Swimming Holes in Idaho
70 natural swimming holes
Idaho has 70 natural swimming holes in our directory — lakes, rivers, springs scattered from the backcountry to roadside favorites. Favorites include Lucky Peak Reservoir (Sandy Point), Blue Heart Springs, Lake Lowell. Every listing includes location details, fees, reservation info, and safety notes where known. Conditions change with weather and seasons, so always verify before you go.
All Idaho swimming holes
- Blue Heart Springs
- Lake Lowell
- Lucky Peak Reservoir (Sandy Point)
- Alturas Lake
- American Falls Reservoir
- Bear Lake (North Beach, Idaho side)
- Big Wood River (Ketchum)
- Bloomington Lake
- Boat Box Hot Springs
- Boise River (Barber Park)
- Box Canyon Springs
- Brownlee Reservoir
- Challis Hot Springs
- Chatcolet Lake
- Clearwater River (Lewiston)
- Clearwater River (Orofino)
- Coeur d'Alene River (North Fork)
- Dierkes Lake
- Fall Creek Falls (Idaho)
- Fernan Lake
- Goldbug Hot Springs
- Hauser Lake
- Hayden Lake
- Hells Canyon Reservoir
- Henry's Fork (Island Park)
- Henrys Lake
- Imogene Lake
- Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
- Jump Creek Falls
- Kirkham Hot Springs
- Lake Cascade
- Lake Coeur d'Alene
- Lake Pend Oreille (Sandpoint)
- Little Salmon River
- Lochsa River
- Magic Reservoir
- North Fork Payette River (McCall)
- Palisades Reservoir
- Payette Lake (McCall)
- Payette River (Banks)
- Pettit Lake
- Pine Flats Hot Springs
- Priest Lake
- Redfish Lake
- Ririe Reservoir
- Ritter Island (Thousand Springs)
- Salmon River (Riggins)
- Salmon River (Salmon)
- Sawtooth Lake
- Selway River
- Sharkey Hot Springs
- Snake River (Celebration Park)
- Snake River (Heller Bar)
- Snake River (Marsing)
- Snake River (Massacre Rocks)
- Snake River (Shoshone Falls Park)
- Snake River (Swan Falls)
- South Fork Clearwater River
- South Fork Payette River (Lowman)
- Spirit Lake (Idaho)
- Spokane River (Corbin Park)
- St. Joe River
- Stanley Lake
- Sunbeam Hot Springs
- Teton River
- Twin Lakes (Idaho)
- Warm Lake
- Warm River
- Weir Creek Hot Springs
- Yellowbelly Lake
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in Idaho?
Most natural swimming holes in Idaho are at their best from late spring through early fall, when water levels are safe and temperatures are comfortable. Spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high — check local conditions.
Do Idaho swimming holes require reservations?
Some do — popular spots increasingly use timed entry or day-use permits. Check each listing's reservation field and the official park link before you go.
Are swimming holes in Idaho free?
Many are free, but state parks and popular preserves often charge a day-use or parking fee. Each listing shows reported fee info where known.
Are natural swimming holes in Idaho safe?
Natural water has real risks: no lifeguards, submerged rocks, strong currents, and cold water. Never dive headfirst, check depth, and supervise children closely.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026