Reservoir/creek/pond OR
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 detailsSwimming holes near Medford
8 natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Medford, Oregon.
This page lists 8 natural swimming holes near Medford, Oregon, sorted by distance within about 100 miles.
Where can you swim near Medford?
Near Medford, Oregon, our directory maps 8 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles of the city center — including 3 rivers, 1 creek, 1 waterfall, and 1 lake. The closest mapped spot is Lithia Park (13 mi straight-line). Distances are not drive time; open each listing for directions, fee notes, access rules, and safety context before you travel.
At a glance — swimming holes near Medford
| Central place | Medford, Oregon |
|---|---|
| Search radius | About 100 miles |
| Mapped spots | 8 |
| Closest listing | Lithia Park (13 mi) |
| Water types | River (3), Creek (1), Waterfall (1), Lake (1), Spring (1), Quarry (1) |
| Typical fees | 4 free · 1 fee · 3 varies |
All swimming holes near Medford
8 natural swim spots in Oregon, sorted by distance from the city center. For live GPS sorting, use swimming holes near me.
Quarry OR
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.
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Creek OR
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 .
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River OR
Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots
Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots sits in Oregon. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
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Falls OR
Flora Dell Falls
This unofficial but breathtaking waterfall and . There are no signs pointing you here, no crowds jostling for space.
View details River OR
Loeb S. P.
sits in Oregon along Chetco River. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
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Hot Springs OR
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 details River OR
Coquille-myrtle Grove S. P.
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 detailsTypes of swimming holes near Medford
Browse by water type in Oregon — each link opens the full state directory for that category.
River (3)
A river swimming hole is a stretch of moving water deep enough to swim or wade — often a bend, pool, or slack-water pocket. Browse river spots below for access notes, fees, and seasonal flow tips.
Creek (1)
Creek swimming holes are smaller stream and brook pools — usually cooler, shallower, and tucked into forests or hollows. Use the list below to find creek swims by state, then confirm water level after rain.
Waterfall (1)
Waterfall swimming holes are plunge pools and cascades fed by falls. Flow is often seasonal; check depth, cold water, and slippery rock before you enter.
Lake (1)
Lake swimming holes include natural lakes, ponds, and reservoirs with shoreline access — still water that is often easier for families than currents. Browse lakes below for beaches, fees, and amenities.
Spring (1)
Spring swimming holes are spring-fed pools and hot springs with steadier temperature and often strikingly clear water. Confirm land rules and soaking etiquette before you go.
Quarry (1)
Quarry swimming holes are deep, clear pools in former extraction sites. Depth can change suddenly — never dive without checking, and respect posted access rules.
What to expect at nearby spots
Highlights and safety notes from our listings — not third-party reviews. Report outdated info or share a tip.
- Lithia Park Accessible from downtown Ashland
- Lithia Park No lifeguards — swim with a buddy.
- The Quarry Rocky cliffs for jumping
- The Quarry Always enter water feet-first
- Grayback Crystal-clear creek water
- Grayback Water conditions in creeks can change rapidly
- Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots Crystal-clear river water
- Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots Always enter water feet-first
Natural swim spots in the Medford area
Medford is a practical launch point for day trips to natural swimming holes in Oregon. Within about 100 miles you will find 8 mapped destinations in our directory, starting with Lithia Park about 13 mi from the city center.
The mix spans river, creek, waterfall, lake, spring, quarry — related terms searchers use include creek swimming, river swimming holes, spring-fed pools, and wild swimming.
How distances work near Medford
Every card on this page is a verified directory entry in Oregon with map coordinates. We measure straight-line distance from the Medford city center — not driving time. A creek swimming hole 12 miles away on forest roads can take longer than a river access point 20 miles away on a highway.
Wild swimming near Medford includes informal river bends, spring-fed pools, waterfall plunge pools, and developed park swim areas. Rules, fees, and seasonal access differ by land manager. Never assume swimming is allowed without checking the listing and posted signs the day you visit.
Safety and water quality near you
Natural water near Medford changes after rain, snowmelt, and summer heat. Cold shock, currents, submerged rocks, and bacteria are real risks at creek and river swimming holes — most sites have no lifeguard. Check weather and local advisories before you enter the water.
We publish original planning copy, safety tips, and last-updated dates on each listing. See our editorial policy for sourcing standards, or contact us if access or conditions have changed.
Swimming holes near Medford — FAQ
Where can you swim near Medford?
Near Medford, Oregon, our directory lists 8 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles — mainly 3 rivers, 1 creek, 1 waterfall, and 1 lake. Each listing links to directions, fee notes, and safety context. Use near me on your phone for live distance sorting from your location.
How many swimming holes are near Medford, Oregon?
This page shows 8 mapped natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Medford. The full Oregon directory may list additional holes farther out or awaiting coordinates. Counts update as we verify new listings.
What is the closest swimming hole to Medford?
The closest mapped spot to Medford is Lithia Park (13 mi straight-line). Open that listing for driving directions, access notes, and current fee information — unofficial holes can change without notice.
Are swimming holes near Medford free?
4 listings note free or no-fee access; 1 require a fee or park admission; 3 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.
What types of swimming holes are near Medford?
Near Medford, documented water types include rivers, creek, waterfall, lake, spring, quarry. A swimming hole is a natural outdoor pool in moving or spring-fed water — not a chlorinated pool. Filter by type on the Oregon state page or open each card for water-body details.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes near Medford?
Late spring through early fall is the usual swim season near Medford, but snowmelt, drought, and weekend crowds change conditions week to week. Check each listing before you drive — high water after storms can make creeks and rivers unsafe.
Is it safe to swim in rivers and creeks near Medford?
Wild swimming near Medford carries real risks: cold water, currents, rocks, and no lifeguards at most unofficial sites. Check weather, water level, and posted warnings the day you visit. Read our river safety guide and each listing's safety section before entering the water.
Listing data last updated across spots on this page.