Bear River Hot Springs (formerly Riverdale Resort)

What to expect

If you are looking for Riverdale Resort, you have the right place under a new name. The hot springs resort in the Riverdale Valley, about 5 miles north of Preston, now goes by Bear River Hot Springs. The address and phone number are the same, and Visit Idaho lists it under the new name with a note that it was formerly Riverdale Resort. Older maps, reviews and road signs may still use the old one.

It is a small-town family pool complex rather than a spa. Natural mineral water feeds the soaking pools, and in summer the place fills up with families using the slides and the big pool. The Bear River runs past the property, and you can bring your own tube, raft or kayak to float it.

The resort also has hotel rooms, condos, cabins, two event centers and a campground, and it hosts a lot of family reunions, birthday parties, school trips and company events.

The pools

The operator lists four pools:

• Hot Tub: A small mineral soaking pool, partly enclosed, at about 105°F41°C. This is the one for a proper hot soak. It is not recommended for small children. Open all year.
• Peanut Pool: A large mineral soaking pool, 3.5 feet deep, at 85-95°F29-35°C. Warm enough to sit in on a cold night and shallow enough for kids. Open all year.
• Hydro-Tube Water Slides: Two fully enclosed slides that drop more than 60 feet into their own landing pool. Memorial Day to Labor Day only.
• Junior Olympic Pool: A lap and play pool from 3 feet 9 inches to 10 feet deep, with a 1-meter diving board. Memorial Day to Labor Day only.

So in winter you get the two mineral pools, which is what most soakers come for anyway.

Getting there

Bear River Hot Springs is in Franklin County in southeast Idaho, just north of the Utah line.

• From Preston: Head north on Idaho Highway 34 for about 5 miles into the Riverdale Valley, where Highway 34 and Highway 36 share the road for a stretch. The resort is just off the highway near the Bear River. The street address is 3696 N 1600 E, Preston, ID 83263.
• From Logan, Utah: Take US-91 north across the state line to Preston, then follow Highway 34 north as above.

The roads are paved all the way, and parking is on site.

When to go

Fall, winter and early spring are the best months for soaking. The slides and big pool are closed, the crowds thin out, and the 105°F41°C hot tub feels very good with snow on the ground. Weekday evenings are the quietest.

Summer is the resort’s busy season. The slides and Junior Olympic pool open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and weekends bring families and group events. Come early in the day if you want space in the mineral pools.

Hours change with the season. The fall 2026 schedule for the hot pools was:

• Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 10 pm
• Friday and Saturday: 8 am to 11 pm
• Sunday: 8 am to 7 pm

Check the swim admission page or call (208) 852-0266 before you go, especially around holidays.

Prices and booking

Swim admission (2026):

• Ages 0-2: free
• Ages 3-60: $15
• Ages 61 and over, and military: $13
• Spectators: $2

The resort also sells season and annual passes and offers swim lessons. There is a waiver form on the website, so you can fill it out before you arrive.

Lodging and camping discounts: King rooms include 50 percent off swim admission for two people, queen rooms for four, and the condos for their standard occupancy. RV and tent sites include 30 percent off swim admission for two.

Book rooms, condos and campsites through the resort’s online reservation system or by phone. Day swimmers do not need a reservation.

Clothing: Swimsuits. This is a family pool.

Where to stay nearby

• At the resort: Two king rooms with oversized jetted tubs, six double-queen rooms, three cabins, and three bunkhouse condos with full kitchens. The largest condos sleep 14 or more, which suits reunions. Check-in is at 3 pm and check-out at 11 am. There is no overnight staff, so call ahead if you will arrive after the lobby closes.
• Camping: 20 full-hookup RV sites and 20 tent sites, each with a picnic table and fire pit, plus access to restrooms and showers. Pets are allowed at campsites only.
• Preston: About 5 miles south, with motels, restaurants and groceries.
• Logan, Utah: The nearest city, south of Preston on US-91, with the widest range of hotels.

Safety notes

• Hot tub: At about 105°F41°C, the hot tub is hot enough to make people lightheaded on a long soak. Keep children out of it, as the resort advises, and take breaks.
• Slides and deep water: The Junior Olympic pool reaches 10 feet. Keep an eye on weak swimmers.
• The river: If you float the Bear River, wear a life jacket and check flows first. Bring your own gear; the resort does not list rentals.
• Winter driving: Highway 34 can be icy in the Riverdale Valley on winter nights. Allow extra time.

Nearby stops worth adding

Several more hot springs are within reach. Maple Grove Hot Springs is an off-grid retreat up the Bear River above Oneida Narrows Reservoir, northeast of Preston, with rock-lined soaking pools and yurts. Farther north, Downata Hot Springs near Downey and the big public pools of Lava Hot Springs make an easy loop through southeast Idaho.