Lake/River WA
Wanapum Lake
Wanapum Lake sits in Washington. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
View detailsSwimming holes near Yakima
7 natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Yakima, Washington.
This page lists 7 natural swimming holes near Yakima, Washington, sorted by distance within about 100 miles.
Where can you swim near Yakima?
Near Yakima, Washington, our directory maps 7 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles of the city center — including 2 rivers, 3 creeks, 1 waterfall, and 1 lake. The closest mapped spot is Wanapum Lake (34 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 Yakima
| Central place | Yakima, Washington |
|---|---|
| Search radius | About 100 miles |
| Mapped spots | 7 |
| Closest listing | Wanapum Lake (34 mi) |
| Water types | River (2), Creek (3), Waterfall (1), Lake (1) |
| Typical fees | 4 free · 3 varies |
All swimming holes near Yakima
7 natural swim spots in Washington, sorted by distance from the city center. For live GPS sorting, use swimming holes near me.
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.
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River WA
Teanaway River
Teanaway River sits in Washington. Swimmers come for a natural day on the water without resort amenities.
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 .
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Creek/waterfalls WA
Douglas Creek
This perennial creek winds through basalt walls carved and sculpted by the catastrophic Ice Age floods that reshaped the Columbia Basin thousands of years ago.
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.
View detailsTypes of swimming holes near Yakima
Browse by water type in Washington — each link opens the full state directory for that category.
River (2)
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 (3)
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.
What to expect at nearby spots
Highlights and safety notes from our listings — not third-party reviews. Report outdated info or share a tip.
- Wanapum Lake Columbia River reservoir with stunning cliffs
- Wanapum Lake The Columbia River has strong currents and cold water
- Taneum Creek Secluded swimming area
- Taneum Creek Always test water depth and check for submerged hazards like logs or rocks before entering
- Teanaway River Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming
- Teanaway River Always scout water depth and current strength before entering
- Cowlitz River Crystal-clear water
- Cowlitz River This is an unsupervised swimming area with no lifeguards. Swim at your own risk
Natural swim spots in the Yakima area
Yakima is a practical launch point for day trips to natural swimming holes in Washington. Within about 100 miles you will find 7 mapped destinations in our directory, starting with Wanapum Lake about 34 mi from the city center.
The mix spans river, creek, waterfall, lake — related terms searchers use include creek swimming, river swimming holes, spring-fed pools, and wild swimming.
How distances work near Yakima
Every card on this page is a verified directory entry in Washington with map coordinates. We measure straight-line distance from the Yakima 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 Yakima 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 Yakima 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 Yakima — FAQ
Where can you swim near Yakima?
Near Yakima, Washington, our directory lists 7 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles — mainly 2 rivers, 3 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 Yakima, Washington?
This page shows 7 mapped natural swim spots within about 100 miles of Yakima. 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 Yakima?
The closest mapped spot to Yakima is Wanapum Lake (34 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 Yakima free?
4 listings note free or no-fee access; 3 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.
What types of swimming holes are near Yakima?
Near Yakima, documented water types include rivers, creeks, waterfall, lake. 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 Yakima?
Late spring through early fall is the usual swim season near Yakima, 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 Yakima?
Wild swimming near Yakima 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.