Best Swimming Holes near Portland

Recently the Portland metropolitan area was ranked America's 23rd largest urban area. This is thanks to its large population of almost 2.4 million residents. There is a lot you could do to have summer fun here but spending a day in one of the many swimming holes near Portland is a favorite.

The presence of several natural lakes, valleys, mountain streams, reservoirs, and rivers ensures that there is enough room for everyone. The great Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood host several of 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 kayak, windsurf, and dive from the high rocks surrounding these natural swimming holes. Most of these have sandy beaches that make them ideal for a day out with the kids.