Discover a beautiful swimming hole on the Rock Creek, hidden deep in the ancient Santiam State Forest in the foothills of the Cascade Mountainss. Surrounded by old-growth Douglas-fir, hemlock, red alder, and big leaf maple trees, the Rock Creek Recreation and three campsites offer secluded camping, picnicking, hiking, and swimming opportunities. You will drive in wilderness roughly 3 miles along the creek on unpaved and gravel roads before you reach this amazing swimming spot.
The hole is located below a footbridge. Beautiful waterfalls cascade off basalt cliffs and pour into a small but deep pool with clear green-emerald water. You can access the swimming area either climbing down the cliffs or use a trail on the left of the bridge (a little longer but easy!).
The recreation area and campsites that are spread out along the creek offer seasonal restrooms, picnic tables, trash service, and fire rings. The gate is open for vehicles from May to September. The rest of the year walk-in access is allowed beyond the gate. Nightly camping fees is applied. Day-use is free.
Rock Creek Swimming Hole | General Description
Open: May - September
Managed: Oregon Department of Forestry
Location: Santiam State Forest
Services: Portable toilets, no water, garbage service, picnic sites
Activities: Swimming, hiking, picnicking, camping
Accommodations: No camping allowed near the swimming hole, 3 rustic campsites along the Rock Creek
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Popularity: Low
Elevation: 1,496 ft (456 m)
Rock Creek Swimming Hole is located:
- 5.7 miles southeast of Mill City
- 38 miles east of Salem
- 84 miles southeast of Portland
- 84 miles northeast of Eugene.
Secluded small pool within old ancient forest.
Swimming hole rating: 4 out of 5
Water body: Creek
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: River rocks, boulders, and basalt cliffs
Water T° (summer): Cool to warm
Directions to Rock Creek Swimming Hole
From I-5,
- Take exit 253 (Salem) for Highway 22 East
- Turn onto Highway 22 and drive 28 miles to Mill City
- Turn right onto 1st street and take a left, right, and a slight left after crossing the bridge, staying on 1st Street
- Turn left on SE Kingwood Avenue and continue 2.1 miles to Rock Creek Road
- Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and follow 0.5 miles straight, then turn right (Rock Creek Camping Area sign)
- Drive 1.2 miles to the bridge, go left before the bridge. You will pass the gate.
- Drive along the creek 0.4 miles to the Rock Creek Recreation Area and then continue 1.1 miles to the next bridge (1.5 miles from the 1st to 2nd bridges).
The swimming hole is below the bridge.
Phone: 503-859-2151
Santiam State Forest
GPS: N 44°42.536' W 122°25.320' | 44.7089, -122.42199