The Portland metropolitan area was ranked America's 23rd largest urban area. Despite a large population of almost 2.4 million residents, you still can find a perfect place to have summer fun, play outdoors, and splash in one of many swimming spots near Portland.
Natural lakes, mountain streams, reservoirs, and rivers ensure that there is enough room for everyone. The great Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, the Coast Range, and North Oregon Coast host the best swimming holes near Portland.
You can find a location for just about every water-based activity in these water sources. Apart from swimming, you can enjoy kayaking, tubing, windsurfing, and diving from the high rocks surrounding these natural swimming holes.
Some of the swimming spots have sandy beaches that make them an ideal destination for a day out for families with kids.
Clackamas County
Remote location in the Mt Hood National Forest features deep emerald swimming holes...
Cobble beach, beautiful lucid green and relatively warm water...
A secluded swimming spot with large rock ledges and deep pool...
A secluded deep swimming spot for experienced swimmers...
Big Eddy Day Use Area – Clackamas River
A day-use area with picnic sites. Strong currents downstream and upstream...
A crystal-clear natural mountain lake hidden in the Mt Hood National Forest...
Two beautiful swimming holes along the river...
A unique rocky bank with strong underwater currents and hidden underwater ledges...
Multnomah & Columbia Counties
A natural lake with the sand beach, roped-off swimming area...
Sandy beaches, cool and clean water, offering a variety of water activities...
Popular swimming and water sport location on the Sandy River...
Oregon Coast & Oregon Coast Range
Wilson River at Smith Homestead
A scenic stretch of the river with fishing, swimming, and picnicking opportunities...
Secluded swimming holes with swimming, jumping, and fishing opportunities...
A fantastic stretch of the Wilson River with shallow and deep pools, rapids, waterfall, and footbridge.
A picturesque waterfall near Astoria with warm and calm water summer...
Historic site, scenic view-points, swimming, boating and fishing...
Washington State
A waterfall and deep pools are popular among swimmers and cliff jumpers...
Beautiful swimming waterfall with a deep pool at the waterfall base...
A few good swimming holes along the stretch of the East Fork of the Lewis River...
Disclaimer
Swimming holes associated with cliff jumping can be extremely dangerous. Variations in water levels, rocks that are not immediately visible or even shift in river bottoms due to strong currents can all lead to undesirable consequences. It is, therefore, very important to check current conditions and all associated risks and concerns. Make safe decisions!