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 is an excellent swimming hole in the lower part of Hunter Creek 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.

This is a great swimming spot and likely only one along the lower part of the creek accessible to public. You can leave your car just after crossing the bridge. The trail runs down to the creek on the left side of the bridge.