• Yellowbottom Recreation Site is a swimmer's paradise with rock jumping and rope swing
• Features a large pool of clear and cold water with shallow and deep spots
Yellowbottom Recreation Site is one of the top summer destinations among the many excellent swimming holes along the Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River. The site draws visitors with its stunning scenery, tall trees lining the riverbanks, and its unique yellow-golden bottom.
Yellowbottom and Quartzville Creek have been known since 1863 for their quartz rock formations, which were believed to hold gold deposits. Free recreational gold panning and rock hounding are still allowed in a portion of the Quartzville Creek area managed by the BLM. However, these activities are prohibited in the Yellowbottom swimming area.
Named after Yellowbottom Creek, the Yellowbottom Recreation Site offers a large natural pool for swimming and rock jumping. This scenic spot is especially family-friendly and welcomes pets.
The swimming area features a sizable pool of clear, emerald waters with both shallow and deep spots. The yellow rocks on the bottom resemble hidden gold, adding to the area's allure.
The beach is composed of sand and gravel, and a large rock to the left of the beach is popular for climbing and jumping. Due to its higher elevation, the water here tends to be colder than in other spots along Quartzville Creek.
Cautions: Cliff jumping and slippery rocks are associated with risks; please use caution and make safe decisions.
The 1-mile Rhododendron trail offers a moderate hike around the north side of the campground.
* Trail Park Pass is required for this trail.
Yellowbottom Camping
Yellowbottom Campground is the only developed campground within the Quartzville Creek corridor. Conveniently located near the beach and day-use site, just across the road, the 13-acre campground offers campsites for tents or small trailers. Due to the narrow, one-lane access road and tight turning radius, it's not recommended for large RVs or trailers.
The site offers basic amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. There are no water hookups, so visitors should bring their water.
Campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Payment can be made upon arrival at non-reserved sites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Please note that cell reception in the area is limited, so it's advisable to download the app before reaching the site.
Yellowbottom | Facts
Open: Memorial Day weekend - Labor Day weekend
Managed by: Bureaus of Land Management (BLM)
Amenities: Vault toilets, garbage service, picnic sites, hand pump drinking water
Activities: Swimming, rock jumping, rope swinging, camping, hiking, fishing
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Restrictions: Recreational mining is not allowed; no glass or BBQ on the beach
Elevation: 1,410 ft (430 m)
Yellowbottom Recreation Site is located:
- 30 miles northeast of Sweet Home
- 74 miles northeast of Eugene
- 81 miles southeast of Salem.
Swimming hole rating: 5 out of 5
Body of Water: Creek
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light to moderate
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Sand, gravel, and river rocks
Water T° (summer): Cold
Video
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Yellowbottom Recreation Site
From I-5,
- From I-5, take exit 228 for OR-34 East toward Lebanon
- Turn left onto OR-34 East and follow 5.4 miles to Airport Drive
- Merge onto Denny School Road on the right and continue onto Airport Drive for 2.2 miles to US-20
- Turn right onto US-20 East/Main Street and drive for about 19 miles to Quartzville Road
- Turn left onto Quartzville Road and follow 24 miles to the destination on the right.
Phone: 503-375-5646