Now, we love warm, sunny weather as much as the next person. But as summer approaches and temperatures climb, the call of Idaho’s waterways gets harder and harder to resist. Fortunately, a refreshing dip in a bubbling spring, waterfall pool, or glacial lake could be just what you need to beat the heat this summer – and Idaho has plenty of options. Of course, many of the best Idaho swimming holes are local, hidden gems, but here are just a few well-known stops that offer stunning views alongside their relaxing swimming opportunities.

1. Saddleback Lakes, Custer County

Saddleback Lakes, Idaho 83637, USA
D S/AllTrails
This small chain of glacial lakes in the Sawtooths offers easy access to Elephant's Perch - one of the most iconic formations and climbing areas in the Sawtooths.

2. Fall Creek Falls, Swan Valley

Fall Creek Falls, Idaho 83449, USA
shelley p/TripAdvisor
The Fall River starts in Yellowstone National Park and then moves downstream to Chester, passing through Ashton and Swan Valley. While there are numerous spots to take a dip, Fall Creek Falls is legendary as a refreshing stop on a hot day.

3. Baumgartner Hot Spring, Fairfield

Baumgartner Hot Springs, 102 1st Street, Fairfield, ID 83851, USA
Jessica A/GoogleMaps
Baumgartner Hot Spring is a unique Idaho man-made swimming hole with a hot spring and cool water hole in one. You'll have the best of both worlds, all while enjoying the natural beauty from the well-maintained soaking pool.

4. Jump Creek Falls, Marsing

Jump Creek Falls, Idaho 83639, USA
Anna Gorin/Getty
Jump Creek Falls alone is a must-see, but what could be better than heading to one of the waterfalls you can swim in, tucked inside a canyon? The watershed on this cataract is incredible and the hike is incredibly easy as well.

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5. Sun Valley Lake, Sun Valley

Sun Valley Lodge, 1 Sun Valley Rd, Sun Valley, ID 83353, USA
Sun Valley Lodge
The Sun Valley region doesn't get to boast about its lakes the same way it can about its snowfall. But just a short stroll from the Sun Valley Lodge, visitors will find a refreshing oasis to take a dip, or get out on the water in style via paddleboat or canoe. Of course, swimmers should note that the water here is pretty frigid! The lake is fed by direct runoff from Trail Creek - so be prepared for a bit of a shock even on the hottest summer days!

6. Grimes Creek, Idaho City

Grimes Creek, Idaho, USA
Greg Hart/AllTrails
Tucked away in the Boise National Forest near Idaho City, Grimes Creek is a gorgeous and much-loved tributary of Mores Creek that offers camping, phenomenal fishing opportunities, hiking trails (like the Grimes Creek Trail), and plenty of spots to dip your toes in the water.

7. Warm Lake, Cascade

North Shore Lodge & Resort, 175 N Shoreline Dr, Warm Lake, ID 83611, USA
U.S. Forest Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Crystal-clear and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Payette Lake, Warm Lake is one of the best easy-access swimming spots in the area. In fact, it's actually the largest natural lake in the BNF, which means plenty of space to spread out and find your own corner to enjoy. Stay at the North Shore Lodge and Resort for a wonderful family trip!

8. Laird Park, Harvard/Potlatch

Laird Park Campground, 1101 Palouse River Rd, Harvard, ID 83834, USA
Nathan Tims/GoogleMaps
Off the beaten path but loved by locals and those who stumble upon it, Laird Park in the Clearwater National Forest is absolutely dreamy. For those looking to escape the summer crowds and avoid the tourist towns, but still manage to get lost in Idaho's stunning natural beauty, THIS. IS. IT. To make a full weekend of it, Laird Park Campground is a gorgeous getaway, and guests will find some incredible opportunities to splash around or kick back on the numerous sandy beaches formed by an old 1933 dam on the Palouse River.

9. Riley Creek/Albeni Cove, Laclede

Riley Creek Recreation Area, 1099 Riley Creek Park Dr, Laclede, ID 83841, USA
Albeni Cove Recreation Area/Facebook
Riley Creek and Albeni Cove Recreation Areas in North Idaho both offer stunning swimming areas, as well as breathtaking views for those looking to get out on the water on a paddleboard or kayak. These are just two of the four U.S. Army-managed rec areas near Oldtown and Albeni Dam in North Idaho - so if one spot seems crowded, head to the next one for more privacy.

Ready to dive in yet?? Of course, we couldn’t possibly list every Idaho swimming hole, recreation area, river cove, or waterfall watershed here – there’s far too many to choose from! Use this list as a starting point for responsibly exploring and admiring the natural beauty found in every corner of the Gem State. We can’t wait to hear your stories!

Any pro tips for stops, overlooks, small towns, or unique businesses found around Idaho? We want to know! 

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More to Explore

Idaho Swimming Holes

Chris Muras | June 11, 2023

What are some more places to swim in Idaho?

Idaho has some pretty incredible natural areas, and many of them have excellent swimming holes to discover. Check out a few of these places to swim in Idaho next time you need a refreshing dip:

  • Upper Cannon Lake, Seven Devils, ID: The Seven Devils Canyon is an incredible place to hike, especially when the trail leads you to the stunning Cannon Lake. Surrounded by rocky mountains and pine trees, this alpine lake is clean, deep, and refreshing.
  • Box Canyon Springs, Wendell, ID: There is something magical about a natural spring, and this one is perfect for a refreshing swim. You'll find it in Hagerman Valley near Thousand Springs State Park. The cool blue-green waters will take your breath away.
  • Quinn's Pond, Boise, ID: A local beach like this is nothing to sneeze at. Sure you don't need to hike through a forest or climb mountains to get here but the water is just as welcoming and the sandy beach is pretty nice too. You'll find this nice swimming beach near Esther Simplot Park.
  • Dierkes Lake, Twin Falls, ID: If you are on the hunt for Shoshone Falls you are pretty close to Dierkes Lake. As long as you are so close, stop by for a dip! This stunning setting features several man-made and natural high dives for a little cliff jumping, or you can hang out in the "kiddie pool" area for a casual swim.

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