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, the Mount Hood, the Coast Range, and the North Oregon Coast host the best swimming holes within close proximity to the big city.

You can find a location for just about every water-based activity you enjoy. Apart from swimming, you can enjoy kayaking, tubing, windsurfing, and diving from the high rocks surrounding the 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

Alder Flat - Clackamas River Alder Flat

Remote location in the Mt Hood National Forest features deep emerald swimming holes...

Three bears - Molalla RiverThree Bears Site

Cobble beach, beautiful lucid green and relatively warm water...

Molalla River Day-Use Site Molalla River Site 2

A secluded swimming spot with large rock ledges and deep pool...

Molalla River Day Use Site 4Molalla River Site 4

A secluded deep swimming spot for experienced swimmers...

Big Eddy Day UseBig Eddy Day Use Area – Clackamas River

A day-use area with picnic sites. Strong currents downstream and upstream...

Buck LakeBuck Lake

A crystal-clear natural mountain lake hidden in the Mt Hood National Forest...

Feyrer ParkFeyrer Park

Two beautiful swimming holes along the river...

High Rocks - Clackamas RiverHigh Rocks

A unique rocky bank with strong underwater currents and hidden underwater ledges...

Metzler River ParkMetzler River Park

Secluded shallow swimming hole, friendly for families with small kids...

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Multnomah & Columbia Counties

Blue Lake Park Blue Lake Park

A natural lake with the sand beach, roped-off swimming area...

Oxbow ParkSandy River

Sandy beaches, cool and clean water, offering a variety of water activities...

Lewis and Clark State ParkLewis and Clark State Park

The best place to enjoy the beauty of the river and practice numerous outdoor activities...

Dodge Park Sandy RiverDodge Park

The place at the confluence of two rivers is known as a great spot to escape city heat...

Glenn Otto ParkGlenn Otto Park

Popular swimming and water sport location on the Sandy River...

Oxbow Regional Park - Sandy RiverOxbow Regional Park

A natural wild area that stretches along bends of the Sandy River...

Sandy River - Dabney State Recreation AreaDabney State Recreation Area

An extremely popular destination in the summer months...



Northern Oregon Coast & Oregon Coast Range

Smith Homestead - Wilson RiverWilson River at Smith Homestead

A scenic stretch of the river with fishing, swimming, and picnicking opportunities...

Keenig Creek – Wilson RiverWilson River at Keenig Creek

Secluded swimming holes with swimming, jumping, and fishing opportunities...

Wilson River FootbridgeWilson River at Footbridge

A fantastic stretch of the Wilson River with shallow and deep pools, rapids, waterfall, and footbridge.

Youngs River FallsYoungs River Falls

A picturesque waterfall near Astoria with warm and calm water summer...

Coffenbury Lake FishingCoffenbury Lake

Historic site, scenic view-points, swimming, boating and fishing...

Trask River County Park - OregonTrask River

The coastal river features numerous swimming holes and fishing opportunities...



Washington State

Moulton FallsMoulton Falls Park

A waterfall and deep pools are popular among swimmers and cliff jumpers...

Dougan FallsDougan Falls

Beautiful swimming waterfall with a deep pool at the waterfall base...

Lewisville Park Lewisville Park

A few good swimming holes along the stretch of the East Fork of the Lewis River...






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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