Where do we enter the river to float and where to we exit the river?
We have provided a map that shows the best places to put in and the exit: See float map. There is a tuber’s path clearly shown on the map that begins by our tube rental and provides a short cut back to the put-in spots up river. It’s about 3 1/2 blocks to walk to the top.
- River Entrance 1: Click Here
- River Entrance 2: Click Here
- River Exit and Shuttle Pickup: Click Here
EXIT THE RIVER: the photos above show what the exit stairs look like. You’ll see them to the right immediately after you cross under the last steel footbridge before the main concrete vehicle bridge leading into town. For shuttle riders: Shuttles pick up steps from tube rental and will drop you off at entrance path.
What should I wear while tubing the river in Lava Hot Springs?
We recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes or water shoes—not flip flops (you’ll lose those)! Protect your feet. Also, shirt, & life jacket. Remove loose items (like keys) from your pockets.
Do I need to leave security while renting your tubes?
Yes! You leave an I.D. while you’ve got the tube. One person can leave an I.D. for the group. The person who leaves ID is responsible for all the tubes being returned.
What about tubing with children? How old do you have to be to float the river?
Floating the river for children is a parental decision. This is not a lazy amusement-park river. There are sections of rapids (depending on where you put in) and plenty of rocks, including abrasive lava rocks.
- We strongly recommend parents float the river first before allowing their children on the river.
- We also recommend that younger children ride on the big, multi-person tubes with an adult, as those larger tubes are much more stable. The big quads are the most stable.
- You can also choose the lower put-in spot by the main footbridge (see map) at West Park and float only the calmest section of the river.
Is it safe to tube this river?
The Portneuf is a natural river. A few safety tips:
- You’re much less likely to be bucked off your tube and into the river if you ride on the larger, multi-person tubes.
- Going over the falls can be dangerous! Best to put in the river from the floating platform just below the falls. Yes, there are lava rocks in the river bed. They are abrasive, so make every effort, as detailed above, to stay on your tube.
- Protect your feet. See float map for details; download the map and bring it with you.
What if I keep tubing the river beyond the exit point?
The exit point is right before the bridge into town (see map). Beyond that, the river gets slow and runs through private property with limited pedestrian access to exit the river and get back to town. We ask that you exit at the designated location!
Is there a shuttle service back up river?
There is a shuttle that picks up at the exit point (see rate schedule above). Keep in mind: the walk back is only 3 1/2 to 5 blocks, depending on where you put in.
How long does it take to make run?
You can get 1 to 2 runs in an hour, depending on how fast you are getting back up river.
What is the name of the river in Lava Hot Springs & where does it come from?
You’ll be tubing on a stretch of the Portneuf (port-nuff) River as it flows through town. It comes through Chesterfield reservoir 24 miles north and also receives water from Topance Creek, Pebble Creek, and Fish Creek.
Is that river in Lava Hot Springs heated?
Several hot springs drain into the river as it winds through town, but it is still a bit chilly! A float in the river is wonderfully refreshing on a hot day!
Where do I find the public restrooms?
Located a block south of the tubing exit, across the bridge into town, in the middle of that first block in a little park, set back off main street. Restrooms are marked with a red square on the float map. We also have portable restrooms on site!
Is there a Tubing Season?
We’re renting tubes from Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend. (We close Sundays.)