Splash! Summer finally showed up, and it’s time to take the plunge.
Idaho’s chilly lakes and reservoirs are the way to cool off when temperature start climbing.
And we’ve got a really cool story for you. Here are some of the popular swimming holes in Southwest Idaho:
SANDY POINT
Unfortunately, the area’s most popular swimming and picnic area is closed until further notice because of an E.coli outbreak. You can keep up with the status at IdahoStatesman.com and ParksandRecreation.Idaho.gov.
Hours: Day use.
Fees: $5 per vehicle per day or $40 for unlimited day-use access per year.
Notes: When swimming resumes, you’ll find concession service with hot dogs, nachos, sodas, water and ice cream. No lifeguards. No glass or pets.
Getting there: Located at the bottom of Lucky Peak Dam, northeast of Boise off Idaho 21.
BARCLAY BAY
What: A small beach on Lucky Peak Reservoir with Serpentina, the magic dragon statue kids can climb on. Kids love it.
Hours: Day use.
Fee: None for parking or swimming.
Notes: It’s a small beach. Grills are available or bring your own. No lifeguards, glass, pets or campfires.
Getting there: Located northeast of Boise off Idaho 21 right across Lucky Peak Dam at the first boat ramp.
Online: CorpsLakes.Usace.Army.Mil/Visitors
ROBIE CREEK
What: A large enclosed swimming area on the Mores Creek arm of Lucky Peak Reservoir.
Hours: Day use.
Fee: None.
Notes: Grills are available or bring your own. No lifeguards, glass, pets or campfires.
Getting there: Continue northeast on Idaho 21 past the High Bridge to the Robie Creek turnoff.
Online: CorpsLakes.Usace.Army.Mil/Visitors
MACKS CREEK
What: A very small swimming spot in a cove at the Macks Creek boat ramp on Lucky Peak Reservoir just below Arrowrock Dam.
Hours: Day use.
Fee: None for swimming.
Notes: Grills are available or bring your own. No lifeguards, glass, pets or campfires.
Getting there: Drive northeast on Idaho 21 from Boise to the High Bridge and take the turnoff for Arrowrock Reservoir. Continue about 4 miles.
Online: CorpsLakes.Usace.Army.Mil/Visitors
QUINN’S POND
What: This is an informal popular neighborhood swimming hole off the Boise Greenbelt.
Hours: Day use.
Fee: None.
Notes: No lifeguards. Swim at your own risk. Keep an eye on little kids. It gets deep quickly off shore.
Getting there: You’ll find the pond along the Boise Greenbelt at the end of West Pleasanton Avenue, downstream from the Main and Fairview street bridges. It’s sometimes called the Clock Tower Pond.
Online: CityOfBoise.org
EAGLE ISLAND
What: A state park swimming hole with a water slide.
Hours: Day use.
Fees: $5 per vehicle per day or $40 for unlimited day-use access per year. The water slide is open from noon to 8 p.m. Cost is $1 for one ride, $7 for 10 rides, and $12 for an all-day pass.
Notes: There is a concession with snow cones, nachos, hot dogs, candy and ice cream. No glass. Pets must be on leash at all times and are not allowed on the beach.
Getting there: From Eagle, go west on Idaho 44 (East State Street) about 3 miles and then turn south on Linder Road. Turn east on Hatchery Road.
Online: ParksAndRecreation.Idaho.Gov.
LAKE LOWELL
What: Two swimming areas are near boat ramps at the Upper and Lower dams.
Hours: Day use.
Fee: None.
Notes: Dogs are allowed on the beaches but only on leashes, and you must pick up after them.
Getting there: Take Idaho 55 south from Nampa to Lake Street for access to the Upper Dam or continue on Idaho 55 to Riverside Road for access to the Lower Dam area.
Online: FWS.gov/Deerflat
ROTARY PARK (MCCALL)
What: A family-friendly beach on Payette Lake. It’s a popular rest area along Idaho 55.
Hours: Day use.
Fee: None.
Notes: No glass or dogs on the beach. No lifeguards.
Getting there: Located at the east end of Lardo Bridge, between Idaho 55 and Payette Lake where the North Fork of the Payette River leaves the lake.
Online: McCallParksandRec.com/parks
LEGACY PARK (MCCALL)
What: A swimming area centrally located in McCall.
Hours: Day use.
Fee: None.
Notes: No glass or dogs on the beach. Food nearby at restaurants.
Getting there: Located downtown, at the bend north of Hotel McCall on East Lake Street.
Online: McCallParksandRec.com/parks
LAKE CASCADE STATE PARK
What: Wide open beaches on Lake Cascade with plenty of running room.
Hours: Day use and overnight camping at the state park.
Fees: $5 day use; assorted camping fees.
Notes: The most popular areas for swimming are Van Wyck, Blue Heron and Boulder Creek areas. Restaurants in Cascade. No glass and no pets on the beaches.
Getting there: From Idaho 55 in Cascade go west on Old State Road a mile to the Van Wyck unit of the state park. Other areas are located around the lake.
Online: ParksAndRecreation.Idaho.gov
Pete Zimowsky: 377-6445
