Posted in Idaho Nature, On The Water May 22, 2023 by

10 Swimming Holes In Idaho That Will Make Your Summer Complete

If lounging under a cloudless sky in the desert after an ice-cold dip in a peaceful pond seems like a little slice of paradise, it’s closer than you think. But so is a chilly dip in a hidden mountain lake, or a revitalizing splash through ye ol’ watering hole – you just have to know where to look!

There are endless opportunities to enjoy any of the best Idaho swimming holes with the family. Or, sneak off without the kids to find your own private Idaho (because you deserve a day off, too!). Either way, these swimming spots are perfect for a weekend getaway, a simple day trip, or a quick pit stop on your next adventure.

1. Hunt Lake - Priest Lake
AndroiPadTV/YouTube
This outlet lake on the east side of Priest Lake will take a beautiful Sunday afternoon drive and a moderate hike to get to, but it's oh-so worth it.
Priest Lake, Idaho, USA
2. Penny Lake - Ketchum
Fifen/Google Reviews
Located a mile or so outside of downtown Ketchum, this small lake is just inside the National Forest boundary. Blissfully clear, and deep enough to scuba (if that's your thing), you'll find this tiny gem to be incredibly accessible.
Penny Lake, Idaho 83340, USA
3. Upper Cannon Lake - Seven Devils
Jasper Nance/Flickr
Idaho's Seven Devils don't get a lot of recognition for their hidden lakes the way the Sawtooths do... but they should! The Cannon Lakes will take some hiking to reach, but being that you'll be swimming just above the deepest canyon in the country, I'd say it's totally worth it.
Upper Cannon Lake, Idaho 83549, USA
4. Box Canyon Springs - Hagerman
Southern Idaho Tourism/YouTube
We've talked about the endless wonders of the Hagerman Valley before, and Box Canyon Springs in the nearby Thousand Springs State Park is just one of them! Located on its own nature preserve within the park, and just 20 miles northwest of Twin Falls, this natural spring is the 11th largest in the U.S.
Box Canyon Springs Preserve, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
5. Quinn's Pond, Boise
Jack Hill/Google Reviews
Accessible, recently renovated with a new sandy beach and picnic area, and just off of Boise's iconic Greenbelt, Quinn's Pond, located near Esther Simplot Park, is a massive 22-acre stretch of water that is perfect for cooling off without treading on the heels of Boise River floaters.
6. Dierkes Lake, Twin Falls
Javier Casillas/YouTube
Dierkes Lake is hands-down one of the best Idaho swimming holes. Its a special hideaway in near Shoshone Falls that not only offers a distinct, sanctioned kiddie pool, but multiple man-made and natural high dives for the adventurous spirit. This swimming hole does cost a nominal fee to use, but is well worth it for the scenery and isolated location alone.
Dierkes Lake, Idaho 83341, USA
7. Cold Springs Pond, Clearwater
Forest Service Northern Region/Flickr
Tucked away in the scenic Bitterroot Mountains, this chilly lake is a popular destination for fishing but offers multiple private outlets for swimming.
Clearwater, ID 83552, USA
8. Josephine Lake, Burgdorf
Elindio42/YouTube
This gorgeous aquamarine lake is not only set in a picture-perfect location, it's also just a few short minutes away from Burgdorf Hot Springs if you feel like taking a relaxing soak before or after your mountain swim.
Josephine Lake, Idaho 83549, USA
9. Redfish Lake, Stanley
Scott Walker/Google Reviews
Redfish Lake, an Idaho gem and definitely one of the best swimming holes in Idaho, is a local and family favorite for good reason. Pristine water, beautiful mountain views, and a chilly dive that will wake you up and cool you off all at the same time.
Redfish Lake, Idaho, USA
10. St. Anthony Sandbar
Melissa Andrews/Google Reviews
While away the summer at St. Anthony Sandbar, a favorite swim spot in Eastern Idaho that features a floating dock, diving board, and an old-school metal water slide, alongside its namesake sandy beach.
St. Anthony Sandbar, South 3rd East, Saint Anthony, ID, USA

With so many natural hot and cool springs, waterfall watersheds, and swimming spots to choose from, the weary body in search of a spot to cool off or places to swim in Idaho will have no trouble finding the perfect place to eke out some summer fun. Northern Idaho’s lakes and beaches are an absolute dream and great places to swim, the rocky glacial craters of Central Idaho are pristine and worth the challenging hikes, and the volcanic recesses of Southern Idaho were seemingly made for finding your own secret soaking space. Which one will you choose?

For more weekend adventure ideas, be sure to check these other favorite Idaho swimming holes as we continue to explore Idaho’s best hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Idaho Swimming Holes

June 15, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Are there any Idaho swimming holes located in state parks?

Absolutely. One of the most popular in The Gem State is called Beaver Bay Beach, located within Farragut State Park. It’s a lovely four-mile loop hike to get to it and a pretty easy one for hikers of all abilities. The views are magnificent and you may want to camp nearby to visit the falls more than once.

Where can I find one of the best waterfall swim spots in Idaho?

Jump Creek Falls is definitely one of the best waterfall swim spots in Idaho. It is located off of Highway 95 approximately 10 miles from the town of Marsing. There’s a little bit of a hike to get there, although it is short. And the views and cool waters of this 60-foot high falls is worth it!

What is good hiking spot in Idaho?

There are so many, some also featuring some of the best swimming holes in Idaho. One of them is in the Seven Devils Mountains. Here you will find multiple trails that traverse this massive park bordering the state of Oregon. While here, be sure to trek to the Heavens’ Gate Lookout from where you can take in spectacular views of four states: the surrounding Idaho landscape, of course, and parts of Washington, Oregon, and Montana.

After a good swim or hike, I’m always looking for good burger restaurants near Boise. Can you suggest one?

Absolutely! In a throwback to the 1950s, Golden Wheel Drive-In has been a Boise area favorite since, well, the 1950s. This iconic establishment serves up some of the state’s best burgers and is very popular with car show buffs who regularly come here. Look for the big wagon wheel under the sign, day or night, and you’ll know that you’re in the right place!