Posted in Idaho Nature May 22, 2017 by

The Waterfall Swimming Hole In Idaho That Will Make Your Summer Complete

There’s nothing more refreshing after a long hike than the breathtaking reward of a beautiful, cascading waterfall. And as long summer days inch closer, the thought of taking a dip right underneath the silky strands of a gushing waterfall sounds perfectly magical, doesn’t it?

Of course, there’s one incredible spot in Idaho where the short but challenging hike to get to the swimming hole is straight out of your wildest dreams. Get ready for your new favorite springtime bucket list to-do.

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Just an hour's drive from Idaho Falls, the Palisades, Big Hole, and Caribou Mountains rise up out of the Eastern Idaho landscape, creating a beautiful backdrop to the quaint community of Swan Valley.
City of Swan Valley
nwcamera/GoogleMaps
One of the richest Cottonwood landscapes in the state, the area is shady, with grassy meadows and plenty of summer wildflowers.
nathanf/GoogleMaps
The South Fork of the Snake River winds through here, creating a sparkling oasis for an abundance of wildlife.
elbyincali/Flickr
Nestled against the highway, hiding in picturesque secrecy right in plain sight, a magnificent, multi-tiered waterfall plunges into the river, creating a scene that has entranced photographers for decades.
BLMIdaho/Flickr
These silky strands cascade into a luscious, rocky pool that sits just beneath the tallest tier, overflowing as it drops into the water below.
El Coleccionista de Instantes Fotografía & Video/Flickr
An overlooked gem, the Falls Campground, is mere minutes away from this Idaho treasure and is easy to access with positively breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
Recreation.Gov
And, because this is a part of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, camping is free - just remember to stay at least 200 feet from the water and pack in/pack out! Boat ramps are available as well.
But few people take advantage of the opportunity to hike to the base of the falls and enjoy them from a new perspective… but they should!
Wikimedia Commons/Bob Wick
Just a short distance from the main road, a one-mile hike leads to the base of the falls
Ross Dean Mitchell.com
Here, if you are willing to get wet, you can play around in the natural pools formed near the river's edge, or wade out to one of the small islands and explore the base of the falls, following the stream the whole way.
You'll be mere feet from the towering falls, feeling the mist on your face the entire time!
Robert/flickr
For the adventurous at heart, a little scrambling will allow visitors to soak in the main pool itself, smack in the middle of the falls.
Take caution, however. With such high runoff this year, this is a dangerous option, and would be better suited for late summer.
City of Swan Valley
But whether enjoying the natural calm sections of the river, enjoying the beautiful sights from your own private island in the middle of the river, or lounging in the main pool itself, this is one incredible experience you won't soon forget!
And when the sun hits the water just right… sheer perfection.
City of Swan Valley

Have you ever been to Fall Creek Falls? Were you brave enough to jump into the river or watershed pool? Tell us about it!