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.
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 on the Clackamas River.
Cobble beach, beautiful lucid green and relatively warm waters, picnic sites. Family with small children friendly.
A secluded swimming spot with large rock ledges and deep pool within Molalla Recreation Area.
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.
Plenty of activities including camping, picnicking, and swimming with two beautiful swimming holes along the river.
A unique rocky bank with strong underwater currents, hidden underwater ledges. Crowded on summer weekends.
Multnomah & Columbia Counties
A natural lake with the sand beach, roped-off swimming area, and a pier for fishing.
Well-known for its sandy beaches, cool and clean water, the river is a resource of a variety of water activities.
Popular swimming and water sport location on the Sandy River with sandy beach. Current is moderate to strong.
Oregon Coast & Oregon Coast Range
Wilson River at Smith Homestead
A scenic stretch of the Wilson River with fishing, swimming, and picnicking opportunities.
Secluded swimming holes with swimming, jumping off rock swings, and fishing opportunities.
A fantastic stretch of the Wilson River with shallow and deep pools, rapids, waterfall, and footbridge.
Washington State
Surrounded by volcanic rock formation, the waterfall and deep pools are popular among swimmers and cliff jumpers.
Most dramatic and most beautiful swimming waterfall within the Portland Metropolitan Area with a deep pool at the waterfall base.
A few good swimming holes can be found along the stretch of the East Fork of the Lewis River.