From incredible mountain lakes in the Cascades to quiet river swimming spots tucked away in forested canyons, Southern Oregon has some great places to enjoy summer swimming and wading.

Even along the Southern Oregon Coast, you'll find numerous freshwater swimming holes in lakes and rivers where you can take a dip not far from the ocean.

You can hike in, spread out a picnic, and take a dip in clear, refreshing water—whether you're with friends, family, or just exploring on your own.

A few of these spots have restrooms and picnic tables, making them easy choices for a full day out. Each one has its own look and feel, but they all offer a great way to enjoy the summer heat.



South Umpqua Falls Swimming
South Umpqua Falls

Southern Oregon’s Best Natural Swimming Holes

Swimming Near Roseburg

Cavitt Creek FallsCavitt Creek Falls

Crystal-clear water in deep colorful pools. Low waterfall with jump opportunities from the rocks.

Canton Creek CampgroundCanton Creek Campground

A deep swimming hole surrounded by large rocks and rock ledges.

South UmpquaSouth Umpqua Swimming Spots

There are plenty South Umpqua swimming spots along South Umpqua Road.

South Umpqua Falls Cliff JumpingSouth Umpqua Falls

The waterfall is an unique natural bedrock water slide, cliff jumping and swimming area.

Lower Cow CreekLower Cow Creek

There are numerous spots for swimming, fishing, gold panning, and rockhounding.

Galesville ReservoirGalesville Reservoir

An artificial lake warms up nicely for swimming during summer and fall.

Little Falls - Steamboat CreekLittle Falls – Steamboat Creek

A popular summer destination with swimming and cliff jumping opportunities.

Steamboat Falls SwimmingSteamboat Falls – Steamboat Creek

A great summer destination with sunbathing, swimming, and cliff jumping opportunities.

Three C Rock - South Umpqua RiverThree C Rock

Three C Rock offers a refreshing swimming along the 300-foot long channel.

South Umpqua River SwimmingSouth Umpqua Bridge

South Umpqua Bridge at Days Creek is a perfect roadside swimming hole.

Little River Oregon - Coliding RiversLittle River

Little River is relatively safe for swimming because the current is slower and water is warming up quickly during the summer heat.



Sixmile Swimming Hole
Six Mile Day Use Area

Swimming Near Medford and Ashland

Crowfoot Falls SwimmingCrowfoot Falls

A waterfall with shallow and deep areas is a scenic spot to enjoy a beautiful waterfall and swimming.

Emigrant LakeEmigrant Lake

Located in the Ashland vicinity, the lake features very warm water in the summer months, sandy beaches, water slide.

Willow LakeWillow Lake

A scenic lake with woody shores and sandy beach offering activities for entire family.

Cantrall Buckley County ParkCantrall Buckley County Park

A fantastic place for camping, fishing, swimming, and picnicking.

Hart-Tish ParkHart-Tish Park

A fantastic place for camping and picnicking, with access to the lake and hiking trails.

Swimming hole at Six miles siteSixmile

The wide and deep swimming hole with slow currents, large rocks and rock ledges on the scenic Illinois River.

Lost Creek LakeLost Creek Lake

This beautiful spot is a paradise for fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and hiking.

Hyatt LakeHyatt Lake

Located in the the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, the recreation area offers opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and boating.

Applegate River SwimmingApplegate River Swimming

The river is an excellent way to cool down in summer.

Fish Hatchery County ParkFish Hatchery County Park

A great site on the bank of the Aplegate River to swim, fish, and hike.

Applegate LakeCarberry Swim Area

This is a serene swimming hole on the edge of the Applegate Reservoir.

McKee Bridge Day Use Area McKee Bridge Day-Use Area

The swimming hole is located at the historic covered bridge.



Loon Lake
Loon Lake

Southern Oregon Coast Swimming

Lake Marie Lake Marie

A coastal lake features warm water in summer, a sandy beach, trails, and campground.

Smith River Falls Smith River Falls Site

The site with a cascading waterfall offers swimming and cliff jumping opportunities.

Daphne Grove Campground South Fork Coquille River

The river features numerous spots to stop by and enjoy nature.

Orchard Park Swimming Oregon Orchard Park

Orchard Park is popular for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and diving opportunities.

Sixes River - Elephant Rock CReek Sixes River

The Sixes is a popular destination for outdoor fun during the summer months.

Hunter Creek Oregon Hunter Creek

The lower sections of coastal rivers and creeks warm up quickly during the summer.

Loon LakeLoon Lake

With its soft sand and warm, clear water, this natural lake is perfect for a summer swim.

Sunset Bay State ParkSunset Bay

Sunset Bay is a sheltered shallow cove, protected by sea cliffs and sandstone bluffs.

Butler Bar Campground - Elk River Elk River

Elk River swimming holes offer a great opportunity to enjoy refreshing dips.

Coquille Myrtle Grove State Park Coquille Myrtle Grove State Natural Site

This beautiful river site is a great place for summer water activities.

Island Campground Swimming Oregon Island Campground

The campground is surrounded by beautiful scenery and offers access to a quiet, secluded swimming hole.

Alfred Loeb State Park - Chetco River Swimming Chetco River Swimming

The lower part of the river features large gravel bars, a slow current, and warm water.

Alfred Loeb State Park - Chetco River Swimming Alfred Loeb State Park

The area is well known for its fishing, swimming, and rockhounding opportunities.

Disclaimer
Cliff jumping can be extremely dangerous. Variations in water levels, rocks that are not immediately visible, and shifts in river bottoms due to strong currents can lead to serious injury and even death. It is very important to check your swimming spot conditions and take all associated risks into account. Make safe decisions!



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