One Of America's Most Beautiful Waterfall Swimming Holes Is An Under-The-Radar Idaho Gem

Have you imagined walking through a desert canyon only to find an oasis at the end? Jump Creek Falls, an easy hour's drive southwest of Boise, is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in America that you can swim in. The 60-foot falls, overlooking a shady swimming hole, are perfect for a picnic and a dip on a gorgeous summer day. The recreation area is only open during the day, and overnight camping is allowed only with a permit.  The recreation area's official hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and it has been reported that the local Owyhee County Sheriff's office conducts sweeps and hands out tickets to visitors at night. You have been warned.

When arriving at Jump Creek Falls, you will see a sign for free parking in an upper and lower lot. If you plan to go directly to the swimming hole, choose the lower parking lot, as it is closer to the trailhead. The lower trailhead also has bathrooms and picnic tables to help you get organized and ready for your day, or have a quick bite before hitting the short trail down to the swimming hole. The upper parking lot leads to a maintained trail, which overlooks the falls. Whether you take the upper or lower trail, dogs are welcome.

At the time of writing, the recreation area is currently free. However, due to the number of visitors nearly doubling over the last ten years, the Bureau of Land Management has proposed a $5 day-use fee per vehicle to cover maintenance fees. Time will tell if it is to be implemented.

You'll have to hike just over a quarter-mile to get to the swimming hole beneath the falls. The trail is largely family and kid-friendly, but it is a real hike at the same time. Be sure to wear your best hiking boots, as you will have to cross a stream using stepping stones, navigate a few tricky spots, and protect yourself from rattlesnakes and poison ivy — both common in the area. Once you reach the falls, you'll love the natural caves carved out where your group can find a bit of privacy and set up a wonderful picnic. Even though Jump Creek Falls is under the radar, the recreation area may be crowded on the weekends, especially in summer. If you're looking for more solitude, the trails are generally the least crowded on weekdays and mornings.

If you decide to swim or jump in the creek, be sure to wear shoes with a sturdy sole. The creek bottom has sharp rocks which may be loose. Kids will love looking for crawfish in shallower areas, and braver swimmers may want to jump from nearby rocks into the swimming hole. Always check the depth before doing so. 

When exploring the area on foot, be sure to stay on officially marked trails and please don't litter. Walking off-trail could cause erosion and put yourself and other visitors at risk. Moreover, much of the area around Jump Creek Falls is private property, and local property owners have gone out of their way to show their displeasure about trespassing, though in a humorous way.