Swimming Holes in Alaska
35 natural swimming holes
Alaska has 35 natural swimming holes in our directory — lakes, springs, waterfalls scattered from the backcountry to roadside favorites. Favorites include Goose Lake, Chena Lakes Swim Lake, Chena Hot Springs Resort. Every listing includes location details, fees, reservation info, and safety notes where known. Conditions change with weather and seasons, so always verify before you go.
All Alaska swimming holes
- Birch Lake State Recreation Site
- Byers Lake Campground
- Chena Hot Springs Resort
- Chena Lakes Swim Lake
- Goose Lake
- Settlers Cove State Recreation Site
- Tanana Lakes Recreation Area
- Tenakee Springs
- Akutan Hot Springs
- Baranof Warm Springs
- Big Lake
- Cheney Lake
- Chief Shakes Hot Springs
- Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site
- Eklutna Lake
- Fielding Lake State Recreation Site
- Finger Lake
- Goddard Hot Springs
- Harding Lake
- Jewel Lake
- Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
- Lake Lucille
- Manley Hot Springs
- Matanuska Lake
- Mirror Lake
- Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
- Pilgrim Hot Springs
- Quartz Lake
- Scout Lake
- Serpentine Hot Springs
- Shelokum Hot Springs (Bailey Bay)
- Skilak Lake (Upper Skilak Lake Campground)
- Tolovana Hot Springs
- Ward Lake
- White Sulphur Springs
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of swimming holes does Alaska have?
Our directory lists 35 swimming holes in Alaska: 22 lakes, 12 springs, and 1 waterfall. Every listing shows its water type, location, fees, and safety notes so you can pick the right one.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in Alaska?
The most commonly listed season across our Alaska spots is june-august (20 of 35 spots). Late spring through early fall is generally prime swimming season — spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high, so check local conditions.
Do Alaska swimming holes require reservations?
Yes — 1 of the 35 Alaska spots in our directory list a reservation requirement. Book those ahead, especially on summer weekends, and check the official park link on each listing before you go.
Are Alaska swimming holes free?
Some are — 16 of the 35 Alaska spots in our directory report free entry. State parks and popular preserves often charge a day-use or parking fee; each listing shows reported fee info where known.
Are natural swimming holes in Alaska safe?
Natural water has real risks: no lifeguards, submerged rocks, strong currents, and cold water. Never dive headfirst, check depth, and supervise children closely. Spots with known hazards carry safety flags on their listing.