Quick FactsOverview
About Riverdale Resort Hot Springs
Riverdale Resort Hot Springs, Idaho - now operating as Bear River Hot Springs - is a family-oriented geothermal resort in the Riverdale Valley of Franklin County, 6 miles north of Preston along the Bear River. Originally built in the 1980s, the facility features four mineral water pools fed by a geothermal source at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot tub runs at 105 degrees and operates year-round under a covered all-weather shelter. The therapy pool maintains 85 to 95 degrees and is also open year-round. A junior Olympic pool at 86 degrees and a water slide pool, along with two enclosed 60-foot hydro-tube slides, are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. All pools are drained and cleaned weekly with no chemical additives.
Overnight accommodations include eight hotel rooms each with a jetted tub, three cabins, one two-bedroom condo, 20 RV sites with full hookups, and 20 tent sites. A snack bar, game room, covered picnic pavilions, locker rooms, and a dog park are also on site. Pool admission is charged separately from accommodation fees.
For those seeking family hot springs near Preston Idaho with water park amenities and geothermal mineral soaking, Bear River Hot Springs is the primary resort destination in the Franklin County area, about 45 minutes south of Logan, Utah.
Location & Access
Getting to Riverdale Resort Hot Springs
Riverdale Resort Hot Springs is at 3696 N 1600 E, approximately 6 miles north of Preston. From Preston, head north on US-91 and turn east toward Riverdale; the resort is about 3 miles east of US-91 in the valley. From Idaho Falls, take I-15 South to US-91 South at Pocatello and continue through the Cache Valley to Preston, then follow the directions above. Drive time from Idaho Falls is approximately one hour and 50 minutes. From Logan, Utah, the drive north on US-91 takes approximately 45 minutes.
Any standard vehicle can reach the resort on paved roads. Parking is free and on site. The resort is open year-round, though only the hot tub and therapy pool operate in winter. The full complement of pools, water slides, and outdoor amenities runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
For those seeking hot springs near Preston Idaho as a day trip from the Cache Valley or a stopover between southern Idaho and northern Utah, the resort is well-positioned. The Glendale Reservoir for fishing and recreation is approximately 4 miles away. Preston has fuel and additional services. Day visitors can purchase pool admission at the entrance; contact the resort at (208) 852-0266 or riverdaleresort.com for current hours and rates.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Riverdale Resort Hot Springs
Riverdale Resort Hot Springs suits families with children of all ages, as the resort was designed from the outset as a family destination. The combination of a 105-degree soaking hot tub for adults, a cooler therapy pool, a junior Olympic swimming pool, and enclosed water slides provides options for all ages in one location. Lifeguards are stationed throughout during operating hours. Children are welcome throughout the property.
Swimwear is required in all pool areas at all times. The facility is not a clothing-optional site anywhere on the property. Pets are welcome in the campground area with standard leash and cleanup rules, but are not allowed in or near the pool areas. The dog park provides a dedicated space for dogs while their owners use the pools.
For those seeking family hot springs near Preston Idaho with full camping and resort facilities, Bear River Hot Springs is the most developed family destination in the area. The eight hotel rooms each feature a private jetted tub fed by the geothermal source, which is a standout amenity for families or couples wanting a private soak in addition to the shared pools. The three cabins provide a more rustic lodging option and the condo suits larger groups of up to six people.
The resort is not listed as wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the resort directly before planning a visit to confirm current accessibility conditions. The resort operates year-round but the full range of facilities is only available in the summer season.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Riverdale Resort Hot Springs
Riverdale Resort Hot Springs is generally safe to visit as a staffed, maintained resort with lifeguards on duty during pool hours. The hot tub runs at 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which is toward the upper end of comfortable soaking, and is not recommended for young children or extended immersion. Exit the hot tub if you feel overheated or lightheaded, and limit session length to 20 to 30 minutes before cooling down in one of the lower-temperature pools.
The two hydro-tube water slides require attention to posted height and weight requirements. Follow all lifeguard instructions at the slide area. Riders exit the slide into a shallow landing pool and must clear the exit area promptly before the next rider descends. The slides reach 60 feet in height and the enclosed tube format can feel claustrophobic for some riders. Check with the resort for age and size restrictions before allowing smaller children to use the slides.
All pool water is entirely natural mineral water from the geothermal source, with no chemical treatment added. Pools are drained and cleaned weekly. The junior Olympic pool and water slide pool are closed from September through Memorial Day, and the outdoor areas may be wet and cold in shoulder seasons. The hot tub and therapy pool operate year-round under a covered shelter.
The resort is located in a rural area of the Riverdale Valley at 4,000 feet elevation. Emergency services are available through Preston, 6 miles south. The resort is staffed throughout operating hours. Standard resort rules apply: no alcohol in pool areas, no glass containers near water, swimwear required at all times, and pets are restricted to the campground and dog park area.
