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The Best Swimming in Idaho

Looking for the best swimming in Idaho? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Idaho. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

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Top swimming spots in and near Idaho

  • Lowman, Idaho

    Soak in Kirkham Hot Springs

    4.6
    Soaking in Kirkham is like soaking in a dream. Numerous geothermal springs of varying temperature await at the bottom of a small wooden staircase. Hot water pours over the cliff into pools below and literally feels like a natural shower. If that's not enough, enjoy the rush and beauty of the Paye...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Paddle on Stanley Lake

    5.0
    Stanley Lake is an Idaho alpine lake located at the base of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake is about 7 miles from the historic town of Stanley, Idaho and just over an hour from popular Sun Valley, Idaho.Our photography and hiking adventure cap...
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  • Marsing, Idaho

    Explore Jump Creek Falls

    4.3
    Jump Creek Falls is an easy-to-access waterfall situated south of Marsing, Idaho. When you arrive to the parking lot right near the trailhead, you'll be starting at around 2600' elevation. Don't expect much change from 2600', unless you are to go exploring the canyon further. From the trailhead, ...
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  • Saint Charles, Idaho

    Hike to Bloomington Lake

    4.8
    0.5 mi
    Bloomington Lake is deep in the mountains West of a small town called Bloomington. The road from the town to Bloomington Lake is a narrow dirt road. It takes about 35 minutes to take this road and most cars should be able to handle it. There's plenty of parking at the trailhead and some bathrooms...
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  • McCall, Idaho

    Soak in Burgdorf Hot Springs

    1.0
    Burgdorf, Idaho's backcountry oasis, features several rentable cabins located about 30 miles north of McCall. Each season provides its own outdoor opportunity, and Burgdorf provides an epic hub in which to enjoy them.To get there from Boise, drive through McCall and hang a right after the Shore L...
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  • Irwin, Idaho

    Hike along Palisades Creek

    5.0
    2 mi / 1827 ft gain
    The Palisades Creek Nature Trail is a fun little hike with many photographic opportunities. You can make the hike as short or long as you want, so once you're done taking photos, turn back around and head to your vehicle. The trail does eventually lead to Lower and Upper Palisades Lake, but this ...
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  • Ketchum, Idaho

    Hike to Titus Lake

    This 3-mile round trip hike starts at above 8,000 feet, just shy of Galena Summit. If you have not yet adjusted to the mile-high altitude of Ketchum, prepare to be fairly winded throughout this walk. Though only 1.5 miles to the lake, the trail is at times quite steep, so be prepared to climb. Th...
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  • Wendell, Idaho

    Hike and Swim at Box Canyon Springs

    4.3 mi / 351 ft gain
    Tucked away, almost hidden in a vast expanse of farmland, lies a secluded canyon filled with natural springs, crystal clear water, waterfalls and wildlife. There’s a good chance you may miss the turn off to the trailhead, so keep a keen eye peeled for the small park signage. There are two parking...
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  • Cascade, Idaho

    Raft the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

    5.0
    100 mi / -3294 ft gain
    If you're looking for an all-around start-to-finish epic adventure, rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River arguably checks off more boxes than any other trip in the world. This adventure of a lifetime can be enjoyed two different ways: privately and commercially. We've been lucky enough to d...
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  • Bellevue, Idaho

    Hike Along Silver Creek

    3 mi
    From the intersection of Highways 75 and 20 drive east on Highway 20 for 7.3 miles. Turn right onto Kilpatrick Bridge Road and drive another 1.5 miles to the Silver Creek Preserve Visitor Center.Stop at the Visitor's Center to take in the desert landscape and snap a few pictures. Exit on the far ...
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  • Kimberly, Idaho

    Cliff Jump & Swim at Dierkes Lake

    3.0
    Dierkes Lake is located in the same park as Shoshone Falls so the $3 per carload entrance fee allows you to see both amazing locations.  Just after the ticket booth in the park take a right at the fork in the road that will take you directly to Dierkes Lake, where you will find ample parking in t...
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  • Island Park, Idaho

    Hike the River Trail and Ranch Loop at Harriman State Park

    3 mi / 20 ft gain
    Located at 6,100 feet above sea level, Harriman State Park (also called "the Ranch") is renown for it's fly fishing along the Henry's Fork. Whether you bring a fly rod or not, this scenic loop through the park is a delight for hikers of all abilities.Make a stop at park headquarters to pay the en...
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  • New Meadows, Idaho

    Camp at Last Chance Campground

    5.0
    Last Chance Campground is located in New Meadow, Idaho, and about 30 minutes away from the tourist town of McCall. It is a perfect location to get lost in nature, but still want to remain connected. Cell phone service was very excellent. Goose Creek slips it's way alongside the campground, bringi...
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  • Buhl, Idaho

    Take a Dip at Miracle Hot Springs

    5.0
    Located just 10 miles northwest of Buhl, Idaho, lies a geothermal oasis with a rich history and where relaxation is the only requirement. Miracle Hot Springs is a collection of 4 outdoor public pools, 15 private pools and 6 VIP pools filled with natural hot spring water that is soft to the touch....
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  • Kooskia, Idaho

    Whitewater Raft the Selway River

    47 mi / -1128 ft gain
    The Selway is one of the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers designated in 1968.  This section of water is run by both private boaters as well as commercial outfitters, and is regulated by a strict permit system that only allows one group to launch per day.  This leads to a feeling of solitude ...
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  • Lemhi County, Idaho

    Whitewater Raft the Main Salmon River

    5.0
    80 mi / -1000 ft gain
    The section of the Salmon River between Corn Creek and Carey Creek, known as the "Main" among boaters, flows through the second deepest canyon on the continent (only Hells Canyon is deeper).  The Main is one of the best all around river trips in the west and offers a spectacular road-less wildern...
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