Natural Swimming Holes

Where can you take a refreshing dip this summer? We asked around and came up with this list of some of our favorite local swimming holes. Remember, these swimming destinations are not supervised nor maintained — so make sure you're making safety your priority: swim with a buddy, watch your children, don't jump or dive, heed any posted signage and be respectful of community watersheds. Keep in mind that currents can change quickly and actual water depth is tricky to judge from the shore. Go slow and be smart, and you'll have a great time and discover a new favorite summer destination.

Coast Fork Willamette River

Mount Pisgah Arboretum, Eugene 

This access spot on the Coast Fork of the Willamette River is close to Eugene-Springfield at a day-use park with restrooms, parking and a park fee. Enter at the arboretum and hike the flat loop trail south along the river. Here a natural pebbly beach nestles up to a fairly shallow stretch of the river which attracts families with younger children. While this swimming spot is a favorite, please remember that this is a freely moving river prone to currents and unexpected depth changes. 

Sweet Creek

Mapleton

Tucked in the coastal mountains, this popular waterfall hike offers short trail segments with multiple trailheads, making it a family favorite. The shady Sweet Creek Trail runs along the creek which is mostly shallow and filled with boulders and rocks, with tiny waterfalls cascading into small pools. There is no clear path to the water's edge but in some spots its possible to scramble over rocks and dip your feet in or wade. Caution should be used.

For a quieter scene with fewer hikers, drive past Sweet Creek to the Beaver Creek trailhead to another small waterfall.

Sharps Creek

Cottage Grove

Near Sharps Creek campground, you'll find several creek-formed pools popular for swimming. The pool access is a mix of large boulders, rocky beach and small sand pockets. With uneven bank-access, this swimming hole is better for older children and adults. Pack a picnic lunch for enjoying streamside and bring a pan to pan for gold creekside in this former gold mining spot.

Brice Creek

Cottage Grove

Brice Creek is a beloved swim spot but be prepared for a longer drive into the Cascade foothills outside of Cottage Grove and a small hike to the pools. Once here, you'll find clear, refreshing deep water pools, small waterfalls and towering forest. Getting to the water's edge can be tricky down steep embankments, making this spot best for older children and adults. This is a popular spot with locals, so consider visiting during days and times when you're less likely to run into crowds.

Lake Creek Rock Slides 

Triangle Lake

Located in the Lake Creek Recreation Area, a mile walk to the "rock slides" leads to large, smooth rocks beneath the creek which has formed natural "slides." On any given summer day here, expect to see adults and older children sliding happily along the slippery rock bed. This destination can be crowded, so consider coming during the week and earlier or later in the day.

Siuslaw Falls

Lorane

Siulsaw Falls has lovely stair-step falls that flow into a wide natural pool making it a great place for wading. Watch for deep pockets of water and remember that rocks can be slippery. 

Wildwood Falls

Cottage Grove

Wildwood Falls is a beautiful waterfall only a short walk from the road. Wearing a life jacket is strongly recommended as the downstream currents can be strong. This is a popular spot with the college crowd, so opt for a different swimming spot if you're a family with children.

Swimming Hole Safety

As inviting as a shimmering pool looks on a hot summer day, always approach natural bodies of water cautiously and practice safe swimming. Always let someone know where you are going and consult our adventure checklist before heading out.

Here are some tips for staying safe when visiting Oregon swimming holes: 

• Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards.

• Plan ahead and check for any algae advisories that may be in place.

• Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when in or around natural bodies of water.

• Always supervise children closely. Reading, playing cards and looking at your phone is a distraction. Accidents can happen quickly.

• Walk carefully and expect slippery, mossy rocks or loose stones. You may want to wear water shoes to navigate the rocky riverbed. 

• If you choose to cross a stream by going through it, study the area first. Avoid deep and/or swift water.

• When crossing on a natural bridge of rocks or logs, consider where you will land if you fall. Never cross above rapids or falls.

• If you fall into fast-moving water, do not try to stand up. The force of the water will just push you over and hold you under. Most drownings result from getting a leg or ankle snagged in tree limbs, rocks or in underwater debris. Float on your back with your feet pointing downstream and toes pointing up toward the surface. Look downstream and be prepared to fend off rocks with your feet (so you can protect your head).

• Don't swim in pools above waterfalls, as strong currents may pull you over.

• Jumping from cliffs can be dangerous due to shallow water, submerged rocks, trees, or other hazards.

• Be prepared for surprisingly cold water - even when the temperature outside is hot! 

• Don't mix alcohol and swimming.

• Please do not bring or use glass containers near water.

• Always swim with a buddy, never swim alone.

• Wrap up the fun before you are too tired, too cold, too far from safety, have too much sun or have had too much strenuous activity.

• Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to injuries.

Supervised Swimming is Safest

Of course pools and swim areas with lifeguards are the best places to swim. Local swimming pools that are open to the public are a lot of fun! Check out their amenities like hot tubs, water slides and water spray areas.