10 Swimming Holes In Idaho That Will Make Your Summer Complete
If lounging under a cloudless sky in the desert 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 through ye ol’ watering hole – you just have to know where to look!
Roll into the final stretch of Idaho’s never-ending summer with weekend plans to head out to any one of Idaho’s top secret swimming holes with the family. Or, sneak off without the kids to find your own private Idaho (because you deserve a day off, too!). Either way, these swimming spots are perfect for a weekend getaway, a simple day trip, or a quick pit stop on your next adventure.
1. Hunt Lake, Priest Lake
This outlet lake on the east side of Priest lake will take a beautiful Sunday afternoon drive and a moderate hike to get to, but it’s oh-so worth it.
Located a mile or so outside of downtown Ketchum, this small lake is just inside the National Forest boundary. Blissfully clear and deep enough to scuba (if that’s your thing), you’ll find this tiny gem to be incredibly accessible.
This Idaho gem is a local and family favorite for good reason. Pristine water, beautiful mountain views, and a chilly dive that will wake you up and cool you off all at the same time.
Idaho’s Seven Devils don’t get a lot of recognition for their hidden lakes the way the Sawtooths do… but they should! The Cannon lakes will take some hiking to reach, but being that you’ll be swimming just above the deepest canyon in the country, I’d say it’s totally worth it.
We’ve talked about the endless wonders of the Hagerman Valley before, and Box Canyon Springs in the 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 US.
Accessible, recently renovated with a new sandy beach and picnic area, and just off of Boise’s iconic Greenbelt, Quinn’s Pond’s is a massive 22-acre stretch of water that is perfect for cooling off in without treading on the heels of Boise River floaters.
7. Dierkes Lake, Twin Falls
Dierkes Lake is 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.
While away the summer at this swimming hole in Eastern Idaho that features a floating dock, diving board, and old-school metal water slide, alongside its namesake sandy beach.
Tucked away in the scenic Bitterroot Mountains, this chilly lake is a popular destination for fishing but offers multiple private outlets for swimming.
This gorgeous aquamarine lake is not only set in a picture-perfect location, it’s also just a few short minutes away from Burgdorf Hot Springs if you feel like taking a relaxing soak before or after your mountain swim.
With so many natural hot and cool springs, waterfall watersheds, and swimming holes to choose from, the weary body in search of a place to cool off or unwind will have no trouble finding the perfect place to eke out the last bit of summer fun. Northern Idaho’s lakes and beaches are an absolute dream, the rocky glacial craters 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 soaking space. Which one will you choose?
For more weekend adventure ideas, be sure to check these other favorite local swimming holes as we continue to explore Idaho’s best hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems.
Howdy. I've been hiking most of my life. I spent my young boyhood hiking up and down the mountains in Hell's Canyon, bordering Oregon & Idaho with my father. He taught me important wilderness skills that I have passed on to my own sons. Since growing up in Idaho and hiking all over the Sawtooth and Selway wilderness areas, I have since hiked in the Andes and several trips diving and hiking in Antarctica, including the "Footsteps of Shackleton" expedition. I was also active in National Ski Patrol for 15 years, including Avalanche control and rescue. Since then I have become a Doctor of Trauma & Orthopaedics at Oxford England with an interest in Expedition Medicine.
My son, Jeremy is now the main hiker in the family with weekend hikes throughout the summer and will share his adventures.
This outlet lake on the east side of Priest lake will take a beautiful Sunday afternoon drive and a moderate hike to get to, but it’s oh-so worth it.
Located a mile or so outside of downtown Ketchum, this small lake is just inside the National Forest boundary. Blissfully clear and deep enough to scuba (if that’s your thing), you’ll find this tiny gem to be incredibly accessible.
This Idaho gem is a local and family favorite for good reason. Pristine water, beautiful mountain views, and a chilly dive that will wake you up and cool you off all at the same time.
Idaho’s Seven Devils don’t get a lot of recognition for their hidden lakes the way the Sawtooths do… but they should! The Cannon lakes will take some hiking to reach, but being that you’ll be swimming just above the deepest canyon in the country, I’d say it’s totally worth it.
We’ve talked about the endless wonders of the Hagerman Valley before, and Box Canyon Springs in the 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 US.
Accessible, recently renovated with a new sandy beach and picnic area, and just off of Boise’s iconic Greenbelt, Quinn’s Pond’s is a massive 22-acre stretch of water that is perfect for cooling off in without treading on the heels of Boise River floaters.
Dierkes Lake is 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.
While away the summer at this swimming hole in Eastern Idaho that features a floating dock, diving board, and old-school metal water slide, alongside its namesake sandy beach.
Tucked away in the scenic Bitterroot Mountains, this chilly lake is a popular destination for fishing but offers multiple private outlets for swimming.
This gorgeous aquamarine lake is not only set in a picture-perfect location, it’s also just a few short minutes away from Burgdorf Hot Springs if you feel like taking a relaxing soak before or after your mountain swim.
