• Hunter Creek is popular among outdoor enthusiasts
• There are a few great swimming spots
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.
Hunter Creek | General Description
Open: Year-round
Location: Southern Oregon Coast
Rocks & Minerals: White quartz, jasper, agate
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any vehicle
Fees: None
Popularity: Low to moderate
Accommodations: Lodging in Gold Beach
Adventures Nearby
Directions to High Bridge
From Gold Beach,
- Travel on Highway 101 south to Hunter Creek Road
- Turn left at milepost 331.1, then bear right and follow on Hunter Creek Road for 1 mile to the bridge
- Cross the bridge and turn right to stay on Hunter Creek Road, continue 3.9 miles to the end of the pavement
- Travel 0.2 miles to the one-line High Bridge, cross the bridge, and park your car.
GPS: N 42°21.117' W 124°21.269' | 42.351950, -124.354483