While Idaho’s beaches aren’t home to the ebb and flow of moonlit ocean tides or the bittersweet crispness of salty sea air, our river and lakefront sand bars and lounging beaches are absolutely fantastic. And let’s be honest – no summer is complete without some sand and sun thrown in!
However, the downside to having such incredible beauty and pristine waterfront views is that Idaho’s most expansive beaches can get a little crowded in the summer heat. But there are still a few hidden gems throughout the state that get very little attention, effectively giving determined beach-goers their own private oasis. And the best part? They might as well be a million miles away from the rest of the world.
The Salmon River is renowned for its white water rafting opportunities, but few take the time to fully appreciate its delightfully sandy shores. Well, at some spots, anyways! OARS recently chose Billy Bar on the Lower Salmon River as a perfect beach gem that is only accessible by boat… and we rather agree!
Accessible only by boat, there is a hidden beach tucked along the Salmon River.
Paula Z./TripAdvisor The crystal-clear water is shallow and perfect for splashing around or dipping toes.
While dozens of “island” sand bars line the Salmon River, Billy Bar is particularly perfect for a beach day on the water.
Winding Waters Rafting Billy Bar is about midway down the wilderness portion of the Lower Salmon River… so a kayak or raft is a must to get there!
Perfectly deposited by the roaring waters of this ancient river, the clean, white sand tops anything you’ll find near the ocean!
Mountain Home/Panoramio Odds are, you’ll be the only one on your little slice of paradise, watching rafters drift by.
Our recommendation? Find your own personal zen in the heart of Idaho’s most expansive and quiet stretch of untamed nature.
Winding Waters Rafting Winding Waters Rafting is an excellent adventure guide company known for their beach camping if you need some help getting your cowabunga on. Just be sure to share your photos with us!
Billy Bar can be found in section 12 of the river, aptly named for its location between Billy and Eagle creek. Check out this map by the BLM to navigate yourself to this and dozens of other sandy gems!
Paula Z./TripAdvisor
The crystal-clear water is shallow and perfect for splashing around or dipping toes.
Winding Waters Rafting
Billy Bar is about midway down the wilderness portion of the Lower Salmon River… so a kayak or raft is a must to get there!
Mountain Home/Panoramio
Odds are, you’ll be the only one on your little slice of paradise, watching rafters drift by.
Winding Waters Rafting is an excellent adventure guide company known for their beach camping if you need some help getting your cowabunga on. Just be sure to share your photos with us!
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