The 10 Best U.S. Rivers to Swim in That Need to Be on Your Bucket List

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Columbia River, Washington and Oregon

Columbia River Gorge: Scenic river canyon with swim spots in Oregon's Cascade Locks & Hood River.

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Snake River, Idaho

Snake River: Tributary of Columbia, runs 1,078 mi from WY to WA. Swim spots: Blue Heart Springs (boat access) & Ritter Island in Thousand Springs State Park.

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Merced River, California

Merced River: Scenic glacial canyon in Yosemite with pools, rafting, and Cathedral Beach views of El Capitan.

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Colorado River, Arizona

Arizona's Horseshoe Bend: Instagram-famous spot with Colorado River's mighty beauty - red rocks, turquoise waters.

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Oak Creek, Arizona

Oak Creek: Stunning stream in Oak Creek Canyon, AZ. Swim at Slide Rock or Grasshopper Point amid red rocks and clear water.

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Truckee River, California and Nevada

Truckee River flows 145 mi from Sierra Nevada through Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Popular for tubing in Tahoe City and whitewater park in Reno.

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Frio River, Texas

Frio River: Clear, cool Texas stream for tubing, surrounded by limestone bluffs, cypress trees; diverse lodging & rentals.

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Buffalo National River, Arkansas

Arkansas' Buffalo River: undammed, scenic, 3 districts. Rapids to pools, perfect for kayaking, swimming, camping. Skull Bluff unique feature.

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Ichetucknee River, Florida

Ichetucknee River: Florida gem, 6-mile spring-fed beauty. Tubing, kayaking, wildlife. Blue Hole Spring: swim, dive, 72°F perfection.

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Delaware River, Pennsylvania

Delaware River: Clean, great for swimming. Prime spot: Delaware Water Gap - trails, beaches, waterfalls.

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