As a landlocked state, you may think that Idaho doesn’t have many beaches where you can dig your toes into the sand. But, you’d be wrong. We have many soft, beautiful beaches all over the state like those at Lake Coeur d’Alene and Redfish Lake. However, there is one state park where the beaches tend to top the list — Lake Cascade State Park. Here, you will find amazing beaches that every Idahoan will want to visit. With mountain and forest views that are going to impress, a visit to the beach in Idaho may become your favorite summer tradition — it’s absolutely heavenly.

Lake Cascade is actually a man-made reservoir created by a dam on the North Fork Payette River. This dam was built in 1948, resulting in this breathtaking body of water.

You’ll find this reservoir between the small towns of Cascade and Donnelly.

Lake Cascade isn’t small. In fact, it is the fourth largest body of water in Idaho and boasts an impressive 47 miles of surface area. And while many people come to this lake for some time on the water, I recommend a visit to the beach.

Many of the beaches at Lake Cascade State Park feature beautiful soft sand where you can play, dig in your toes, and relax.

And while the sand itself is worthy of a visit, we love the views. Right from the beach you can bask in mountain and forest views. It is truly the most picturesque landscape.

The water is quite calm from the beaches as well, making it perfect for splashing, soaking, and wading. Kids will love to swim and splash in the lake and it’s also ideal for spending some time on a paddleboard, tube, or kayak.

However, a day at the beach is just the beginning of the things you can do at this state park in Idaho. Lace up your boots and go for a hike around the lake. While there are several local trails, one we recommend is the Crown Point Trail.

This incredible lakeside rail trail is wonderful for hikers and cyclists. Along your way, you’ll find yourself surrounded by trees, can capture stunning lake views, and may even enjoy some peace and quiet.

Don’t forget to bring your camping gear as this state park is also a wonderful destination for spending a night under the stars.

There are 164 standard campsites, 32 primitive campsites, and two group campsites within Lake Cascade State Park. You’ll also find a handful of yurts if you want more of a glamping experience.

You don’t have to travel out of state for a day at the beach. Check out the beaches at Lake Cascade State Park in Idaho. It’s one destination that every Idahoan should visit at least once during the summer months.

Have you spent time at Lake Cascade in Idaho? What are some of your favorite activities at this man-made body of water? Let us know in the comments. You can also learn more on the Idaho Parks and Recreation website.