Diving in Idaho? You might wonder whether it's possible, and the answer is definitely yes! The state offers a few interesting sites; one of these is Quinn's Pond. Properly known as Bernardine Quinn Pond but usually referred to by its shortened name, this lovely site is located right in Boise, and is a great place for training and exploration.
Quinn's Pond Features and Amenities
Once the site of a gravel pit, and located today as part of Boise's Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park, which is mostly undeveloped and which is situated between Veterans Parkway and Fairview Avenue, Quinn's Pond was partially drained and improved between 2010 and 2011, and is a great place to keep up on your skills while waiting for time off to travel to more exotic destinations, or while waiting for a weekend to head to the nearby Washington Coast for some salt water diving.
Offering shallow depths, and featuring maximum depth at just about 30 feet, Quinn's Pond features a set of stairs that lead into the water for easy access and exit. Visibility is normally close to 10 feet, and temperature varies seasonally; during the cooler months, it is in the mid 40's; during the hottest days of summer, it is in the 70's.
While the underwater landscape is fairly featureless, the pond is home to a large number of fish, including rainbow trout and bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish; in addition, you are likely to encounter small freshwater turtles, frogs, salamanders, and crayfish as you explore. During the summer, there are often huge, jewel colored dragonflies whizzing around near the surface. Head to the northeast corner of the pond, since this is where most of the fish like to hang out.
The pond features fishing docks and a small beach area for canoe landings, and the park itself is very nice, with a picnic area that has a shelter and BBQ grills, restrooms, and free parking. There are no fees associated with diving in Quinn Pond, but there are a couple of hazards. First, you'll want to be careful of lost fishing gear - carry a knife, and be especially careful near the docks. Second, you will want to watch out for overhead boat traffic; while no motor boating is allowed on the pond, non-motorized watercraft are allowed, and many of these boaters fish from their canoes and kayaks.
To get to this site, you'll first want to find your way to Boise, then, head for the downtown area. From either West Main Street or Fairview Avenue, you'll want to take 27th Street to the North. Take a left on Pleasanton, and drive to 31st street; look for Idaho River Sports, and pick a spot in the public parking area just to the rear of the store.
The city of Boise has exciting plans for Bernardine Quinn Pond's future; for example, they are planning for a waterway to connect the pond with two other nearby ponds, thus creating better access for all who enjoy the recreation opportunities the pond offers. Boise itself is a great place to visit, with plenty of excellent restaurants and accommodations of all kinds. If you want to dive in Idaho, Quinn Pond is a good place to do it.