Yellowstone - Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

We take the scenic Hwy 89 headed southwest out of Jackson Hole. It's a beautiful day as we follow the Snake River into the Star Valley west of the Salt River Range. Fall is in the air and we are treated to the emerging colors. Unfortunately, we're about a week or two early for the full show, but we are happy to see what Mother Nature has to offer us.

Star Valley ranch with aspens turning yellow

Sun sparkled Snake River

The Star Valley consists of classic western ranches interspersed with small towns. Black Angus are the main cattle raised in the valley, but from the signs along the way, moose and elk are also common visitors to the valley. As in Jackson, elkhorn arches are featured in many of the towns. Personally, we would have like to see more live elk than elkhorn arches.

Hwy 89 through the Star Valley

Spotted Moose Business Court with the Cut 'n' Run Salon

Bales of hay ready for winter

Ranch with wood rail fencing

Colter's Lodge

Afton WY large elkhorn arch

We cross into southwest Idaho where the clouds are building up piles of mashed potatoes over the hills in the late afternoon.
Along the road, we pass Downata Hot Springs, which looks enticing, but decide to stop here another time.  One thing we especially love about Idaho is it's many hot springs. We reach Lava Hot Springs in time to find a good camping spot. The main entrance to the town center is announced by a large steel frame arch (no elk gave their lives for this arch).

Entrance arch to Lava Hot Springs

Since it's the middle of the week well after Labor Day, we pretty much have both the campground and the town to ourselves. We end up at River's Edge RV Resort along the Portneuf River (Port Nine), which was named by French fur traders before 1821. The almost deserted campground is a welcome change after Yellowstone Park cramped camping conditions.
The next day we explore the town and are pleasantly surprised to find it to be full of charming vintage brick buildings.

The Home Hotel

Wagon Wheel Lounge

Portneuf River

Although the town is dotted with different hot springs, we stop at the main Lava Hot Springs, which is wonderfully landscaped and offers a choice of different pools.

Sculptured trees by entrance

Lava Hot Springs

Hot pools covered with shade sails

landscaped gardens

wood statue

This area must have been a cave at one time

gravel bottomed pool

inviting hot pool

red sails at noon

After enjoying the hot pools we decide it's time to get back on the road. Just before leaving, we notice many small stands offering rental tubes for floating the river. This town must be a popular place during the summers.

Gater Tube Rentals

Bye-bye Lava Hot Springs - we'll be back