Lucky Peak State Park ~ Idaho

Flickr album link: Lucky Peak State Park

There are many state parks that feature traditional summertime venues and the best ones tend to feature a large body of water. When the outdoor temperatures are near the top of the thermometer, cooling off in a fresh water lake is like a dream come true, especially up north where many homes actually lack an air conditioner. Heading to the lake or river to splash around provides relief from the extreme heat, but with the current climate change conditions and the severe drought that plagues the entire west, the old local swimming pond may end up being nothing more than a dried up mud puddle. For this reason it is now necessary to check if there actually is water in any given western lake when making travel plans.

River reservoir lakes near the mountains are fairly reliable for being full of water during a severe drought. These destinations are usually managed as a recreation area or state park that offers plenty of fun in the sun. One of the most popular happens to be Lucky Peak State Park, which is located in the outskirts of Boise, Idaho. Fresh water from the Rocky Mountains flows down the Boise River into the Lucky Peak Reservoir, so there definitely is a lot of water to splash around in. This reservoir lake is deceptively large, because most of this body of water is hidden by the foothills when looking east, so Lucky Peak State Park is a haven for anglers, boaters and swimmers all summer long!    

Lucky Peak State Park offers a wide ranging venue for day trippers, which includes picnic areas with chargrills, a disc golf course and a sandy beach park next to the river. There are volley ball courts and horseshoe pits in the Sandy Point day use area, so this certainly is a hot spot for family fun. Boat launch ramps are located on the river and up above the dam in the reservoir. Watercraft rentals and a marina are located onsite, so practically anybody can join in on the fun. A lengthy bike trail system runs along the Boise River and up into the hills, while the hiking paths appeal to the landlubbers too. There is even a convenience store in this park, so there is no need to head back to town for necessities. On the downside, Lucky Peak State Park has no camping facilities, but this destination is one of the very best day use sites for traditional summertime outdoor adventures in the entire west!