As the summer heat has begun escalating, we are all looking for ways to cool down and beat the summer heat. Cooling down at nature's swimming spots are among the best ways to accomplish this goal and at the same time have an immense amount of fun with family and friends. Oregon offers a great number of outdoor recreational dipping and swimming places. Here are the best swimming holes of Oregon for you to chose from.
From majestic waterfalls and natural water slides to bubbling river fronts, from serene lakes to bustling water reservoirs, Oregon boasts of various stunning waterfronts ideal for whatever your heart desires, wholehearted summer fun or a relaxing day out.
Each of the swimming holes mentioned here is known for their pristine clear emerald waters, breathtakingly scenic views, serene rejuvenating environments and a healthy dose of pure unadulterated fun. Each of these marvels of nature promises to engage all your senses; from the pebbles, you walk on to the glisten of the water as the sun strikes its surface, from the cool water enveloping your skin to the gentle roar of the gushing water.
Types of swimming spots:
- High-mountain streams
- Farmland valley creeks
- Natural lakes
- Man-made reservoirs.
As you search for the perfect summer outing for your family or the ideal fun-filled summer bash with your friends, there is not a shadow of a doubt that one of these 70+ outdoor swimming spots will prove to be perfect!
Precautions & Warning
As exhilarating as reckless fun can be in these hot summer months, swimming holes, and the associated cliff jumping, can prove to be exceptionally dangerous. Areas that are known specifically for jumping can pose significant risks depending on the weather and climatic conditions. Variations in water levels, rocks that are not immediately visible or even shift in river bottoms due to strong currents can all lead to undesirable consequences. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to develop an understanding of current conditions and all associated risks and concerns. Make safe decisions!
All in all, swimming holes in and around Oregon are most definitely summer hot spots. Make it easier on local management agencies by doing your part in keeping these locations clean. Be sensitive to the small plants; be careful not to trample them. Be safe. Be responsible. Have fun!
Willamette Valley & West Cascades
- Bear Creek - Little North Fork, Santiam River
- Blowout Creek
- Brice Creek
- Brice Creek Falls
- Canyon Creek - Little North Santiam River
- Elkhorn Valley Recreation Site - Little North Santiam River
- Detroit Lake
- North Shore - Fall Creek
- Lakeside 1 & 2 - Fall Creek
- Day Use - Fall Creek
- Broken Bowl - Fall Creek
- Big Pool - Fall Creek
- Clark Creek - Fall Creek
- Bedrock - Fall Creek
- Feyrer Park – Molalla River
- Lewis Creek Park - Foster Lake
- Hannah Covered Bridge | Thomas Creek
- Larwood Covered Bridge | Crabtree Creek
- Sunnyside County Park - Foster Lake
- Lake Creek Falls (Triangle Lake Slide Rock)
- Metzler Park - Clear Creek Swimming
- McKercher Park – Calapooia River
- Pioneer Park – Calapooia River
- Day Use Site 2 - Molalla River
- Day Use Site 4 - Molalla River
- North Fork County Park - Little North Santiam River
- Little North Santiam River Swimming Spots
- Quartzville Creek
- Salmon Falls - Little North Santiam River
- Salmon Creek Falls
- Scotts Mills Falls-Butte Creek
- Sharps Creek
- Three Bears -Molalla River
- Three Pools Opal Creek - Little North Santiam River
- Wildwood Falls - Row River
- Yellowbottom - Quartzville Creek
PDX, Columbia River & Mt. Hood
Central Oregon
- Big Eddy Day Use Area
- Scout Lake
- Steelhead Falls
- Trail Bridge Reservoir
Southern Oregon