Hunter Creek Swimming & Rockhounding | Southern Oregon Coast

Swimming in rivers of the Southern Oregon Coast is a very popular activity during the summer. The lower sections of coastal rivers and creeks warm up quickly during the summer offering a great opportunity for refreshing dips. Hunter Creek near the town of Gold Beach is popular among outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy spending time in a natural setting.

There are several excellent swimming areas in the lower part of Hunter Creek. One of the places is at High Bridge, 6 miles southeast of the Kissing Rocks in Gold Beach.

Hunter Creek at the High Bridge is a beautiful swimming site hidden in the deep narrow canyon. The shallow river bends here and creates a few deeper holes upstream and downstream from the bridge. Inside the bend, water movement is slow and it warms up faster. The water looks green in the deeper area. In shallows areas, you will spot salamanders speeding around.

This fantastic site features incredible rock formation with a vertical rock wall and large rocks sitting in the middle of the creek. The beach and the creek bottom are composed of gravel and rocks of various sizes and colors. White quartz and green jasper are dominating here. Red brecciated jasper, agate, and petrified wood can be found as well.

There are a few great swimming spots along half-a-mile of creek stretch. You can leave your car just after crossing the bridge. The trail runs down to the creek on the left side of the bridge.

The second swimming place is located 700 feet further from the bridge.

Further down the road, for about 0.5 miles of the bridge, you will find the third excellent beach where you can drive directly out to the creek bank.