You picked a beautiful corner of the world to spend your summer — but if you've been here a few days, you've figured out that the Idaho sun hits differently at altitude. The good news: cold, clear water is never far away.

Between mountain lakes, glacially fed rivers, and a couple of spots inside Grand Teton National Park, there are enough options to turn "too hot" into your excuse for a great afternoon.

🏔️ Mountain Lakes in Teton Valley

Treasure Lake is our top pick for an easy mountain lake day. It's tucked into Teton Canyon near the old Boy Scout Camp — a short, well-marked walk through the trees brings you down to a beautiful alpine lake that feels like a reward before you've even broken a sweat. The water is cold and clear, the setting is stunning, and it's accessible enough that you don't need a full hiking kit to enjoy it. Bring a towel, a lunch, and plan to stay a while.

Packsaddle Lake is a step up in commitment — about 40 minutes out, with the last stretch on a rough forest road that earns its reputation. But if you don't mind the drive, you're rewarded with a true alpine lake that sees fewer people and feels genuinely remote. Worth it for the adventurous crowd.

🌊 The Teton River

The Teton River winds through the valley floor and offers several easy-access spots that are perfect for cooling off without committing to a hike.

Fox Creek East Boat Ramp is one of the better-known pullouts — the water moves slower here, making it ideal for jumping in, wading around, and setting up a riverside picnic. Families with kids especially love it.

Bates Bridge and Big Eddy, both near Driggs, are local favorites with small sandy areas where you can spread out, get your feet in the water, and watch the afternoon go by. These aren't dramatic swimming holes — they're the kind of laid-back river spots where locals go to decompress. Low effort, high reward.

If you're up for something more active, the Teton River is also a popular float for tubes and packrafts in summer. Check with local outfitters for current water levels and access points.

🏞️ Grand Teton National Park

If you're making the drive over the pass, the park has two swimming spots that are genuinely hard to beat.

String Lake is our favorite. The water is shallow close to shore, impossibly clear, and warm enough (by mountain lake standards) to actually swim in. It's a great paddleboard spot too, if you have a board. The scenery — Teewinot framing the far end — makes it feel like you're swimming inside a postcard. Plan to arrive early on summer weekends; the parking lot fills up.

Leigh Lake is just a short walk farther down the same trail. It's bigger, deeper, and a little less crowded than String. Spend the morning at String, walk to Leigh for the afternoon — it's an easy all-day itinerary that doesn't require much planning.

Jenny Lake is worth mentioning: it's iconic, and plenty of people swim there. Just know it draws crowds proportional to its fame. If solitude matters, String and Leigh are better choices.

🏊 Pools (If You Want Something Easy)

No hike required options:

Grand Targhee Resort offers day passes to their outdoor pool. It's the most convenient option if you're already on the mountain or don't want to drive anywhere.

Teton Valley Campground also offers pool access to day visitors. A good call for families with young kids who want guaranteed swimming without the trailhead logistics.

A Few Practical Notes

• The water is cold. Even in July and August, these are mountain lakes and snowmelt rivers. You'll want to ease in, and you'll feel amazing afterward.
• Go early or late. The best river spots fill up on hot weekend afternoons. Arriving before 10am or after 4pm gets you more elbow room.
• String Lake parking: The String Lake trailhead lot is small. If it's full when you arrive, drive a few minutes to the Leigh Lake trailhead — same trail system, often more parking.
• Bring water shoes. River access points and rocky lake shores are a lot more comfortable with something on your feet.
• After a hot afternoon: Stop in Victor or Driggs on the way home. A cold beer at Grand Teton Brewing or a scoop from one of the local spots in Driggs is the perfect ending to a river day.

The valley is built for exactly this kind of day. Get out there and get wet.