12 Best Places to Paddle Board in Idaho (ID)

Idaho: where rivers meet the gem state.

Looking for the best places to paddle board in Idaho amidst spectacular scenery?

Explore diverse waterways as you conquer Idaho’s finest paddle boarding spots.

Let’s dive in and unveil Idaho’s breathtaking natural beauty. Ready to set sail?

🗺️ Map

Where to Paddle Board in Idaho

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Payette Lake

• ️🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Payette Lake State Recreation Area (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional afternoon wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ospreys, fish, deer
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Mountains, forests, Ponderosa State Park
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to local boating regulations, be prepared for sudden weather changes

Payette Lake is a pristine mountain lake surrounded by the lush forests of central Idaho. Its calm waters offer perfect conditions for paddleboarding while being accompanied by breathtaking mountain views.

Relax and enjoy nature at its finest at this serene spot.

#2 Quinn’s Pond

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Pond
• 📍 Access Point: Quinn’s Pond Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild breeze
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, fish
• 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: City park, urban oasis
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to local regulations, respect wildlife

Quinn’s Pond, located in Boise, offers a unique urban paddleboarding experience.

The serene waters provide a relaxing escape within the city, making it an ideal spot for all skill levels to enjoy paddleboarding.

#3 Snake River

• 🏖️ Location Type: River
• 📍 Access Point: Massacre Rocks State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, occasional winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Waterfowl, fish, eagles
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Thousand Springs, canyon scenery
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for fast currents and rocks, adhere to local regulations

The Snake River, flowing through southern Idaho, offers paddleboarders a more adventurous and scenic experience.

The river’s moderate currents provide a diverse journey through canyons, springs, and stunning natural landscapes. Be cautious of the currents and rocks during your exploration.

#4 Redfish Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Redfish Lake Lodge (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional afternoon wind
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, mountain goats, deer
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Sawtooth Mountains, pristine forests
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, be aware of sudden weather changes

Redfish Lake, nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho, provides paddleboarders with spectacular scenery and crystal-clear waters.

Surrounded by towering peaks and pristine forests, this tranquil mountain lake is an ideal getaway for nature lovers and paddleboarding enthusiasts alike.

#5 Silverwood Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy in the afternoon
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, geese
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Mountain views, forested shores
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution during windy conditions, follow local boating regulations

Silverwood Lake, located in northern Idaho, offers calm waters surrounded by picturesque mountain views and lush forests.

The peaceful lake provides an excellent setting for paddleboarding and exploring the scenic shoreline at your leisure.

#6 Coeur d’Alene Lake

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: City Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, afternoon winds possible
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Bears, deer, ospreys, loons
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic lake views, tree-lined shores
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to local boating regulations, respect wildlife

Coeur d’Alene Lake, in the breathtaking landscape of northern Idaho, provides paddleboarders with a serene and spectacular setting.

The lake’s calm waters are surrounded by lush, forested shores, offering unrivaled natural beauty for a relaxing day on the water.

#7 Priest Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Priest Lake State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional afternoon winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Deer, elk, trout, nesting birds
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Selkirk Mountains, dense forests
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to local regulations, respect sensitive wildlife areas

Priest Lake, in northern Idaho near the Canadian border, offers paddleboarders a serene and breathtaking experience.

Encircled by the towering Selkirk Mountains and dense forests, the calm water and stunning backdrop make this a must-visit location.

#8 Lake Pend Oreille

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Sandpoint City Beach Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, possible afternoon winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, bald eagles
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Mountain views, scenic shoreline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of changing weather conditions, follow local regulations

Lake Pend Oreille, one of Idaho’s largest and deepest lakes, offers a vast area for paddleboarding, surrounded by immense mountain views and scenic shorelines.

As it is popular for water activities, Lake Pend Oreille is an excellent spot for paddleboard enthusiasts to explore.

#9 Dworshak Reservoir

• 🏖️ ️Location Type: Reservoir
• 📍 Access Point: Big Eddy Campground (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, deer, elk, moose
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Forested hills, secluded coves
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, watch for changes in water levels

Dworshak Reservoir, located in western Idaho, provides calm waters for paddleboarding, surrounded by forested hills and secluded coves.

The ample shoreline offers endless opportunities for new adventures and exploration in a tranquil and serene setting.

#10 Little Redfish Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Redfish Outlet Campground (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, possible afternoon winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, mountain goats, deer
• 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Sawtooth Mountains, peaceful setting
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, be aware of sudden weather changes

Little Redfish Lake provides a more secluded alternative to nearby Redfish Lake, offering equally stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains and an intimate, peaceful environment.

The calm waters and pristine surroundings make this a perfect location for a quiet and relaxing paddleboarding experience.

#11 Black Canyon Reservoir

• 🏖️ Location Type: Reservoir
• 📍 Access Point: Black Canyon Dam Boat Launch (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, raptors
• 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding hills, scenic shoreline
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, be cautious of water level changes

Located in western Idaho, Black Canyon Reservoir offers ample space for paddleboarding with scenic views of the surrounding hillsides.

With calm waters and a peaceful environment, this location is perfect for beginner and experienced paddleboarders alike looking for new adventures.

#12 Cascade Lake

• 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
• 📍 Access Point: Cascade Lake State Park (🔗 Google Maps)
• 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy in the afternoon
• ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
• 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, deer, waterfowl
• 🏞️️ ️Landmarks & Views: Forested shores, mountain views
• ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, use caution in windy conditions

Cascade Lake, nestled in the mountains of central Idaho, is an excellent location for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

The tranquil, scenic waters and forested shores provide a relaxing environment for enjoying the great outdoors while paddleboarding in Idaho’s beautiful landscape.

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