Nothing beats chilling with family and friends at local Idaho swimming holes on a hot summer day! Here in the Gem State, there are a lot of great riverbanks, lakes, and other swimming spots to explore, but the one featured here is bucket-list-worthy for those who enjoy good old-fashioned summer fun. Located underneath a bridge that crosses the Pack River, you can prepare for some unforgettable summer memories when you visit this natural swimming hole.
In North Idaho, the Pack River is a popular source of summertime fun. From floating and kayaking to simply splashing around on one of its beaches, the river is the ultimate place to cool off while surrounded by gorgeous beauty.
Michael DeWitt/Google
The river is home to a myriad of swimming holes and relaxing beaches, but the one featured here can be found right underneath the Pack River Bridge on Colburn Culver Rd in Sandpoint. Also known as the “Jumping Bridge,” it’s a fantastic place to launch yourself into the river when the water is high enough.
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The slow-moving river is ideal for splashing around in on those blistering hot summer days. Parts of it are shallow enough for small children to enjoy with adult supervision, whereas other sections are deep enough to cannonball into at full speed.
Lisa Manske/Google
There’s also a great beach area along this section of the river, so be sure to bring your folding chairs and an umbrella for shade. This region of Idaho is rich with natural beauty and you’ll find yourself completely surrounded by it at this awesome swimming hole.
Lisa Manske/Google
Why spend money at a fancy waterpark when Idaho is filled with spectacular swimming holes such as this one? Access to the Pack River is obviously free of charge, but it’s also quite popular. Plan to arrive early in the day or on a weekday to avoid those summer crowds.
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Floating the Pack is a popular activity among the locals, so plan to see some floaters as they make their way down the river. This section is also a good put-in point if you’d like to join in on the fun. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to float from here to the Pack River Store near Rapid Lightning Road.
Lisa Manske/Google
The Pack River is a great place to have some good old-fashioned fun with family and friends. As the summer starts to heat up, you’ll want to make sure to visit this natural swimming hole in Idaho and dip your toes in the water!
Michael DeWitt/Google
Have you been to this natural swimming hole in Idaho before? What do you think are the best Idaho swimming holes? Tell us about your favorite places in the comments! And, if you are searching for a few lesser-known swimming holes in Idaho, check out these eight options.
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Address: 7373 Colburn Culver Rd #7063, Sandpoint, ID 83864, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Idaho Swimming Holes July 23, 2022 Courtnie Erickson Where are some other natural swimming holes in Idaho? There are dozens of swimming holes located all across the state that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Some of the best swimming spots in Idaho, like the stunning Redfish Lake, are perfect for a family day trip and the beauty in the area is difficult to beat. However, these areas can become quite busy and you’ll likely be swimming with a crowd. But, if you are looking for something a little more hidden and lesser-known, check out Blue Heart Springs. This swimming hole is tucked away and is mainly accessed by boat. Once you arrive, you’ll be in heaven as the water is a vibrant blue and remains at a constant temperature of 58 degrees. This is easily one of the best natural swimming holes in Idaho and once you visit, we bet you’ll agree! Are there any man-made swimming holes in Idaho? Yes! In fact, there are many man-made swimming holes that deserve a spot on your bucket list. Lake Lowell, for example, is a man-made swimming hole near Nampa. This lake, originally called Deer Flat Reservoir, was the first storage reservoir completed with the Boise Project and it is actually located in one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country. While all summer you can boat, splash, and play, from April 15 to September 30 each year, boating is not allowed.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Idaho Swimming Holes
July 23, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
Where are some other natural swimming holes in Idaho? There are dozens of swimming holes located all across the state that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Some of the best swimming spots in Idaho, like the stunning Redfish Lake, are perfect for a family day trip and the beauty in the area is difficult to beat. However, these areas can become quite busy and you’ll likely be swimming with a crowd. But, if you are looking for something a little more hidden and lesser-known, check out Blue Heart Springs. This swimming hole is tucked away and is mainly accessed by boat. Once you arrive, you’ll be in heaven as the water is a vibrant blue and remains at a constant temperature of 58 degrees. This is easily one of the best natural swimming holes in Idaho and once you visit, we bet you’ll agree! Are there any man-made swimming holes in Idaho? Yes! In fact, there are many man-made swimming holes that deserve a spot on your bucket list. Lake Lowell, for example, is a man-made swimming hole near Nampa. This lake, originally called Deer Flat Reservoir, was the first storage reservoir completed with the Boise Project and it is actually located in one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country. While all summer you can boat, splash, and play, from April 15 to September 30 each year, boating is not allowed.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are dozens of swimming holes located all across the state that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Some of the best swimming spots in Idaho, like the stunning Redfish Lake, are perfect for a family day trip and the beauty in the area is difficult to beat. However, these areas can become quite busy and you’ll likely be swimming with a crowd. But, if you are looking for something a little more hidden and lesser-known, check out Blue Heart Springs. This swimming hole is tucked away and is mainly accessed by boat. Once you arrive, you’ll be in heaven as the water is a vibrant blue and remains at a constant temperature of 58 degrees. This is easily one of the best natural swimming holes in Idaho and once you visit, we bet you’ll agree!
Are there any man-made swimming holes in Idaho?
Yes! In fact, there are many man-made swimming holes that deserve a spot on your bucket list. Lake Lowell, for example, is a man-made swimming hole near Nampa. This lake, originally called Deer Flat Reservoir, was the first storage reservoir completed with the Boise Project and it is actually located in one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country. While all summer you can boat, splash, and play, from April 15 to September 30 each year, boating is not allowed.
