Open water swim events combine athletic challenge with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Inland NW. Whether you’re a competitive swimmer chasing a PR or just want to cross something epic off your bucket list, there’s a summer swim for you.
Long Bridge Swim | Aug. 1, Sandpoint, ID: The Northwest’s premier open water event covers 1.76 miles the length of Lake Pend Oreille from the south end of Sandpoint’s historic Long Bridge to the north end. Proceeds support swim lessons for local kids. Longbridgeswim.org
Swim the Snake | Aug. 8, Lyons Ferry, WA: A 0.7-mile crossing of the Snake River at Lyons Ferry State Park, with options to paddle or swim back for a full 1.4-mile round trip. Open to swimmers 10 and up, this fundraiser supports youth swim programs and regional conservation efforts in Southeast Washington. Swimthesnake.org
CDA Crossing | Aug. 16, Coeur d’Alene, ID: This out-and-back open water swim on Lake Coeur d’Alene offers 5k or 2k distances and raises money for local youth aquatics programs. Cdacrossing.com
