We love Idaho, but we do have to admit … the summers here can get a bit miserable. It can get hot, hot, and hot during the summertime. Finding a place where you can simultaneously keep cool and enjoy the summer’s shine can be a challenge. However, it’s far from impossible. In fact, today we’re featuring a handful of destinations that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Caribbean paradise in Idaho. Even better, there’s no need for expensive plane tickets or travel plans!

  1. Box Canyon

Chase Jablonski / Google If you’re looking for a hidden oasis in Idaho like no other, look no further. Box Canyon is an unexpected gem hiding near Twin Falls. The surrounding landscape around this canyon may appear to be rugged and dry, but peer over the canyon’s rim and you’ll be treated to an incredible sight. This large spring has the most mesmerizing blue water you’ve ever seen! The spring is actually the 11th largest in the United States. Over 180,000 gallons of this crystal-clear water are poured into the Snake River each minute. Its refreshing waters are a great way to cool off, but be wary: the water is quite cold! It might be an icy shock to you if you’ve been baking in the hot sun. Box Canyon is truly one of the most beautiful places in Idaho. Box Canyon, Idaho 83622, USA

  1. Bear Lake State Park

Bear Lake State Park / Facebook If you feel like experiencing a slice of paradise without leaving the Gem State, there’s no better place to go than the lake in Idaho that’s been dubbed “the Caribbean of the Rockies”. Bear Lake truly lives up to its nickname. This place has incredible turquoise water and pristine white sand beaches. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the state, about half of Bear Lake is in Idaho and the other half spreads into Utah. Bear Lake State Park, accessible via both the northern and eastern segments, is the perfect entry point if you want to experience the refreshing waters of this beautiful lake. 1767 Eastshore Rd, St Charles, ID 83272, USA

  1. Alturas Lake

Nicholas D / Flickr If you’re the type of person that prefers the mountains over the desert, this spot is for you. You will absolutely love the oasis that is Alturas Lake. Hidden away in the Sawtooth Valley, this mountain lake boasts crystal clear waters. Visitors all agree: this lake is pristine and unforgettable. It’s also the second-largest lake in the Sawtooth Range, which means that seeing this beautiful alpine destination with your own eyes is a must. Alturas Lake is arguably one of the most breathtaking natural destinations in Idaho. And when it comes to Idaho beaches, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one more picturesque than this. Alturas Lake, Idaho 83340, USA

  1. Upper Palisades Lake

Ray Fink / AllTrails It seems that Idaho is filled with mountain lakes with brilliant blue waters. One of the most beautiful places in Idaho is this alpine lake with magnificent turquoise water known as the Upper Palisades Lake. It’s no wonder this is among the most popular summertime spots in the state. Finding this stunning place requires a bit of a hike, but we think you’ll find it’s worth every step. Imagine dipping your toes in the lake’s cool waters to relax after the trek! The adventure doesn’t end at the lake, however. Keep following the trail and you’ll find one of our favorite waterfalls in Idaho. The cascades here are known to flow well into late summer, so lace up your hiking boots and head out! Upper Palisades Lake, Idaho 83428, USA

  1. Evans Landing, Lake Pend Oreille

Brett Boksa / Alltrails This list simply wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the largest lake in Idaho: Lake Pend Oreille. The lake is home to many hidden beaches and coves, it’s Evans Landing that we’ll focus on today. Located on the lake’s western shore, Evans Landing includes a secluded beach that’s the perfect spot for relaxing on a hot summer day. Boating, swimming, and kayaking are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy here. This place is a blast for the whole family! Evans Landing, ID 83809, USA

  1. Blue Heart Springs

Briar Tilton / Google Last but certainly not least, Blue Heart Springs is a delightful hidden gem swimming hole in Idaho that’s tucked away from view. It’s located not far from Box Canyon, so you can easily visit both destinations in one day if you’d like! Finding this spot can be tricky, so most people opt to kayak into the cove. However, if you prefer to visit on foot, you can hike down from the canyon. This spring boasts a constant temperature of 58 degrees, which we think sounds like the perfect temperature for staying cool during the summer season. Blue Heart Springs, Idaho 83316, USA

You may find yourself wondering if these paradisical locations in Idaho are real, and we assure you: they very much are! They must be seen and experienced to believe.

We love Idaho, but we do have to admit … the summers here can get a bit miserable. It can get hot, hot, and hot during the summertime. Finding a place where you can simultaneously keep cool and enjoy the summer’s shine can be a challenge. However, it’s far from impossible. In fact, today we’re featuring a handful of destinations that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Caribbean paradise in Idaho. Even better, there’s no need for expensive plane tickets or travel plans!

Chase Jablonski / Google

If you’re looking for a hidden oasis in Idaho like no other, look no further. Box Canyon is an unexpected gem hiding near Twin Falls. The surrounding landscape around this canyon may appear to be rugged and dry, but peer over the canyon’s rim and you’ll be treated to an incredible sight. This large spring has the most mesmerizing blue water you’ve ever seen! The spring is actually the 11th largest in the United States. Over 180,000 gallons of this crystal-clear water are poured into the Snake River each minute. Its refreshing waters are a great way to cool off, but be wary: the water is quite cold! It might be an icy shock to you if you’ve been baking in the hot sun. Box Canyon is truly one of the most beautiful places in Idaho.

Box Canyon, Idaho 83622, USA

Bear Lake State Park / Facebook

If you feel like experiencing a slice of paradise without leaving the Gem State, there’s no better place to go than the lake in Idaho that’s been dubbed “the Caribbean of the Rockies”. Bear Lake truly lives up to its nickname. This place has incredible turquoise water and pristine white sand beaches. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the state, about half of Bear Lake is in Idaho and the other half spreads into Utah. Bear Lake State Park, accessible via both the northern and eastern segments, is the perfect entry point if you want to experience the refreshing waters of this beautiful lake.

1767 Eastshore Rd, St Charles, ID 83272, USA

Nicholas D / Flickr

If you’re the type of person that prefers the mountains over the desert, this spot is for you. You will absolutely love the oasis that is Alturas Lake. Hidden away in the Sawtooth Valley, this mountain lake boasts crystal clear waters. Visitors all agree: this lake is pristine and unforgettable. It’s also the second-largest lake in the Sawtooth Range, which means that seeing this beautiful alpine destination with your own eyes is a must. Alturas Lake is arguably one of the most breathtaking natural destinations in Idaho. And when it comes to Idaho beaches, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one more picturesque than this.

Alturas Lake, Idaho 83340, USA

Ray Fink / AllTrails

It seems that Idaho is filled with mountain lakes with brilliant blue waters. One of the most beautiful places in Idaho is this alpine lake with magnificent turquoise water known as the Upper Palisades Lake. It’s no wonder this is among the most popular summertime spots in the state. Finding this stunning place requires a bit of a hike, but we think you’ll find it’s worth every step. Imagine dipping your toes in the lake’s cool waters to relax after the trek! The adventure doesn’t end at the lake, however. Keep following the trail and you’ll find one of our favorite waterfalls in Idaho. The cascades here are known to flow well into late summer, so lace up your hiking boots and head out!

Upper Palisades Lake, Idaho 83428, USA

Brett Boksa / Alltrails

This list simply wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the largest lake in Idaho: Lake Pend Oreille. The lake is home to many hidden beaches and coves, it’s Evans Landing that we’ll focus on today. Located on the lake’s western shore, Evans Landing includes a secluded beach that’s the perfect spot for relaxing on a hot summer day. Boating, swimming, and kayaking are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy here. This place is a blast for the whole family!

Evans Landing, ID 83809, USA

Briar Tilton / Google

Last but certainly not least, Blue Heart Springs is a delightful hidden gem swimming hole in Idaho that’s tucked away from view. It’s located not far from Box Canyon, so you can easily visit both destinations in one day if you’d like! Finding this spot can be tricky, so most people opt to kayak into the cove. However, if you prefer to visit on foot, you can hike down from the canyon. This spring boasts a constant temperature of 58 degrees, which we think sounds like the perfect temperature for staying cool during the summer season.

Blue Heart Springs, Idaho 83316, USA

Which of these magnificent summer attractions in Idaho have you been to? Do you have other refreshing Idaho swimming holes you’d like to suggest? Please share your experiences and suggestions in the comments! For more hidden destinations, you won’t want to miss this stunning secret swimming hole in Idaho.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Paradise In Idaho February 11, 2023 Jessica Moore What are the most beautiful hikes in Idaho? The most beautiful hikes in Idaho include the following:

Hard Creek Falls Trail, Payette National Forest Palisades Creek Trail, Swan Valley Bloomington Lake Trail, Caribou-Targhee National Forest Upper Falls Loop Trail, Post Falls Community Forest Elk Creek Falls Trail, Elk River Fern & Shadow Falls Trail, Murray Rapid River Trail, Riggins Schweitzer Nature Trail, Sandpoint

  For even more trail options to add to your bucket list, don’t miss out on these 14 magical trails in Idaho. What are the most beautiful lakes in Idaho? The most beautiful lakes in Idaho include the following:

Baker Lake Henry’s Lake Redfish Lake Stanley Lake Lake Coeur d’Alene Blue Lake Titus Lake Priest Lake

  But that’s not all, don’t miss out on the other beautiful gems found on this list of the 13 most beautiful lakes in Idaho according to Only In Your State readers! Which state parks should I visit in Idaho? The state parks you should visit in Idaho include the following:

Thousand Springs State Park Ponderosa State Park Heyburn State Park Lake Walcott State Park Bruneau Dunes State Park Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park Massacre Rocks State Park Winchester Lake State Park

  For even more amazing state parks in Idaho worth exploring, these nine Idahoan state parks will take your breath away. You’ll find yourself wondering how one state can possibly contain so much beauty.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Paradise In Idaho

February 11, 2023

Jessica Moore

What are the most beautiful hikes in Idaho? The most beautiful hikes in Idaho include the following:

Hard Creek Falls Trail, Payette National Forest Palisades Creek Trail, Swan Valley Bloomington Lake Trail, Caribou-Targhee National Forest Upper Falls Loop Trail, Post Falls Community Forest Elk Creek Falls Trail, Elk River Fern & Shadow Falls Trail, Murray Rapid River Trail, Riggins Schweitzer Nature Trail, Sandpoint

  For even more trail options to add to your bucket list, don’t miss out on these 14 magical trails in Idaho. What are the most beautiful lakes in Idaho? The most beautiful lakes in Idaho include the following:

Baker Lake Henry’s Lake Redfish Lake Stanley Lake Lake Coeur d’Alene Blue Lake Titus Lake Priest Lake

  But that’s not all, don’t miss out on the other beautiful gems found on this list of the 13 most beautiful lakes in Idaho according to Only In Your State readers! Which state parks should I visit in Idaho? The state parks you should visit in Idaho include the following:

Thousand Springs State Park Ponderosa State Park Heyburn State Park Lake Walcott State Park Bruneau Dunes State Park Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park Massacre Rocks State Park Winchester Lake State Park

  For even more amazing state parks in Idaho worth exploring, these nine Idahoan state parks will take your breath away. You’ll find yourself wondering how one state can possibly contain so much beauty.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The most beautiful hikes in Idaho include the following:

  • Hard Creek Falls Trail, Payette National Forest
  • Palisades Creek Trail, Swan Valley
  • Bloomington Lake Trail, Caribou-Targhee National Forest
  • Upper Falls Loop Trail, Post Falls Community Forest
  • Elk Creek Falls Trail, Elk River
  • Fern & Shadow Falls Trail, Murray
  • Rapid River Trail, Riggins
  • Schweitzer Nature Trail, Sandpoint

 

For even more trail options to add to your bucket list, don’t miss out on these 14 magical trails in Idaho.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Idaho?

The most beautiful lakes in Idaho include the following:

  • Baker Lake
  • Henry’s Lake
  • Redfish Lake
  • Stanley Lake
  • Lake Coeur d’Alene
  • Blue Lake
  • Titus Lake
  • Priest Lake

But that’s not all, don’t miss out on the other beautiful gems found on this list of the 13 most beautiful lakes in Idaho according to Only In Your State readers!

Which state parks should I visit in Idaho?

The state parks you should visit in Idaho include the following:

  • Thousand Springs State Park
  • Ponderosa State Park
  • Heyburn State Park
  • Lake Walcott State Park
  • Bruneau Dunes State Park
  • Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park
  • Massacre Rocks State Park
  • Winchester Lake State Park

For even more amazing state parks in Idaho worth exploring, these nine Idahoan state parks will take your breath away. You’ll find yourself wondering how one state can possibly contain so much beauty.