Good Lifestyle

Most travelers seeking to enjoy time on water tend to Concentrate on the beaches And the lakes for their destinations in summer. But if you are looking for an equally relaxing outdoor getaway, rivers can be a refreshing alternative. These places offer a lot of breathtaking natural beauty with often less crowds, whether you plan kayak, tube, float or immerse yourself. Read the rest for the best rivers in the United States for swimming, according to travel experts.

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

The 13 best American rivers to swim

The Columbia river is the largest northwest Pacific river, flowing more than 1,200 miles from 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] waterfall chain ", according to the USDA forest service.

The whole throat is not viable for swimming, but Matt James , founder of Visit 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 some private," he said. Lock cascade is also close to MultNomah falls , a famous 620 feet high waterfall.

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

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

Melissa Barry , Executive Director of Visit Southern Idaho, suggests Blue Heart Springs . It is only accessible by transporting water (boat, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding), but if you are ready for this, it is worth seeing the blue crystalline blue water. Barry's other favorite swimming location is Ritter Island , which is part of Thousand Springs state park . "L’Eau de spring 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 going against the current," explains Barry.

In relation: The 12 best American cities for outdoor adventures .

The Merced river crosses a freezing sculpted canyon inside Yosemite National Park . According to the national system of wild and picturesque rivers, it flows along the "glacial summits, lakes and alpine and subalpine meadows - Alternating pools and waterfalls . "In the spring, it is surrounded by lush wild flowers.

Although the Merced river is another leading place to Vive water rafting , there are several areas well suited to more passive swimming. "While most visitors flock to the famous Sentinel Beach and Valley View views, Cathedral Beach is between the two and seems to be just enough off the beaten track that we have never had trouble Kristy Esparza , founder of Family Travel Blog JJ and the bug . She also notes that it's a great place To see El Capitan , The formation of 3,000 feet granite rocks.

Texas Hill Country is known to attract many visitors every month of the year. But those who seek to cool off during the hotter summer months could consider a drop in the Guadalupe river, located in a state park.

"The Guadalupe river winds through picturesque landscapes, sculpting its path with superb limestone cliffs and imposing cypresses", explains Maddi Bourgerie , A travel expert With RVSHARE. "Originally from Kerr County, the river flows east over more than 230 miles, offering a diverse range of experiences along its journey."

Others appreciate its relative convenience. "It is a coherent favorite among travelers for a family getaway, and it is an easy road to San Antonio," said Erin Stender , director of marketing at outdoor travel business Campspot. "Visitors can beat summer heat and find shadow thanks to thanks to the giant cypresses that line the banks."

Here, she says that the atmosphere is relaxed and offers a little something for everyone, that it means less deep waters for younger children or deeper sections to float and swim according to water levels .

"And with fantastic hiking trails and practical camping options nearby, it is easy for families to transform a day excursion into a longer and more pleasant stay," adds Stender.

The Colorado river begins in its state of homonym, in the rocky mountains, traveling to the 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 majestic Iron horseshoe curvature Said 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.

In relation: The 10 most naturally beautiful states in the United States, the new data show .

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 throat 12 miles long which is "carved in the edge of the Mogollon Rim of Colorado Plateau , "According to the USDA forest service.

There are two places to go swimming in the canyon: Grasshopper And Slide 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", explains Katie Caf , founder of Katie Caf Travel Travel Blog . "After 80 feet of slipping, he drops you off at Oak Creek Canyon," she said.

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

You probably know everything about Lake Tahoe, but did you know river 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 in Pyramid Lake.

But one of the most popular places to enter the water is in Tahoe City, California. "Discuss Tahoe City by a hot summer day and you cannot miss them - the large tents installed alongside the sparkling tip river, where operators rent Inflatable 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 quiet current, which makes it great 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 fasts", suggest Alexa Pope , A Public relations specialist working with The city of Reno .

Sometimes the best -preserved places can have the best experiences in the river. And according to Jackson Groves , travel writer and founder of Trip , this includes the Lower Klamath river in California.

"As a Kayaker and Paddlebator Standing myself, I can attest that its flat water sections offer the perfect setting for non-motorized nautical activities," he said Better life . "When I visited last summer, the water was clear, allowing me to spot schools of fish and birds wading along the shore. Being surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Klamath mountains added to the attraction. "

He says that his accessibility is also a strong point, with many public access points where you can easily launch motorcycle or dive. "Camping grounds and picnic areas are dispersed along the river also for travelers who want to make a weekend," adds Groves. "I particularly appreciated the view of some of the bars and grassy islands on which you can stop."

There is also a lot of exploration and hiking to occupy visitors. Many go to Ukonom Creek To see the cascades side by side which empty in an almost perfect swimming hole, according to Visit California.

In relation: The last 7 national parks that you should add to your list of buckets .

In Spanish, "Frio" means cold - what is suitable 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 ", explains Texas 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. "" AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

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

Crossing the mountains of Ozark, the Buffalo National River of Arkansas is "one of the Few rivers no either In the 48 lower states, "according to the National Park Service (NPS)." Prepare to switch 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 explanations Caitlin Dismore of Travel 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 "tumbling rapids and Long 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 paddle". Those who padded Dillards Ferry will pass Skull Bluff, a Huge limestone bluff With two holes (eyes) through which you can paddle at low tide.

In relation: 7 best well-being pensions in the United States this year, according to experts .

Most travelers flock to Maine in summer for its many beaches and its famous rugged coast. However, the interior of the state can be a draw just as much, thanks to the Kennebec river.

"I must say that when we spent a weekend refreshing Kennebec, the clarity of the water really struck me," said Michael Donovan , a travel expert and co-founder of Staynewengland.com . "Even with his mixed sections which were clearer or more troubled depending on the conditions, he never felt dangerous or not very clear. Everything seemed very well balanced."

He adds that these kayaks or the tubes are also for panoramic treats. "Floating on this tight 12 -mile throat with imposing red sandstone cliffs that line the two sides, crowned with a brilliant fall foliage or lush greenery, it really cuts you off," promises Donovan.

Although there is only six miles long, 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 State Parks. It is powered by eight springs", which means that it is virgin, having green and blue shades that recall a tropical lagoon ", explains Michelle Henry , founder of Outdoor Dog Fun blog .

The Ichetucknee river is perfect for tubes, canoeing and kayaking. As you float in the water, you will see "cypress draped in foam [and] limestone banks", as well as "wading, 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 dive Spring with blue hole , which remains at 72 degrees all year round and is located above a complex system of underwater caves.

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, and Three swimming beaches ." There is also Several large waterfalls Here that can be explored.

This story has been updated to include additional inputs, verification of facts and copying edition.