The Snake River might just be one of the last places you’d think of when you think of a tropical paradise. The Snake is big, mighty, and beyond beautiful … but Caribbean blue waters are not part of its description. What if we told you there was a hidden cove off of the river that boasts some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen? Blue Heart Springs in Idaho is a secret swimming hole that might just be heaven on earth and you’ll definitely want to find it.

Hidden away in a little-known cove, Blue Heart Springs is a delightful little swimming hole that's far away from the public eye. However, its secret location isn't the only great thing about it. The springs also boast a fantastic blue color that will make you do a double-take.
GoogleMaps
You'll find Blue Heart Springs near Hagerman. It's mainly accessed via boat but some people have been known to hike down from nearby Box Canyon. The hike can be difficult so it's much more appealing to kayak into the area instead.
Elefantdude/TripAdvisor
What you'll find when you arrive at the hidden cove will leave you in utter awe. The vibrant blue water is mesmerizing and looks like something from a tropical paradise ... not southern Idaho! And at a constant temperature of 58 degrees, the cool water is incredibly refreshing on a sizzling summer day.
jmartinid/YouTube
These crystal clear pools are truly a wonder of nature. It's hard to believe it's been hiding beside the Snake River all this time. In fact, it's believed that the area was carved out by a whirlpool during the Bonneville Flood approximately 15,000 years ago.
Briar Garduno/GoogleMaps

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The water may be cold but you won't be able to resist jumping into it. The color is just too enticing! Since the springs is practically only accessible by water, it's likely that you'll even have the whole place to yourself.
jmartinid/YouTube
The entire area is surrounded by canyon walls and brush, providing a tranquil sanctuary far away from civilization. The only sound that can be heard is the bursting of bubbles from the spring's sandy floor as water rises from the earth.
Briar Garduno/GoogleMaps
You might not be able to stand soaking in the frigid water for very long, but you could spend all day kayaking around and taking in the peace and quiet. This is pure heaven on earth and it's bound to become your new favorite summer spot.
jmartinid/YouTube
The dazzling sight of the blue water is unlike anything you've seen in Idaho before. It's places like this that remind us that our beautiful state is just full of surprises, and we'll never get tired of exploring them.
Elefantdude/TripAdvisor
For a closer look at Blue Heart Springs in Idaho, check out the YouTube video below! Are you ready to seek out this secret paradise yet?

Did you know this secret swimming hole in Idaho even existed? What a neat place! What are your favorite swimming holes in Idaho? Let us know all about it in the comments!

Did you know our state is also home to an entire lake composed of the most incredible turquoise waters? It’s called “The Caribbean of the West” and you can read about it in our previous feature article.

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Blue Heart Springs in Idaho

Courtnie Erickson | June 17, 2022

What is another Idaho swimming hole to enjoy?

There are many swimming holes all around the Gem State. While many are quite busy, particularly on a hot summer day, there are still a handful of secret swimming holes in Idaho where you can enjoy some peace and quiet in nature. Dierkes Lake is a terrific swimming hole if you want to bring the entire family along and it is one location that is well-known among locals but out-of-town visitors may not be aware of its location. You will find it tucked away near Shoshone Falls and it features a small kiddie area and man-made natural high dives if you want an adrenaline rush. There is a small fee to access this swimming hole but the time spent here is totally worth the cost.

What are some other things to do near Blue Heart Springs?

Blue Heart Springs is in the perfect location for all types of outdoor activities. One of our favorite activities in this area is to visit Thousand Springs State Park. This state park is actually divided into six separate units that each boast a long list of unique features and landscapes. Ritter Island is one of the most popular areas of the state park and is home to multiple hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls.

Box Canyon is another unit of this state park and definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list. Here, you can hike down the canyon to reach a beautiful 20-foot waterfall. This area is also home to the 11th largest natural spring in America and flows at a rate of 180,00 gallons per minute.

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Blue Heart Springs, Idaho 83316, USA