A few lakes in Idaho may be unsafe for you and/or your pets due to the presence of blue-green algae, also referred to as cyanobacteria.
Most types of algal blooms are actually not harmful, but the blue-green algae found in these waters are actually considered potentially dangerous. People and animals can become exposed to blue-green algae by swallowing or just coming into physical contact with water containing this type of algae, so be careful when you are on these lake beaches in Idaho. The most common health effects associated with coming into contact with blue-green algae are skin and eye irritation, but the more dangerous health effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
The Idaho lakes mentioned here have had advisories put out on them for potentially having dangerous amounts of blue-green algae in them. However, it’s important to remember that not all bodies of water are being actively monitored and it’s really up to you to judge the safety of any body of water.
- Mormon Reservoir
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Idaho Department of Fish and Game Mormon Reservoir is a reservoir on McKinney Creek in Camas County, Idaho. A public health advisory was issued for Mormon Reservoir on June 27, 2017 by the South Central Public Health District. Water that has been affected by blue-green algae will look like it has foam or scum on its surface.
Read more about Mormon Reservoir. Mormon Reservoir, Idaho 83327, USA
- Fernan Lake
IWAC Fernan Lake in Coeur d’Alene falls under a health warning for more than 100 days a year. Pets are warned to be particularly at risk and are not recommended to be in the water. It is suggested that people immediately rinse off after coming into contact with this water.
Learn more about Fernan Lake. Fernan Lake, Idaho 83814, USA
- Hayden Lake
Raniel Diaz/Flickr Hayden Lake, located in Kootenai County, has continually been deemed as having bad water quality since 1998. The Kootenai Environmental Alliance has been testing treatments on the water, but there hasn’t been any tangible proof that water quality has improved in Hayden Lake so far.
Check out more about Hayden Lake. Hayden Lake, ID 83835, USA
The Department of Environmental Quality monitors some, but not all, bodies of water in Idaho. Just because a body of water has no health advisory, it isn’t necessarily safe. The best advice is “when in doubt, stay out.” Use common sense and don’t swim in water that is particularly foul-smelling or has foamy green scum on top. While most Idaho lakes are great, just be sure to be cautious. You can also check updates about algal bloom advisories.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Mormon Reservoir is a reservoir on McKinney Creek in Camas County, Idaho. A public health advisory was issued for Mormon Reservoir on June 27, 2017 by the South Central Public Health District. Water that has been affected by blue-green algae will look like it has foam or scum on its surface.
Read more about Mormon Reservoir.
Mormon Reservoir, Idaho 83327, USA
IWAC
Fernan Lake in Coeur d’Alene falls under a health warning for more than 100 days a year. Pets are warned to be particularly at risk and are not recommended to be in the water. It is suggested that people immediately rinse off after coming into contact with this water.
Learn more about Fernan Lake.
Fernan Lake, Idaho 83814, USA
Raniel Diaz/Flickr
Hayden Lake, located in Kootenai County, has continually been deemed as having bad water quality since 1998. The Kootenai Environmental Alliance has been testing treatments on the water, but there hasn’t been any tangible proof that water quality has improved in Hayden Lake so far.
Check out more about Hayden Lake.
Hayden Lake, ID 83835, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes in Idaho July 09, 2022 Danielle Schwartz What are the most beautiful lakes in Idaho? Our state is full of natural beauty, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than taking a weekend trip or a quick drive to any of the most beautiful lakes in Idaho. There are so many gorgeous bodies of water to choose from, so we’ve narrowed it down a few of the best ones. Some of our favorites are Bear Lake, known for its gorgeous blue color, Alturas Lake, which features some of the clearest water in the state, and Alice Lake, the perfect place if you’re craving amazing mountain views. Are there any good swimming holes in Idaho? If you’re hoping to find good swimming holes in Idaho, you’ve come to the right place! There are lots of excellent natural places to go swimming during the warm months of the year. Quinn’s Pond in Boise is a great family-friendly choice for a day trip. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy a beautiful day outside with your loved ones. This area is kid-friendly, as there is open space for playing and it’s not a far walk from where you can park. St. Anthony Sandbar is another fun spot to swim, and even features a diving board for thrill-seekers. What are the best easy waterfall hikes in Idaho? The best easy waterfall hikes in Idaho are ideal for a quick foray into nature without taking up an entire day. Check out the stunning Fall Creek Falls, which flows into the Snake River below. Shoshone Falls is another incredible sight. The waterfall is so big it might even remind you of Niagara Falls! The rushing water will relax you as soon as you arrive.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes in Idaho
July 09, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What are the most beautiful lakes in Idaho? Our state is full of natural beauty, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than taking a weekend trip or a quick drive to any of the most beautiful lakes in Idaho. There are so many gorgeous bodies of water to choose from, so we’ve narrowed it down a few of the best ones. Some of our favorites are Bear Lake, known for its gorgeous blue color, Alturas Lake, which features some of the clearest water in the state, and Alice Lake, the perfect place if you’re craving amazing mountain views. Are there any good swimming holes in Idaho? If you’re hoping to find good swimming holes in Idaho, you’ve come to the right place! There are lots of excellent natural places to go swimming during the warm months of the year. Quinn’s Pond in Boise is a great family-friendly choice for a day trip. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy a beautiful day outside with your loved ones. This area is kid-friendly, as there is open space for playing and it’s not a far walk from where you can park. St. Anthony Sandbar is another fun spot to swim, and even features a diving board for thrill-seekers. What are the best easy waterfall hikes in Idaho? The best easy waterfall hikes in Idaho are ideal for a quick foray into nature without taking up an entire day. Check out the stunning Fall Creek Falls, which flows into the Snake River below. Shoshone Falls is another incredible sight. The waterfall is so big it might even remind you of Niagara Falls! The rushing water will relax you as soon as you arrive.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Our state is full of natural beauty, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than taking a weekend trip or a quick drive to any of the most beautiful lakes in Idaho. There are so many gorgeous bodies of water to choose from, so we’ve narrowed it down a few of the best ones. Some of our favorites are Bear Lake, known for its gorgeous blue color, Alturas Lake, which features some of the clearest water in the state, and Alice Lake, the perfect place if you’re craving amazing mountain views.
Are there any good swimming holes in Idaho?
If you’re hoping to find good swimming holes in Idaho, you’ve come to the right place! There are lots of excellent natural places to go swimming during the warm months of the year. Quinn’s Pond in Boise is a great family-friendly choice for a day trip. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy a beautiful day outside with your loved ones. This area is kid-friendly, as there is open space for playing and it’s not a far walk from where you can park. St. Anthony Sandbar is another fun spot to swim, and even features a diving board for thrill-seekers.
What are the best easy waterfall hikes in Idaho?
The best easy waterfall hikes in Idaho are ideal for a quick foray into nature without taking up an entire day. Check out the stunning Fall Creek Falls, which flows into the Snake River below. Shoshone Falls is another incredible sight. The waterfall is so big it might even remind you of Niagara Falls! The rushing water will relax you as soon as you arrive.
