9 Must-Visit Idaho Lakes Before The End Of Summer

Some lakes make you stop the car before you’ve even found a parking spot. These are those lakes.

Idaho is packed with brilliant blue water framed by forests, mountains, and beaches that seem almost too beautiful to be real.

One destination invites you to paddle across glassy water at sunrise. Another practically begs for swimming, boating, and lazy afternoons stretched across the shore.

Every stop has its own personality, yet each somehow leaves the same impression. You won’t want to leave.

If there’s one last summer road trip worth taking, this sparkling collection makes a convincing argument.

1. Pettit Lake, Ketchum

Just imagine for a second what it would feel like to stand in front of a perfectly still alpine lake surrounded by jagged mountain peaks.

That is exactly what greets you at Pettit Lake, a breathtaking destination tucked inside the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, about 16 miles south of Stanley and roughly 33 miles northwest of Ketchum.

Ancient glaciers carved this landscape, and the evidence is everywhere you look. The Sawtooth Mountains rise dramatically behind the water, reflecting so clearly on the surface that you might do a double-take.

Swimming in the refreshingly cool water is a popular summer activity, and the sandy beach area is ideal for soaking up Idaho sunshine. Fishing is another big draw, with cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout all calling these waters home.

Kayaking and canoeing let you explore the peaceful shoreline at your own pace, though personal watercraft are not permitted here, which keeps the atmosphere wonderfully calm.

Hikers can access the Tin Cup trailhead directly from the lake, leading deep into the Sawtooth Wilderness toward destinations like Alice Lake. Historic cabins leased from the Forest Service since the 1920s add a layer of old-world character to the area.

First-come, first-served campgrounds and day-use facilities with picnic tables make it easy to settle in for a full day of exploration.

Every angle of Pettit Lake offers something new to admire, and leaving feels genuinely difficult once you have experienced its quiet, mountain-ringed magic.

2. Upper Bench Lake, Lowman

The Bench Lakes are a series of five pristine bodies of water nestled high in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, accessible from the Redfish Lake area near Lowman.

Upper Bench Lake sits at the top of this chain, rewarding those willing to put in the extra effort to reach it.

Getting there means tackling the Bench Lakes Trail, a moderate-to-challenging hike of about eight miles round trip.

Along the way, forested ridges open up to spellbinding views of Redfish Lake and the surrounding jagged peaks. Mount Heyburn towers above the scene, adding an almost theatrical drama to the whole experience.

The lower lakes are well-maintained and accessible, but heading further up toward the upper lakes means navigating more rugged terrain.

Some bushwhacking and route-finding may be required, so a good sense of direction and solid footwear are both essential. The payoff, however, is a level of solitude that feels increasingly rare in popular outdoor destinations.

Wildflowers carpet the hillsides in summer, painting the trail with bursts of color that make every step feel rewarding. The trail also crosses a glacial moraine, adding an interesting geological layer to the hike.

Elk and deer are frequently spotted in the area, making the journey feel like a true wilderness encounter. Upper Bench Lake is the kind of reward that sticks with you long after the hike is over.

3. Priest Lake, Coolin

What if one of the most spectacular lakes in the entire Pacific Northwest has been sitting just off your radar this whole time?

Priest Lake, located near Coolin in northern Idaho, is a magnificent 23,000-acre body of water framed by the Selkirk Mountains and ancient forests. Locals and longtime visitors know it well, but the wider world has yet to fully catch on.

Boating is a major activity here, and the expansive water gives everyone plenty of room to spread out. Fishing for trophy-sized Mackinaw trout is a serious pursuit for anglers, while casual swimmers enjoy the clean, clear water along the shoreline.

A two-mile thoroughfare connects the main lake to the more remote Upper Priest Lake, which is only reachable by foot, mountain bike, or non-motorized boat.

Hiking trails range from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain climbs. The Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars is an absolute must-see, featuring trees estimated to be between 800 and 3,000 years old.

A one-mile loop trail winds through the grove and leads to cascading waterfalls that are genuinely awe-inspiring.

Late summer brings huckleberry season to the region, and picking your own berries straight from the forest is one of those simple pleasures that makes this state feel extra special.

The Priest Lake Museum and Visitor Center in Luby Bay offers a fascinating look at the lake’s rich history. Priest Lake is the kind of place that earns a return trip every single summer.

4. Payette Lake, McCall

Payette Lake is one of those places that makes you wonder why you did not book a trip sooner.

Sitting at about 5,000 feet in elevation near McCall, this glacially carved lake covers 5,330 acres and plunges to an impressive depth of 392 feet. Its 21-mile shoreline means there is always a new stretch of water to explore, no matter how many times you visit.

Boating is the heartbeat of summer here, with rentals available for sailing, waterskiing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.

Anglers target trophy rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass with impressive success. The lake stays cool thanks to its glacial origins but warms to comfortable swimming temperatures by July and August.

Ponderosa State Park occupies a stunning 1,000-acre peninsula that juts directly into the lake. Hiking trails wind through towering ponderosa pines and open up to sweeping water views that are hard to beat.

Picnic areas and campgrounds within the park make it easy to turn a day trip into an overnight adventure.

Scenic cruises departing from the marina offer a relaxed way to take in the rugged shoreline and golden summer sunsets.

For a fun local twist, ask around about Sharlie, Payette Lake’s very own legendary lake creature, who has reportedly been spotted since the 1920s.

If you are paddling, fishing, or simply sitting on the shore, Payette Lake has a way of making every moment feel completely unhurried and worthwhile.

5. Little Payette Lake, McCall

I was so surprised when I realized how different Little Payette Lake feels compared to its well-known neighbor just down the road.

Less than a mile east of McCall and sitting at over 5,100 feet in elevation, this natural lake covers around 1,400 acres. A mid-20th-century damming project nearly tripled its size, giving it a character that is entirely its own.

Paddling here is a genuinely peaceful experience, and the calm water is ideal for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Fishing is a serious highlight, with smallmouth bass, trout, crappie, walleye, and even tiger muskie all present in the lake.

Trophy-sized catches have been pulled from these waters, making it a favorite among dedicated anglers who prefer a quieter setting.

The surrounding forest of Douglas fir and towering ponderosa pine invites hikers, mountain bikers, and birdwatchers to explore the shoreline trails.

One of the most fascinating things about Little Payette Lake happens in late summer, when dropping water levels expose hundreds of old submerged tree trunks. The sight is eerie in the best possible way, like a forest frozen in time beneath the surface.

Conservation efforts have shaped the lake’s ecosystem over the decades.

In the late 1980s, smaller fish species were replaced with hearty Canadian rainbow trout, and in 2020, over 600 adult smallmouth bass were transplanted here to further enrich the fishery.

6. Dierkes Lake, Twin Falls

Are you seeing what I am seeing? A sparkling lake sitting right inside a dramatic canyon, just minutes from one of Idaho’s most famous waterfalls.

Dierkes Lake is a 24.1-acre county park treasure tucked into the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls, and it delivers a summer experience unlike anything else on this list.

John Dierke first discovered this “blind canyon” back in 1907, and the City of Twin Falls acquired it in 1969.

A refreshing swim beach and a floating dock are the centerpieces of summer fun here. Seasonal lifeguards keep watch from June through August, making it a great option for families.

Picnic tables, public restrooms, and a large playground round out the amenities for a full day outdoors.

Fishing is popular with anglers of all ages, and the lake is regularly stocked with bluegill, trout, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.

Non-motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes are the only watercraft allowed on the water, preserving the calm atmosphere that makes Dierkes Lake so appealing.

Walking and running trails circle the entire lake and offer stunning views of the surrounding canyon walls and the Snake River below.

A branch trail leads to the secluded Hidden Lakes area, where cliff jumping draws thrill-seekers to heights ranging from five feet to over 35 feet.

Unique boulder formations throughout the park also attract rock climbers looking for a challenge. Dierkes Lake packs a remarkable amount of adventure into a surprisingly compact and accessible package.

7. Lake Coeur D’Alene

It makes you wonder, does it not, how a single lake can be named among the five most beautiful in the entire world?

National Geographic gave Lake Coeur d’Alene that honor, and one look at it makes the recognition feel completely deserved.

Located in Coeur d’Alene, this glacially carved masterpiece stretches 25 miles in length and ranges from 1 to 3 miles across at its widest points.

Fed by the Coeur d’Alene River and the St. Joe River, the lake flows outward through the Spokane River toward the Columbia River.

Its average depth sits around 100 feet, offering plenty of room for boating, fishing, and water sports of every kind. Swimming in the warm summer shallows is a favorite activity for both locals and out-of-towners alike.

The Schitsu’umsh people, also known as the Coeur d’Alene tribe, relied on this lake as a vital resource for centuries before European contact. French fur traders gave the tribe its name, meaning “Heart of the Awl,” a reference to their sharp trading abilities.

Fort Sherman was established on the lake’s shores in the 1870s, and North Idaho College now stands on that same historic ground.

Every winter, hundreds of bald eagles migrate to Beauty Bay from December through January to feast on spawning kokanee salmon, creating one of North Idaho’s most spectacular wildlife events.

The Coeur d’Alene Resort, sitting right on the water, adds a polished touch to the lakeside experience. Lake Coeur d’Alene earns every bit of its legendary reputation.

8. Hayden Lake, Hayden

Call me crazy, but there is something about Hayden Lake that makes it feel like a well-kept secret hiding in plain sight.

Covering roughly 4,000 acres with 40 miles of shoreline, this clear-water lake sits near Hayden, surrounded by timbered mountains and land belonging largely to the Coeur d’Alene National Forest.

The combination of natural beauty and outdoor recreation here is hard to match anywhere in the region.

Boating and water sports are at the core of summer life on Hayden Lake. One full-service marina and two public boat launches give easy access to the water, and pontoon boat rentals make a leisurely afternoon cruise completely doable.

Wakeboarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are all popular ways to enjoy the lake’s calm, clear surface. Honeysuckle Beach is the social hub of the lake, featuring soft sand, refreshingly clear water, and lifeguards on duty during the summer months.

Fishing is another beloved tradition here, with the lake offering solid opportunities for anglers throughout the season. Driving the narrow, winding forested roads around the lake is a scenic adventure all on its own.

Canfield Mountain Natural Area provides hiking trails suited to all skill levels, and the Hayden Lake Loop Road is a favorite for walking and biking. The Clark House and Avondale Golf Course add a touch of elegance to the lakeside landscape.

Hayden Lake blends outdoor adventure with a genuine sense of community in a way that keeps people coming back year after year.

9. Redfish Lake, Stanley

Redfish Lake near Stanley might just be the most photogenic body of water in the entire state.

Framed by the iconic jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains inside the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, this alpine lake has a way of making every photo look like it was professionally staged.

The best time to experience it is between June and early September, when the weather is warm and the water is inviting.

Redfish Lake Lodge sits right on the shore, offering a historic and comfortable base for exploration. The lodge’s marina serves as the activity hub, with kayak and paddleboard rentals, motorized pontoon boat rentals, and scenic lake tours all available.

Little Redfish Lake, just next door, is especially popular for quieter paddling sessions away from the main crowd.

A hiker shuttle boat transports visitors across the lake to distant trailheads, opening up access to over 700 miles of trails within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

The Bench Lakes Trail is one of the most rewarding routes you can tackle from here. Horseback riding on the surrounding trails adds a classic mountain West flavor to the whole experience.

Fishing is excellent throughout the season, with various trout species inhabiting both the lake and the nearby rivers.

Campgrounds are available for those who want to wake up to mountain views and birdsong every morning. Redfish Lake is the kind of place that earns a permanent spot on your annual summer itinerary, year after beautiful year.