10 Swimming Holes In Idaho That Will Make Your Summer Complete

If lounging under a cloudless sky 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 in a good ol’ fashioned secret lake – you just have to know where to look! Or, sneak off without the kids to find your own private Idaho (because you deserve a day off, too!). Either way, these gorgeous Idaho swimming holes are perfect for a weekend getaway, a simple day trip, or a quick pit stop on your next adventure.

Hunt Lake, Idaho 83864, USA

Barry Smith/AllTrails

This outlet lake on the east side of Priest Lake will take a beautiful Sunday afternoon drive and a slightly confusing hike to get to, but it's oh-so worth it.

Hailey, ID 83333, USA

Jean Luc Maumus/GoogleMaps

Hailey's treasured Wood River Trail is a delight to stroll in every season. But come summer, you might find a few extra folks congregating in certain areas where the bridges and banks lend themselves to diving (or cautiously tiptoeing) into the water.

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Upper Cannon Lake, Idaho 83549, USA

Jillian Greenaway/AllTrails

Idaho's Seven Devils don't get a lot of recognition for their hidden lakes the way the Sawtooths do... but they should! Both the Upper and Lower Cannon Lakes will take some intense hiking to reach, but being that you'll be swimming just above the deepest canyon in the country, we say it's totally worth it.

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Box Canyon Springs Preserve, Wendell, ID 83355, USA

Michael Gadreau/AllTrails

We've talked about the endless wonders of the Hagerman Valley before, and Box Canyon Springs in 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.

Quinn's Pond, Veterans Park, Boise, ID 83702, USA

Gayla Weston (Mama G Lala)/GoogleMaps

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.

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Dierkes Lake, Idaho 83341, USA

Jo Owens Murray/GoogleMaps

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.

Clearwater National Forest, Idaho, USA

Forest Service Northern Region/Flickr

Tucked away in the scenic Bitterroot Mountains and surrounded by the Clearwater National Forest, this chilly lake is a popular destination for fishing but offers multiple private outlets for swimming.

Clearwater National Forest, Idaho, USA

Rebecca M/AllTrails

This gorgeous aquamarine lake is not only set in a picture-perfect location, it's also gorgeous in every season and just a short drive from Burgdorf Hot Springs if you feel like taking a relaxing soak before or after your mountain swim.

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Little Redfish Lake, Idaho 83278, USA

Fredlyfish4/CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikipedia

Redfish Lake is an Idaho gem and definitely one of the most beautiful places in the state. Pristine water, beautiful mountain views, and a chilly dive that will wake you up and cool you off all at the same time! But how about its little sister lake? The scenery isn't as wide open as Redfish itself, but the more secluded setting is absolutely dreamy.

St. Anthony Sandbar, South 3rd East, Saint Anthony, ID, USA

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.

With so many natural hot and cool springs, waterfall watersheds, and natural swimming holes to choose from, the sunbaked body in search of a spot to cool off will have no trouble finding the perfect place to make some summer memories. Northern Idaho’s lakes and beaches are an absolute dream, the wild, glacial corners 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 swimming hole. Which region will you choose?

For more weekend adventure ideas, be sure to check the most beautiful lakes in Idaho as voted by our readers! In the days ahead, we’ll continue to explore the Gem State’s best hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems.