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 up your tube and get headed to this gem of a river for some world-class tubing 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. Here's why.
Edgar Zuniga Jr/Flickr
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.
TPD Tube Rentals, Lava Hot Springs/Facebook
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.
TPD Tube Rentals, Lava Hot Springs/Facebook

Related Stories

The One-Of-A-Kind Cherry Springs Nature Area In Idaho Is Absolutely Heaven On Earth

The One-Of-A-Kind Cherry Springs Nature Area In Idaho Is Absolutely Heaven On Earth

 The Natural Swimming Hole At The Pack River Bridge In Idaho Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

The Natural Swimming Hole At The Pack River Bridge In Idaho Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

 Visit This Private Hot Spring In Idaho For The Most Lavish Soaking Of Your Life

Visit This Private Hot Spring In Idaho For The Most Lavish Soaking Of Your Life
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.
TPD Tube Rentals, Lava Hot Springs/Facebook
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.
TPD Tube Rentals, Lava Hot Springs/Facebook
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.
Jordan Hipwell/Flickr
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.
ThreeWiseMen/TripAdvisor
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? 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!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

tubing in Idaho

Beth C. | July 10, 2022

Where else can I go tubing in Idaho?

Come summertime, Idaho is a pretty magical place to be. Beautiful, sunny days lend themselves to hours of time spent in the great outdoors. While Idaho may be famous for its trails, there's something else you'll want to add to your summertime itinerary: tubing. Fortunately, there are tons of places to ride the river. If you're wondering, "where can I go tubing in Idaho," we have a few options for you to consider. Perhaps one of the most famous destinations for water sports in Idaho is the Coeur D'Alene River. It's especially famous among whitewater rafters looking for a thrilling ride. But, once whitewater season is over, this place becomes the go-to destination for tubings. As you blissfully float down the river, you'll enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery that Idaho has to offer. Prefer another way to enjoy the water? Check out this six-hour scenic boat cruise on the Coeur d'Alene River in Idaho. Some more places to go tubing in Idaho include the Warm Slough in Rexburg, the Boise River, and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

What are some of the best hiking trails in Idaho?

Idaho is a hiker's paradise. From the mountains to the beautiful riverbanks, there's simply no shortage of scenery. Some of the best and most popular hiking trails in Idaho include Alice Lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Palisades Creek Trail in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, North Crater Trail in Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail in the Mineral Ridge Scenic Area, Central Ride Trail in Boise, Pioneer Cabin Trail in Sawtooth National Forest, the Dunes 6 Mile Hiking Trail in Bruneau Dunes State Park, and Around The Mountain Trail at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area.

Related Articles

Explore Idaho

Featured Addresses
Portneuf River, Idaho 83210, USA