10 Free Swimming Holes near West Thumb Geyser Basin
first prev 1 next lastShowing Swimming Holes within 50 miles Distance miles of West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA City, Zip, or Address
Firehole River
Madison, Yellowstone National Park
19.8 miles NWA thermally warmed Yellowstone river with a calm swim area that is beautiful and historic for anglers — but stay strictly out of the main current, which has been fatal. Check with a ranger before entering.
Hot Springs, Swim 15.9-16.6 mi
Union Falls & Ouzel Pool
Bechler Ranger Station, Yellowstone National Park
27.3 miles SWA ~16-mile backcountry trek into Yellowstone's remote Bechler region rewards you with a 250-foot waterfall and Ouzel Pool — a warm-spring-fed swimming hole you can jump into.
Backpack, Hike, Hot Springs, Swim
Loon Lake
Ashton, Idaho
28.0 miles SWCamp, Kayak, and Swim near Ashton, Idaho
Camp, Kayak, Swim 17.5 mi
Tear Drop Lake
Ashton, Idaho
30.5 miles SWA small, lively lake in the Targhee forest for kayaking, swimming, and an easy loop trail — family fun with primitive lakeside camping.
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim
Horseshoe Lake
Ashton, Idaho
31.5 miles SWA lily-pad-dotted lake hidden in the Targhee National Forest with a gradual beach entry perfect for wading, a floating dock for jumping, and no motorized boats.
Camp, Canoe, Dive, Swim
Hellroaring Creek Trail
Yellowstone National Park
37.5 miles NA suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River leads to sandy creek-side beaches and a mild backcountry trail past Yellowstone's largest granite slab — great for all ages.
Camp, Hike, Swim 0.9 mi
Buffalo River Campground
Island Park, Idaho
39.0 miles WAn easy, clear, and often warm float on the Buffalo River near Island Park, with slow enough current to paddle back upstream in a canoe or kayak after your run.
Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim
Porcupine Creek
Ashton, Idaho
39.3 miles SWA backcountry hunting, fishing, camping, and swimming spot in Targhee National Forest, surrounded by forests, meadows, a creek, and unmarked trails — bear country, so pack and store food carefully.
Camp, Swim
Boiling River
North Entrance, Yellowstone National Park
40.3 miles NWhere a hot spring pours into the Gardner River in Yellowstone, warm soaking awaits — but never enter the scalding upstream runoff channel, which reaches 113–140°F. Check with a ranger first.
Hot Springs, Swim 3.6 mi
String Lake
Alta, Wyoming
44.3 miles SA shallow, warm lake connecting Jenny and Leigh Lakes at the base of the Tetons — the clear water lets you see the bottom from a kayak, wade easily with kids, and access wilder open water beyond.
Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Swim
