Summer in Montana is the best—the warm weather and sunshine create an ideal environment for exploring the great outdoors. Nothing cools you off on a hot summer day like a refreshing dip in Montana swimming holes, and our state has plenty of places to jump in. Here are some of the best swimming holes in Montana for summertime adventures.

1. The Dearborn River, Lewis and Clark
Dearborn River, Montana, USA
David J Laporte / Flickr




This photo was snapped about 3 ½ miles from the Devils Glen trailhead, and it looks especially inviting.
2. Yaak River Falls, near Yaak
Keith Ewing / Flickr
Not only is Yaak River Falls beautiful, but it's a favorite local swimming spot in Montana.
3. The Natural Oasis, Miles City
David Schott / Flickr
You don’t even have to leave town to find a swimming hole in Miles City. The Natural Oasis is the municipal swimming area next to Riverside Park.
4. Flathead Lake
Eric Gross / Flickr
Don’t miss your chance to swim in one of Montana’s best gems. The water at Flathead Lake is Crystal Clear.
5. Johnsrud Park, Missoula
Visitmt.com
Johnsrud Park is a state fishing access site located on the Blackfoot River. It has a campsite, restrooms, and some great spots to swim.
6. Mill Creek Falls, Hamilton
Ed Wrzesien / Flickr




Taking the Mill Creek Trail to the waterfall is quite a trek, but that will make cooling off in the water that much more satisfying.

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7. Ennis Lake, Northeast of Ennis
Web Design by Deb Vandenbroucke / YouTube
As if this lake doesn’t look inviting enough, the water often reaches high temperatures that makes swimming quite comfortable.
8. McDonald Creek, Glacier National Park
Keith Ewing / Flickr
Glacier is packed with places to go for a swim, but McDonald Creek is considered a top spot.
9. Fairy Lake, Bozeman
Troy Smith / Flickr
Drive up Bridger Canyon to Fairy Lake for one of the most beautiful swimming experiences of your life.
10. Lava Lake
AllTrails.com




Lava Lake is a secluded, beautiful lake near Gallatin Gateway. Lava Lake is a bit of a hike from the 35 MPH bridge in Gallatin Canyon to reach it, but it’s worth it.
11. Big Spring Creek, Lewistown
Forest Service Northern Region Follow / Flickr
Big Spring Creek is a refreshing oasis for fishermen and swimmers. It’s also a fun place to go tubing if you have the means.
12. Ousel Falls, Big Sky
brandon schauer / Flickr
Doesn’t swimming by a waterfall sound amazing? The Ousel Falls area has plenty of spots to swim, but the largest pool sits just below the falls.
13. Hauser Lake, Helena
thebrooke / Flickr
Hauser Lake is a 3,200 acre reservoir on the Missouri River created by Hauser Dam. If you can find the York Bridge on York Road, you’ll find a rock swing and rocks to jump off. This is a popular swimming spot because it’s one of the best in the area.

Of course, the best Montana swimming holes are often in secluded “off the grid” places. So go exploring this summer and find some new spots to cool off.

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More to Explore

Best Swimming Holes In Montana

Jackie Ann | May 07, 2021

Where can I find the bluest water in Montana?

Over 3,000 lakes and reservoirs can be found between Montana’s borders offering lucky locals excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation in incredibly scenic spots. One of our state’s most remarkable treasures is Glacier National Park, which spans 1,583 square miles of wilderness with Rocky Mountain views, glacier-carved peaks, and lush valleys. A popular hiking destination within the park is the jaw-dropping Grinnell Lake. At first sight, the intense turquoise color of this body of water seems absolutely unreal. Fun fact, the deep opaque color of Grinnell Lake is due to a natural phenomenon that occurs as silt deposits from Grinnell Glacier move into the lake to change the water's appearance.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Montana?

While Grinnell Lake has earned its ranking among the most beautiful lakes in Montana, many contenders can be found all across our gorgeous state. Glacier National Park is also home to another stunner, Lake McDonald. Measuring over 10 miles long and a mile wide, this massive body of water claims the title as the park’s largest lake. Heading southwest of Bearhat Mountain, nature lovers will discover Avalanche Lake, another incredibly beautiful lake located in Glacier National Park. To witness Avalanche Lake in all its splendor, take the short but sweet 2-mile hike from the trailhead at Trail of the Cedars.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Montana?

Exploring nature is a great activity for a day of family fun, and Montana’s 1,132 hiking, running, and mountain biking trails offer an abundance of beautiful natural spots to choose from, such as:

  • The Hidden Lake Trail located near Siyeh Bend, which is a 5.3 mile moderately rated, out and back hike full of awesome views and is perfect for a family trek during the warmer months.
  • The Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail which is a slightly shorter journey at 3.5 miles of looping trail featuring a waterfall, a boardwalk around the geothermal hot springs, and excellent opportunities for bird watching along the route.

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