The 10 best American rivers to swim in this need must be on your bucket list

From lazy rivers to a natural "slide", these rivers are essential destinations.


Regarding the pleasure of summer,beaches and lakes Often attracts all the attention. But there are a lot of rivers in the United States which are just as beautiful and worthy of vacation. And since these rivers flow with the current, they are incredibly well suited to nautical activities such as kayak, tubes and, above all, swimming. Read the rest to hear travel experts on the 10 best American rivers that you need to add to your list of buckets: waterfalls, red rocks and cypresses included.

Read this then:10 best cities in the United States for outdoor adventures.

1
Columbia River, Washington and Oregon

The Multnomah Falls waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

The Columbia river is the largest northwest Pacific river, flowing more than 1,200 miles from the British Columbia, Canada in Washington and Oregon. On the border of the two American states is the throat of Columbia River, "A Canyon of the spectacular river, 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, which wind the cliffs, arrows and ridges against [the] cascade mountain range ", according to the USDA forest service.

The whole throat is not viable for swimming, butMatt James, founder ofVisit travel blog, recommends heading to the city of Cascade Locks in Oregon, a 45 -minute drive west of Portland. "There are a number of beaches and public parks, as well as a few private," he said. Lock cascade is also close toMultNomah falls, a famous cascade 620 feet high.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

Another place of popular swimming is in Hood River, "a charming little town" also on the side of Oregon, according toJessica Schmit of theTraveler of the uprooted travel site. She explains that this area is known for its "board -based board and kitesurfing community", as well as for the views it offers from Mount Hood.

2
River Snake, Idaho

Snake River valley north of Twin Falls, Idaho. Rocky landscapes are seen along the green-blue water.
BAXTERNATOR / ISTOCK

A tributary of the Columbia river, the 1,078 mile Snake river begins at Wyoming inYellowstone National Park, travel through southern Idaho and Oregon, and ends in Washington. It is extremely well known forRafting in live water in Jackson Hole, but throughout Idaho, there are beautiful places to swim.

Melissa Barry, Executive Director of Visit Southern Idaho, suggestsBlue Heart Springs. It is only accessible by transporting water (boat, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding), but if you are ready, it is worth seeing the blue turacinous water. Barry's other favorite swimming location isRitter Island, which is part ofThousand Springs state park. "Spring water Claire comes out of the sides of the canyon and flows around the island and in the Snake river. People will float around the island with only a short part against the current," explains Barry.

Read this then:The 10 best national parks that must be on your list of buckets.

3
Merced River, California

Cathedral Beach along the Merced River in Yosemite National Park, with El Capitan in the distance
Lynn Yeh / Shutterstock

The Merced river crosses an icy carved canyon insideYosemite National Park. According to the national system of wild and picturesque rivers, it flows along the "glacial summits, lakes and alpine and subalpine meadows - inAlternating pools and waterfalls. "In the spring, it is surrounded by lush wild flowers.

Although the Merced river is another leading place toRafting in bright water, there are several areas well suited to more passive swimming. "While most visitors flock to the famous Sentinel Beach and Valley View views, the cathedral beach is between the two and seems to be just off the beaten track that we have never had trouble find a parking lot or a road point, "explainsKristy Esparza, founder of Family Travel BlogJJ and the bug. She also notes that it's a great placeTo see El Capitan, The formation of granite rocks of 3,000 feet of 3,000 feet.

4
Colorado River, Arizona

Sunset at Horseshoe Bend, part of the Colorado River in Arizona. Clear blue waters are surrounded by red and orange rock formations.
Iacomino Monte / Shutterstock

The Colorado river begins in its state of homonym, in the rocky mountains, traveling southwest through Utah, Arizona (where it crosses the Grand Canyon), Nevada, California and Mexico, where it finishes. But it is a section of the river in Arizona which is unprecedented for swimming (and Instagramming).

"One of the most popular sections of the river is in Arizona, where it winds through the majesticIron horseshoe curvatureSaid James. In addition to its unique form, its red and orange rock formations, and "beautiful turquoise waters", it says it is so special because "it is one of the few places where you can really see the river Colorado in all its glory. The river is so large and so powerful, and at the Horseshoe Bend, you can see it in all its might. "

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5
Oak Creek, Arizona

River in slide rock state park arizona
Fotolumiate LLC / Shutterstock

Oak Creek is technically a flow, but it's so incredible that we had to include it. Located 14 miles south of Sedona, the stream flows through the famous Oak Creek Canyon, a 12 -mile long throat which is "carved in the edge of theMogollon Rim du Plateau du Colorado, "According to the USDA forest service.

There are two places to swim in the canyon,Grasshopper andSlide Rock State Park. The latter is thus named "because a thick layer of algae on the background literally transforms the river into a 100% natural slide", explainsKatie Caf, founder ofKatie Caf Travel Travel Blog. "After 80 feet of slipping, he drops you off at Oak Creek Canyon," she said.

Steve MORROW, travel expert andFounder of Paddle About, adds that "red and fresh water formations make it a popular place for swimming, tubes and picnic".

6
Truckee River, California and Nevada

The Truckee River near Lake Tahoe, California. Evergreen trees line the water.
Welcomia / Istock

You probably know everything about Lake Tahoe, but did you knowRiver in Tahoe? The 145 -mile Truck River begins in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California,flows through Lake Tahoe, According to the Water Education Foundation, continues in the Canyon of the Rivière Truckee, and ends at Pyramid Lake.

But one of the most popular places to enter the water is in Tahoe City, California. "Drive in the city of Tahoe by a hot summer day and you cannot miss them - the large tents installed alongside the sparkling tip river, where operators rentInflatable rafts and interior tubes For a day of DIY on the water, "explains Visit California. The tourist agency also notes that this part of the river has a calm current, which makes it ideal for children (and dogs!).

For something more adventurous, head to Reno, Nevada, and "Browse the city center of the city center of Truckee Whitewater Park with five artificial rapids", suggestAlexa Pope, aPublic relations specialist working withThe city of Reno.

Read this then:The best 10 American lakes that must be on your bucket list.

7
Frio River, Texas

Different Colors of Fall Foliage on Trees Lining the Crystal Clear Frio River in Texas.
Richard McMillin / Istock

In Spanish, "Frio" means cold, appropriate because this river at Hill Country Texas is fresh all year round. ""Superficial and surprisingly transparent run On a bed of limestone and gravel, [the river is] at the top of deep swimming pools and charged by springs that maintain the temperature of the refreshing water even in mid-July ", explainsTexas motorways. More than its refreshment, visit the county of Uvalde says that the river deserves a visit for the beautiful views that include "lime cliffs, Large cypresses, and superb birds. ""

Like the Truckee river, the Frio river is popular for its quiet tubes, whichTexas motorways said he is the best near the Canyon Frio. The magazine notes that there are many places to rent rafts or kayaks, as well as many holiday rentals "Maman-et-Pop" ranging from "rustic cabins and simple camping grounds to country clubs, closed stations and with sumptuous lodges ".

8
Buffalo National River, Arkansas

The Buffalo National River in Arkansas with large cliffs alongside
Rachael Martin / Shutterstock

Crossing the Ozark mountains, the Arkansas National Buffalo River is "one of theFew rivers no either In the 48 lower states, "according to the National Park Service (NPS)." Prepare to go from the rapid race to quiet pools while being surrounded by massive cliffs, "they describe.

The National River Buffalo has three districts - higher, medium and upper explanationsCaitlin Dismore ofTravel Travel Blog. "The upper district has an excellent swimming location near the Steel Creek campsite," she said. For these kayaks, the eight -mile section between Steel Creek and Kyles Landing offers "rapids tumbling andLong and cerulean swimming pools, "As the NPS notes.

Dismore also suggests Buffalo Point in the lower district for swimming, which, according to her, is "popular all year round for campsite and padding". Those who paddle Dillards Ferry will pass Skull Bluff, aHuge limestone bluff With two holes (eyes) through which you can paddle at low tide.

Read this then:The 5 best beaches that are also American national parks.

9
River Ichetucknee, Florida

Ichetucknee River in Florida, showing the turquoise waters
Joanne Dale / Shutterstock

Although there is only six miles, the Ichetucknee river is not lacking. Located in northern Florida, it is part of Ichetucknee Springs State Park, "A wildlife paradise of 2,669 acres, "According to Florida's state parks. It is powered by eight sources," which means that it is virgin, having green and blue shades that recall a tropical lagoon ", explainsMichelle Henry, founder ofOutdoor Dog Fun blog.

The Ichetucknee river is perfect for tubes, canoeing and kayaking. While you float in the water, you will see "cypresses draped in foam [and] limestone banks", as well as "wading pools, lamantins and river otters", explains Florida State Parks. And if you hike on the Hole Hole Hole, you can swim, do diving or a scuba divingBlue hole spring, which remains at 72 degrees all year round and is located above a complex system of underwater caves.

10
Delaware River, Pennsylvania

A view of the Delaware Water Gap with the sun setting
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

The Hudson River in New York can be historically important and beautiful to watch, but it is not the best for swimming. For this, people travel a little southwest to the Delaware river, which crosses Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. "The Delaware river is one of the country's clean rivers, and is regularly tested to ensure that it meets all water quality standards," said James. In summer, he adds: "The water temperature is generally between 70 and 80 degrees".

The first place for nautical activities is the national leisure area of ​​Delaware Water Gap, which rides northern New Jersey and Pennsylvania. According to NP, there are "more than 100 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and designated grills, andThree swimming beaches." There is alsoSeveral large waterfalls Here that can be explored.


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