Waters of the West: Outdoor Experts Share the Best Hidden Spots

Recommended by: Hannah Thornton, Athlete and Photographer, Reno, Nevada

“It’s one thing to look out and see Lake Tahoe, but it’s a complete other feeling being able to experience it on the water. Looking at the crystal blue and emerald waters and big mountains around you. Whether you’re kayaking or paddleboarding Tahoe this is an easy put-in spot. Come summer, I pack my Lakeshore paddleboards, sunscreen, and personal flotation device. The pro move is to get there early, like 7 a.m., before the parking lot is full. The east shore has some of the best views. You can paddle for miles on a good day. Afterwards, hit Moe’s Original BBQ for the best wings and cold beer right on the lake.”

Recommended by: Kimberly Wheaton, Kayaker and Nurse, Los Angeles

“I was procrastinating driving back to L.A. and saw a sign that read, ‘Lake Sabrina 18 miles.’ I’d never heard of Lake Sabrina and didn’t have high hopes because there was nothing but desert around me. But I stayed the course, and sure enough this beautiful mountain lake suddenly came into view. Knowing that I could have my Oru folding kayak set up in 12 minutes, I thought, Even if it’s just for an hour I need to get on that water. What was supposed to be a one-hour paddle turned into me having to coax myself off the water four hours later. The beauty I experienced that day was because I decided to follow a sign.”

Recommended by: James and Kait Sampsel, Fly-Fishing Guides, Grants Pass, Oregon

“The Rogue River is southern Oregon’s lifeblood and flows 215 miles from the headwaters near Crater Lake National Park all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Since the late 1800s, the Rogue River has been declared a legendary sport fishery. Specifically, in August a patient and persistent angler can encounter an early push of these elusive summer run ‘River Unicorns.’ When temperatures allow, swinging skated flies on the surface can be an exciting way to connect with these super-athletes we call steelhead. Immature steelhead called ‘half-pounders’ are abundant during this time and unique to this river system and can lead to an active day of fishing. Look up Humble Heron Fly Fishing out of Grants Pass. Beginners encouraged!”

Recommended by: J.D. Simkins, Sunset WildLands editor

Sitting a little over an hour’s drive west of Bend and nestled in a sea of ambrosial Douglas firs is Tamolitch Falls, aptly referred to as the “Blue Pool.”

Over 1,600 years ago, a lava flow oozing from Oregon’s Belknap Crater smothered a nearly three-mile stretch of the McKenzie River in the heart of what would become Willamette National Forest, almost suffocating the river’s flow except for porous rock that, to this day, allows traces of water to seep through in a process that transforms the Blue Pool’s water into a stunning shade of turquoise.

The natural pool’s deceptive clarity, the result of the Blue Pool’s unlivable 37° F temperature, can make the pool’s depth—30 feet in some places—appear only four or five to the human eye. Its nippy temperatures mean you probably won’t be doing many laps if you do decide to take a dip. Unless, of course, you’re a fan of acute hypothermia.

Still, many do go for a brief swim, even leaping from the adjacent cliff’s rocks into the optical illusion below. It’ll wake you up if you’re tired, cool you off if you’re hot, or instantaneously cure a hangover if, you know. No matter your style of swim, the Blue Pool is, without a doubt, a must-see.

Recommended by: Jessica Mordo, Former Sunset Deputy Digital Director

Scuba diving…in the desert?! Yes, it’s true. The renowned Blue Hole, located off Route 66, is a geological wonder. The 81-foot-deep pool is one of seven cenotes, or sinkhole lakes, connected underground. What makes this one special is its astounding visibility (100 feet!), making it a huge draw for divers; the crystal-clear phenomenon is a result of the spring-fed water completely renewing itself every six hours via the underground aquifer. What’s more, its temperature remains a constant 62 degrees, a most refreshing respite from summer heat.

Recommended by: Nicole Clausing, Sunset digital producer

It’s absurdly easy to see an abundance of undersea life here. No training or scuba-diving equipment is necessary, just a snorkel and the ability to float. Step into the warm, calm water and almost immediately you’ll see pufferfish, angel fish, and, most days, sea turtles. The best part of all is that while anything having to do with the Fairmont sounds out-of-reach swanky, the fact is that all beaches in Hawaii are public. So this Cousteau-esque experience can be yours for the price of snorkel and fin rental.