Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

Went to Lava Hot Springs Pools for the weekend after John finished his job in Soda Springs. We were wondering why there were so many people in town...but then realized it was Columbus Day weekend...So we chose to go to the pools in the evening both Friday and Saturday nights. Friday it was rainy...it was fun to sit in the hot pools and have the cool rain. Saturday was just cool and the hot springs refreshing.

We did a short hike up the hill behind the town...we had intended to do the hill on the opposite side of town but couldn't find an access....seemed like it was all private land.

This is a very small town and it looks like the hot springs is what makes it survive...
The pools are great...four of them, that vary in temperature...the hottest being around 110...ouch...

Here's a little history on the Pools.

Soda Springs, Hooper Springs and Formation Springs and Cave

Today started out rainy, so we stayed in till we met Barb at the hotel at 12. Hung out there and John joined us for lunch. After lunch Jeff, Barb and I headed out to See Hooper Springs, with the intent of bottling some of the carbonated water...but it didn't taste that good.
Soda water from these springs was known nationally after rail service reached this resort area in 1882.





We then went to Formation springs and Cave. Very pretty area this time of year with the fall colors.

This Nature Conservancy Preserve, a few miles outside of Soda Springs, was established to protect the crystal-clear pools and a unique wetland complex at the base of the scenic Aspen Mountains. The cold springs that feed the terraced pools and creek system deposit high concentrations of travertine (calcium carbonate), which gives the site its unique geology.

We finished off the day with some mexican food and a beautiful sunset.



pictures

Intro to Soda Springs Idaho

We are now in Soda Springs, Idaho. Well sort of. We are outside of town one mile, parked outside of the Supper club restaurant and The Oregon Trail Golf course.

We didn't intend to stay here, but after inspecting the few RV sites they had in town we decided to stop here and see if they would let us park Homey and stay here for a few days. The owners of the Restaurant were kind enough to let us stay here for a week for a reasonable fee.

The parks in town were run down trailer parks , dumpy and no views. We were also considering staying 20 miles away in lava springs....but after driving to soda springs from there felt it would be too long of a drive....besides there seems to be a few more things to do in this area.

We will go back to lava springs for a good soak in the Hot spring pools.

We plan on doing some birding on the birding trail they have mapped out, want to see some Sandhill cranes. Also this is a Historic byway, the Oregon Trail went through here among other interesting historical stuff. We also want to fill up some jugs with naturally carbonated Hooper springs water. And of course hang out with John and Barb when they have free time.