FallsORClosed
Oneonta Falls
Oneonta Gorge near Portland remains closed — no legal creek walk to Lower Oneonta Falls. Use Oneonta Trail to Triple Falls and other Columbia Gorge alternatives instead.
View details36 Best Swimming Holes in Oregon — Cascades, Gorge & Umpqua
36 natural swimming destinations in Oregon.
How many swimming holes are in Oregon?
Oregon has 36 swimming holes in our directory, including 12 river, 4 creek, 6 waterfall, 3 lake, 4 spring. Those counts come from our live U.S. swimming holes dataset. Use GPS distance sorting or city nearby lists when you already know your starting point.
Oregon’s best swimming holes are cold Cascades and Coast Range rivers, Columbia River Gorge waterfall corridors, and a few managed park beaches — not warm tropical lagoons. Late June through August is the practical west-side window; snowmelt and rain can shut a “perfect” pool overnight.
Portland day-trippers usually start with the Sandy River corridor, Oneonta Falls (Gorge rules and closures change often), and Willamette National Forest’s Fall Creek hike-to-swim pools. Central Cascades searches for Tamolitch / Blue Pool and Opal Creek map onto our McKenzie River East and McKenzie River West listings — always confirm USFS road and trail status the morning you go.
South of Eugene, the North Umpqua and Glide-area holes are classic forest-river swims (strong current after rain; not ideal for young kids). Ashland’s Lithia Park is an easy town swim; Illinois River Forks near Cave Junction and Koberg Beach cover southwest and Gorge shoreline options.
For packing, season, and rain protocol — not a ranked list — read the Oregon swimming planning guide. Intent filters live under family-friendly and hidden-gems Oregon guides. Sort by drive time from Portland, Eugene, Bend, or Medford.
Near major cities: Bend · Corvallis · Eugene · Hood River · Medford · Portland · Roseburg · Salem
By water type: River (12) · Creek (4) · Waterfall (6) · Lake (3) · Spring (4) · Quarry (1) · Other (6)
Guides: Hidden gems (3) · Family friendly (20)
Hot springs: Oregon hot springs (4)
Popular regions: McKenzie River swimming destinations
Guides: Oregon swimming planning guide · Swimming holes near Portland
Popular swimming holes in Oregon
Most-searched spots — open each listing for directions, fees, and safety notes.
Creek swimming holesOR
Fall Creek Swimming Holes, Willamette National Forest
Fall Creek Swimming Holes, Willamette National Forest lies in Oregon. The creek winds through old-growth Douglas fir and red alder, filtering light into shifting patterns on the water below.
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River and othersOR
Mckenzie River East Swimming Holes
McKenzie River swimming holes near McKenzie Bridge and Belknap Springs, Oregon include clear Cascade river pools with free forest-road access. Cold water year-round; check USFS fire and road advisories.
View detailsRiver and othersOR
Mckenzie River West Swimming Destinations
The McKenzie River is one of Oregon's most celebrated waterways, threading through the Willamette National Forest in a ribbon of astonishing clarity.
View detailsRiver/FallsOR
North Umpqua River Swimming Holes
North Umpqua River Swimming Holes is a river/falls destination on North Umpqua River in OR near Roseburg, Glide. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
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Reservoir/creek/pondOR
Lithia Park
Lithia Park in Ashland, OR — free downtown park with Granite Street swimming reservoir and Ashland Creek wading. Weekly water-quality testing in summer; no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverOR
Koberg Beach State Park
Koberg Beach State Recreation Site on the Columbia River near Hood River, Oregon is a free Oregon State Parks day-use beach for swimming and wind sports. I-84 access; confirm park status and wind conditions.
View detailsRiverOR
Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots
Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots near Cave Junction, Oregon is a river swimming spot on Illinois River. What people come for: Crystal-clear river water; Family-friendly swimming spots. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsRiverOR
Sandy River Swimming Destinations Near Portland And Troutdale
Sandy River swimming holes near Troutdale and Portland, Oregon include clear Cascade foothill river beaches. Some trailheads require fees or timed entry — confirm before you go.
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Water slideOR
Triangle Lake Region Swimming Spots
Triangle Lake Region Swimming Spots lies in Oregon, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Here, where towering Douglas firs form a cathedral canopy overhead and Pontius Creek carves its patient path through ancient stone, you'll discover a scenic swimming spot.
View detailsOregon swimming holes FAQ
Where are the best swimming holes in Oregon?
High-intent picks include Fall Creek (Willamette NF), the McKenzie River corridor, Oneonta / Columbia Gorge waterfall access, North Umpqua river holes, Sandy River near Portland, Lithia Park in Ashland, Triangle Lake, Illinois River Forks, and Koberg Beach. Match Cascades cold water to your group — North Umpqua is often too pushy for young children after rain.
Are there swimming holes near Portland, Oregon?
Yes. Sandy River access near Troutdale, Columbia Gorge waterfall corridors (when open), and longer Cascades day trips (Fall Creek, McKenzie) are the usual Portland escapes. Use the Portland nearby page and leave early on summer weekends.
Is Oregon swimming hole water cold?
Yes. West-side forest rivers stay cold even in August. Pack dry layers, keep swims short, and skip brown or rising water after Pacific storms.
When is Oregon swim season?
Late June through August west of the Cascades for most swimmers. Eastern desert springs and hot-soak sites follow different calendars — check each listing and forest road openings.
Where is Blue Pool / Tamolitch or Opal Creek?
Those famous Cascades searches sit in the McKenzie / Willamette National Forest corridor. Start with our McKenzie River East and West listings, then verify current USFS trail and parking rules — access and crowds change year to year.
All 36 listings
Hot SpringsOR
Alvord Hot Springs
Alvord Hot Springs near Winnemucca (NV), Oregon is a hot springs swimming spot on Alvord Hot Springs. What people come for: Geothermal heated waters; Remote desert location. Expect a fee of about $5 per person, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. This is extremely remote country.
View detailsRiver/LakeOR
Applegate Valley Swimming Spots
Applegate Valley Swimming Spots is a river swimming spot near Medford, Oregon. What people come for: Diverse swimming experiences; Historical gold rush connections. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June to September. Always assess water conditions.
View detailsHot Springs/ Swimming HoleOR
Bagby Hot Springs And Swimming Area
Bagby Hot Springs and Swimming Area is a hot springs swimming spot on BAGBY AREA near Portland, Oregon. What people come for: Crystal-clear blue-green water; Short and scenic hike to access. Expect a fee of about $5 per person, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in late spring–early fall. Carry cash for the $5 soak fee; confirm road status before the drive.
View detailsRiverOR
Coquille-myrtle Grove State Park
Near Roseburg in Oregon, Coquille-Myrtle Grove S.P. This official state recreation area sits an easy day trip from Roseburg, Coos Bay, and Myrtle Point, yet feels worlds away from the bustle of the coast.
View detailsRiverOR
Cross Park - High Rocks
High Rocks at Cross Park near Molalla / Oregon City, Oregon is a rocky Clackamas-area jump and swim spot popular with Portland day-trippers. Free informal access — scout depth every time; injuries are common from blind jumps.
View detailsRiver/FallsOR
Canton Creek Swimming Spots On The North Umpqua River
Canton Creek Swimming Spots On The North Umpqua River lies in Oregon. Where Canton Creek meets Steamboat Creek and the greater North Umpqua River system, a series of informal, unhurried pools invites you to slow down, wade in, and let the Pacific Northwest work its quiet magic.
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
Corvallis Region Swimming Spots
Swimming holes near Corvallis, Oregon — river and creek day trips around Corvallis, Philomath, Alpine, and Junction City with public-access notes and trip planning tips.
View detailsLakeOR
Crater Lake National Park Swimming Spots
There are few places on earth where you can stand at the rim of an ancient volcano and gaze down into water so impossibly blue it looks digitally enhanced.
View detailsRiverOR
Dovre
Dovre is a river swimming spot on Nestucca River near Salem, Oregon. What people come for: Refreshing Nestucca River waters; Scenic Tillamook State Forest setting. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Check river conditions and water flow before entering.
View detailsRiver/FallsOR
Falls City Falls
Falls City Falls near Falls City, Oregon is a free waterfall swimming hole with clear plunge pools popular with Willamette Valley day-trippers. Rocks are slick; check depth before jumping.
View detailsFallsOR
Flora Dell Falls
This unofficial but breathtaking waterfall and swimming hole. There are no signs pointing you here, no crowds jostling for space.
View detailsCreek swimming holesOR
Fall Creek Swimming Holes, Willamette National Forest
Fall Creek Swimming Holes, Willamette National Forest lies in Oregon. The creek winds through old-growth Douglas fir and red alder, filtering light into shifting patterns on the water below.
View detailsCreekOR
Grayback
Grayback lies in Oregon, where Sucker Creek Or Cave Creek moves through a wooded corridor. Fed by the cool, clear waters of Sucker Creek or Cave Creek, this informal natural .
View detailsRiver/FallsOR
Glide Oregon Swimming Spots
Here, along the North Umpqua River and its tributaries, you'll find cool, clear water rushing through a landscape draped in Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and wild rhododendron.
View detailsRiverOR
Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots
Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots near Cave Junction, Oregon is a river swimming spot on Illinois River. What people come for: Crystal-clear river water; Family-friendly swimming spots. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsRiverOR
Koberg Beach State Park
Koberg Beach State Recreation Site on the Columbia River near Hood River, Oregon is a free Oregon State Parks day-use beach for swimming and wind sports. I-84 access; confirm park status and wind conditions.
View detailsReservoir/creek/pondOR
Lithia Park
Lithia Park in Ashland, OR — free downtown park with Granite Street swimming reservoir and Ashland Creek wading. Weekly water-quality testing in summer; no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverOR
Loeb State Park
Loeb S. P. near Grants Pass, Oregon is a river swimming spot on Chetco River. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of the Chetco River; Towering myrtlewood forests. You will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June to August. Always check current river conditions and water flow before entering.
View detailsRiver and othersOR
Mckenzie River East Swimming Holes
McKenzie River swimming holes near McKenzie Bridge and Belknap Springs, Oregon include clear Cascade river pools with free forest-road access. Cold water year-round; check USFS fire and road advisories.
View detailsRiver and othersOR
Mckenzie River West Swimming Destinations
The McKenzie River is one of Oregon's most celebrated waterways, threading through the Willamette National Forest in a ribbon of astonishing clarity.
View detailsRiverOR
North Santiam River Swimming Spots
Towering Douglas firs and red alders shade the banks, their branches filtering afternoon sunlight into shifting patterns across the surface.
View detailsRiver/FallsOR
North Umpqua River Swimming Holes
North Umpqua River Swimming Holes is a river/falls destination on North Umpqua River in OR near Roseburg, Glide. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsFallsORClosed
Oneonta Falls
Oneonta Gorge near Portland remains closed — no legal creek walk to Lower Oneonta Falls. Use Oneonta Trail to Triple Falls and other Columbia Gorge alternatives instead.
View detailsRiverOR
Oakridge Willamette River Swimming Holes
Accessible via Forest Road 19 near the small town of Oakridge, this stretch of river winds through a deep, forested canyon where Douglas fir and red alder lean over the water, filtering sunlight into shifting patterns of gold and shadow.
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
Row River Swimming Holes Of Oregon
Row River Swimming Holes of Oregon near Eugene, Oregon is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Mosby Creek with rope swing; Clear and cool water perfect for summer. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in June through August. Always test water depth and check for submerged hazards before entering.
View detailsCreekOR
Sugar Creek
Accessed via a 1.25-mile hike along Sugar Creek Trail #824 from the Sugar Creek Campground, this unofficial . Cool, crystal-clear water threading through a remote canyon landscape, far from the noise of crowded recreation areas.
View detailsRiverOR
Sandy River Swimming Destinations Near Portland And Troutdale
Sandy River swimming holes near Troutdale and Portland, Oregon include clear Cascade foothill river beaches. Some trailheads require fees or timed entry — confirm before you go.
View detailsCreekOR
Silverton Oregon Swimming Spots
Silverton, Oregon swimming spots include Coolidge-McClaine Park creek access and nearby clear pools in the Willamette Valley foothills. Free city-park access at Coolidge-McClaine — no lifeguards at creek swims.
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
South Santiam River Swimming Spots
South Santiam River Swimming Spots lies in Oregon, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. They are living, breathing slices of the Pacific Northwest wild, where cold, clear water tumbles over ancient basalt and pools into natural .
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
South Umpqua River Swimming Spots
South Umpqua River swimming spots near South Umpqua Falls / southern Oregon offer free clear river pools and waterfall swims. Informal forest access — cold water; slippery rock.
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
Sweet Home Oregon Swimming Holes
Sweet Home Oregon Swimming Holes near Albany, Oregon is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Crystal-clear, cold waters; Diverse swimming spots including 'The Jumping Rocks'. Access is free. Best visited in June to August. Always enter cold water slowly to avoid shock.
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QuarryOR
The Quarry
THE QUARRY is a quarry destination on Quarry in OR near Medford, Ashland. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsWater slideOR
Triangle Lake Region Swimming Spots
Triangle Lake Region Swimming Spots lies in Oregon, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Here, where towering Douglas firs form a cathedral canopy overhead and Pontius Creek carves its patient path through ancient stone, you'll discover a scenic swimming spot.
View detailsHot SpringsOR
Umpqua Hot Springs
Umpqua Hot Springs east of Roseburg, OR — geothermal tub above the North Umpqua reached by a short steep trail. $5 day-use or forest pass; day-use only with nudity common.
View detailsRiverOR
Upper Rogue River Swimming Spots
Upper Rogue River Swimming Spots lies in Oregon. Stretching through the heart of southern Oregon, the Upper Rogue River is one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved natural playgrounds.
View detailsHot SpringsOR
Whitehorse Hot Springs
Whitehorse Hot Springs near Winnemucca (NV), Oregon is a hot springs swimming spot on Whitehorse Hot Springs. What people come for: Remote desert location; Geothermal hot springs. Access is free, and you will find restrooms. Best visited in April-May. Vehicle Preparedness: A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is strongly advised.
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