Lava Hot Springs, Idaho

Located in the mountainous valley of the Portneuf River and the old route of the Oregon Trail / California Trail, this town has become a popular resort location, noted for its numerous hot springs amenable to bathing. This looks like gobs of fun - floating down a rapid river on a hot summer day. But if you are allergic to teenagers and twenty-somethings, this small town may not be to your liking. The Pebble Creek ski area is 15 miles northwest of Lava Hot Springs.