather shelter for comfortable soaking in any season.
Peanut Pool is a 3.5-foot-deep therapy pool with mild temperatures ranging from 85°F to 95°F. It is partially sheltered and open year-round, offering a relaxing soak in any season.
There are two fully enclosed 60-foot-long water slides empty into a pool. The water slide pool is 80°F. The slides and slide pool are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The junior Olympic swimming pool, which has a 1-meter competition-style diving board, is 86°F. Its depths range from 3' 9" to 10', and it is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day too.
All pools and tubs are flow-through and require no chemical treatment.
Beyond Hot Springs: Other Adventures
The resort has a separate dog area and a snack bar with simple meals, while Preston has more food options. Golf is available at the nearby Golf & Country Club.
The Bear River is just a short walk away, perfect for swimming, fishing, or kayaking. Caribou-Targhee National Forest is only nine miles away for more outdoor fun.
For a quieter hot springs experience, visit Maple Grove Hot Springs, located on the banks of the Bear River, about 20 miles away.
Bear River Hot Springs Camping & Lodging
The resort offers a variety of overnight accommodations, including eight hotel rooms, three cabins, one condo, and a campground with 20 tent sites and 20 RV spots. Some hotel rooms feature jetted bathtubs. Guests who stay overnight receive discounted access to the soaking pools.
Alternatively, there are more accommodations in the surrounding area, including Preston.
Affordable short and long-term rentals near Bear River Hot Springs
Bear River Hot Springs | Facts
Location: 6 miles north of Preston • Southeastern Idaho • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: 2 soaking pools, water slides and a Olympic swimming pool
Clothing: Mandatory
Amenities & Services: A snack bar, picnic areas, a dog park
Hiking distance: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Day-use: Yes, with fees
Elevation: 4,000 ft (1,219 m)
Water T° (source):120°F (49°C)
Water T° (water slide pool): 80°F (27°C)
Water T° (junior Olympic pool): 86°F (30°C)
Water T° (Peanut pool): 85°-95°F (29°-35°C)
Water T° (hot pool): 105°F (41°C)
Odor: None
Chemical used: None
Directions to Bear River Hot Springs
From Preston,
- Take Highway ID-34 and travel approximately 6 miles north to E 3200 Road N
- Turn left (west) onto E 3200 and continue 0.3 miles to the destination.
Phone: 208-852-0266
bearriverhotsprings.com