Summer in Boise is all about fun in the sun and breaking out of hibernation after the dreadful long, cold months. But summer in Boise is also HOT and has us searching for ways to stay cool near water.
So, with the temperatures reaching triple digits, you may be wondering where in the Treasure Valley can you swim, snorkel, or paddleboard? Here’s our list of recreational water areas near you:
Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park - the southeast side of Quinn’s Pond has been cleared safe as of right now
View on Google MapsBoise Cascade Lake
View on Google MapsEsther Simplot Park Pond 2 - formerly Veterans Park East Pond
View on Google MapsEagle Island State Park - $7 per vehicle, free with Idaho State Parks Passport
View on Google MapsLucky Peak State Park Discovery Unit to Boise River Dam - $7 per vehicle, free with Idaho State Parks Passport
View on Google MapsSandy Point below Lucky Peak Reservoir - $7 per vehicle, free with Idaho State Parks Passport
View on Google MapsLucky Peak Reservoir - $7 per vehicle, free with Idaho State Parks Passport
Barclay Bay
View on Google MapsMiddle Cove
View on Google MapsTurner Gulch
View on Google MapsMacks Creek Park
View on Google MapsArrowrock Reservoir
View on Google MapsRobie Creek
View on Google MapsLake Lowell Park
View on Google Maps View on Google MapsBanks Beach Picnic Area
View on Google MapsSwan Falls
View on Google MapsBlack Canyon Reservoir
View on Google Maps View on Google MapsThe Treasure Valley is a place of almost never-ending outdoor recreation. As we all muddle through this heatwave hitting the Pacific Northwest, access to free, safe, and cooling waters will help everyone. Though these spaces are public, note that lifeguards are not on duty.
If you’re looking to enjoy the water from the comfort of an inflatable, consider renting a paddleboard from Alpenglow or Boise River Raft and Tube. Need a little more adventure? Hire a professional rafting guide to safely float you and your party down the rapids and waters of the Payette River.
Tips for Swimming in Ponds, Lakes, Rivers, and Hotsprings:
- Apply sunscreen
- Bring plenty of water and snacks
- Don’t swim in any water beyond your ability
- Children under 14 should wear life vests
- Don’t drink the water you swim in
- Don’t use the water as a bathroom
- Check the weather report
- Check online resources to ensure the water hasn’t been closed due to swimmer’s itch or cyanobacteria
- Remove all floatables from the water and leave no trace when you leave
- Wash your hands and rinse your body with clean water after you swim
Paid Places to Swim in the Treasure Valley:
Boise
- Roaring Springs
- Borah Pool
- Fairmont Pool
- Ivywild Pool
- Natatorium Pool and Hydrotube
Meridian
- Meridian Community Pool
Nampa
- Lakeview Water Park
- Nampa Recreation Center
- Lincoln Pool
Free Splash Pads in the Treasure Valley
Boise
- Comba Park
- The Grove Plaza Splash Pad
- Ivywild Park
- Borah Park
Meridian
- Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park
- Settlers Park
- Discovery Park
- Hillsdale Park
Eagle
- Reid Merrill Park
- Stephen C. Guerber Park
Looking to stay in the know with local stories, small business, and news? Click here for more!
Local Stories About the Boise AreaJoin our Totally Boise community on:
- Instagram: @totallyboise
- Facebook: @totallyboise
- Tik Tok: @totallyboise
