Sound WA
Dash Point Beach
Dash Point Beach is a Sound swimming destination near Tacoma in Washington. The setting stays informal and low-key.
View detailsSwimming holes near Tacoma
12 natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Tacoma, Washington.
This page lists 12 natural swimming holes near Tacoma, Washington, sorted by distance within about 100 miles.
Where can you swim near Tacoma?
Near Tacoma, Washington, our directory maps 12 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles of the city center — including 3 rivers, 5 creeks, 1 waterfall, and 1 lake. The closest mapped spot is Dash Point Beach (5 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 Tacoma
| Central place | Tacoma, Washington |
|---|---|
| Search radius | About 100 miles |
| Mapped spots | 12 |
| Closest listing | Dash Point Beach (5 mi) |
| Water types | River (3), Creek (5), Waterfall (1), Lake (1), Spring (1), Other (1) |
| Typical fees | 3 free · 3 fee · 6 varies |
All swimming holes near Tacoma
12 natural swim spots in Washington, sorted by distance from the city center. For live GPS sorting, use swimming holes near me.
Lake WA
Lowell Johnson Park
Lowell Johnson Park sits in Washington along Florence Lake (Columbia River). Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
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Creek WA
Quarry Pool
Carved from the living rock by quarry workers more than a century ago, this extraordinary sandstone basin now holds cool, clear water fed by Squire Creek.
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River WA
Rainbow Falls S. P.
is a River swimming destination near Tacoma in Washington. The setting stays informal and low-key.
View details River WA
Cowlitz River
Cowlitz River swimming spots in southwestern Washington offer free informal river access for summer swimming and floating. Currents can be strong — wear a PFD when floating and scout put-ins.
View details Creek WA
French Cabin Creek
French Cabin Creek lies in Washington. Fed by Cascade snowmelt, the water runs crystal clear and bracingly cold, threading through a corridor of old-growth conifers before pooling into two distinct .
View details River WA
Teanaway River
Teanaway River sits in Washington. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
View details Creek WA
Rock Island
Where tall ponderosa pines and Douglas firs line the creek banks, and the jagged peaks of the Cascade Range rise dramatically in every direction.
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Hot Springs WA
Olympic Hot Springs
Olympic Hot Springs near Port Angeles, WA — natural pools requiring a long hike/bike because Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed to cars at Madison Falls. Park entry fee; soak at your own risk.
View details Creek WA
Taneum Creek
Taneum Creek lies in Washington. This unofficial local favorite rewards those willing to navigate a short but moderately challenging hike with uneven terrain and the occasional log jam.
View details Creek WA
Squire Creek Park
Squire Creek Park sits in Washington. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
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River/Falls WA
Battle Ground Region Swimming Spots
Spread across Clark County parks and the edge of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, these freshwater spots draw swimmers, families, and explorers looking for something real: cold water, forested banks, and the kind of quiet that only nature provides.
View detailsTypes of swimming holes near Tacoma
Browse by water type in Washington — 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 (5)
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.
Other (1)
Mixed or unique water types that do not fit a single category — review each listing for access and conditions.
What to expect at nearby spots
Highlights and safety notes from our listings — not third-party reviews. Report outdated info or share a tip.
- Dash Point Beach Expansive views of Puget Sound
- Dash Point Beach Check tide tables
- Lowell Johnson Park Clear waters of Florence Lake
- Lowell Johnson Park Swim at your own risk
- Quarry Pool Historic sandstone quarry pool
- Quarry Pool Check posted signs for current pool rules and depth information
- Rainbow Falls S. P. Clear Chehalis River waters
- Rainbow Falls S. P. Always supervise children closely near the river and waterfall. There are no lifeguards on duty
Natural swim spots in the Tacoma area
Tacoma is a practical launch point for day trips to natural swimming holes in Washington. Within about 100 miles you will find 12 mapped destinations in our directory, starting with Dash Point Beach about 5 mi from the city center.
The mix spans river, creek, waterfall, lake, spring, other — related terms searchers use include creek swimming, river swimming holes, spring-fed pools, and wild swimming.
How distances work near Tacoma
Every card on this page is a verified directory entry in Washington with map coordinates. We measure straight-line distance from the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma — FAQ
Where can you swim near Tacoma?
Near Tacoma, Washington, our directory lists 12 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles — mainly 3 rivers, 5 creeks, 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 Tacoma, Washington?
This page shows 12 mapped natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Tacoma. The full Washington directory may list additional holes farther out or awaiting coordinates. Counts update as we verify new listings.
What is the closest swimming hole to Tacoma?
The closest mapped spot to Tacoma is Dash Point Beach (5 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 Tacoma free?
3 listings note free or no-fee access; 3 require a fee or park admission; 6 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.
What types of swimming holes are near Tacoma?
Near Tacoma, documented water types include rivers, creeks, waterfall, lake, spring, other. A swimming hole is a natural outdoor pool in moving or spring-fed water — not a chlorinated pool. Filter by type on the Washington state page or open each card for water-body details.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes near Tacoma?
Late spring through early fall is the usual swim season near Tacoma, 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 Tacoma?
Wild swimming near Tacoma 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.