Idaho Lakes and Rivers

Thousands of miles of whitewater recreational rivers and lakes are definitely the norm in Idaho. From extreme whitewater rafting to world-class fishing, there’s a water adventure for every desire in Idaho. It's a refreshing treat you won't soon forget.

When you choose to purchase Idaho real estate and make Idaho your new home, you’ll start an adventure in a state with dozens of lakes and rivers for boating, water skiing, fishing, and so much more.  Hopefully you and your family enjoy the water, because in Idaho, there’s plenty of it!

Some of the lakes and rivers you’ll be able to visit and enjoy are listed below. 

Alturas Lake is one of the many alpine lakes in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Campsites with fireplaces, grills, water, toilets and parking are available. There is a trail that follows Alturas Lake Creek up to the lake on a forest service road.

Arrowrock Reservoir - This 18-mile canyon reservoir on the Boise River is located east of Boise.  It holds 280,000 acre-feet of water and has a breathtaking 60-mile shoreline. You can enjoy boating, windsurfing and fishing at the reservoir.  For your catch of the day, species of fish in the reservoir include rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, whitefish and yellow perch.

Bear Lake - The 120-square mile sparkling lake straddles the Idaho-Utah border and offers swimming, power boating, water skiing, sailing and fishing. The lake boasts a two-mile-long beach on the north end, plus a mile-and-a-half of beach on the east side. The gradual slope of the lake bottom provides a wonderful swimming area.  The lake is well known for its turquoise waters.

Bench Lakes - The Bench Lakes, a group of four lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains, are a good day hike just above Redfish Lake. The trail length is 8 miles round trip, with moderate to difficult sections. The trail takes hikers along Redfish Lake and winds up the mountain just below Mount Heyburn, towering far above the lake at 10,229 feet.

Boise River - The Boise River is an easy, urban five-mile boat ride Barber Park along a wooded area past Boise State University, Julia Davis Park, and ending at Ann Morrison Park.  Rafts and tubes are available to rent at Barber Park, which was built specially on the Boise River to provide recreation.  Guided trips are also available.

Clearwater River - The Middle Fork of the Clearwater includes the Lochsa and Selway Rivers, premier whitewater rivers. The Lewis and Clark trail lies high above the Lochsa River on mountain ridges. These rivers offer clear, clean water, beautiful scenery with great plant diversity, as well as abundant wildlife. The South Fork of the Clearwater, 63.8 miles long, offers class I-IV boating.

Lake Walcott State Park - Lake Walcott State Park is located at the northwest end of the Bureau of Reclamation's Lake Walcott Project, a welcome harbor on the edge of Idaho's high desert. Water skiing, power boating, windsurfing, sailing and bird watching are only a few of the activities you and your family can engage in at Lake Walcott. Camping areas with RV hookups are available. Go on a picnic or pitch a tent in the acres of grass beneath the groves of the tall eastern hardwoods.  It’ll certainly be a trip to remember.

You and your family may love the crystal clear lakes, the exhilarating splash of whitewater, or the calm, meandering streams perfect for fishing. Whatever the case is, you'll love Idaho and want to make it your new home. Check out real estate in Eagle or homes in Nampa- really anywhere in the Boise valley and you'll be able to find the house perfect for you in your family!