{"id":1788,"date":"2019-06-20T15:15:00","date_gmt":"2019-06-20T15:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packitgourmet.com\/blog\/?p=1788"},"modified":"2019-07-02T17:53:55","modified_gmt":"2019-07-02T17:53:55","slug":"8-amazing-northwest-swimming-holes-near-portland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.packitgourmet.com\/index.php\/2019\/06\/20\/8-amazing-northwest-swimming-holes-near-portland\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Amazing Northwest Swimming Holes Near Portland"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Most Oregonians know better than to expect summer before the 4th of July. But as soon as the warm temperatures arrive, the hundreds of waterfalls cascading amid emerald green rainforests throughout Oregon\u2014not to mention the volcanic lakes and clear rivers for which the state is known\u2014make cooling off in a nearby swimming hole the perfect summer adventure.<\/p>\n

A word of caution: There\u2019s no such thing as a \u201csecret\u201d swimming hole in Oregon anymore. With a few exceptions, you\u2019ll likely contend with throngs of like-minded swimmers at these (or just about any other notable) destinations. Arrive early or practice patience to make the most of your summer swim.<\/p>\n

If you remain undaunted by the teeming masses, take a dip in 8 of our favorite swimming holes around Portland.<\/p>\n


\n1. ONEONTA GORGE<\/strong>
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Oneonta Gorge is chalked full of lush vegetation. Photo by Jeff Gunn<\/figcaption><\/figure>

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No story about Oregon swimming holes is complete without a nod to Oneonta Gorge , roughly 37 miles from downtown Portland. The bucket-list hike starts with a massive logjam crawl, continues with a cool walk through the chest-deep water in Oneonta Creek, and ends in a blissfully frigid pool at the foot of a picturesque waterfall. Tucked in a lush green, mossy canyon, there are few hikes like it in Oregon, and the payoff is chilling\u2014in both temperature and beauty.<\/p>\n


\n2. OPAL CREEK<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Opal Creek is a great place to escape the heat. Photo by Howard Bales<\/figcaption><\/figure>

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The Opal Creek Wilderness might be a solid two hours from Portland, but the Northwest wonder nevertheless offers some of the most vibrant, brilliantly emerald-green swimming pools in the state. Nearby, Three Pools demands less work and attracts more visitors, but the 3.5-mile hike to Opal Pool is worth the extra effort. Just past the old mining town of Jawbone Flats and surrounded by 1,000-year-old trees, Opal Pool provides a small beach and larger rocks for daring dives.<\/p>\n


\n3. SIOUXON CREEK<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Siouxon Creek is crystal clear and cool to the touch. Photo by Donaleen<\/figcaption><\/figure>

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Situated in Washington\u2019s Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Siouxon Creek provides no shortage of swimming holes along the 7-mile stretch where the trail parallels the creek. Siouxon Falls plunges into the creek at the two-mile mark and is among the creek\u2019s most popular swimming holes, but Siouxon Creek also collects in deep emerald pools elsewhere along the way, giving hikers plenty of options for cooling off.<\/p>\n

The scenery isn\u2019t to be scoffed at, either. The clear, running waters are surrounded by some of the most beautiful old-growth forest in the Portland area, and the dense undergrowth only adds to the trail\u2019s ethereal charm.<\/p>\n


\n4. OXBOW REGIONAL PARK<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Oxbow Regional Park, not far from Portland, is popular for its kayaking, swimming, and tubing opportunities. Photo by Sam Beebe<\/figcaption><\/figure>

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Oxbow Regional Park is surrounded on three sides by the Sandy River (which starts on Mount Hood), affording swimmers plenty of cool respites from the summer sun. The park is popular with families due to the river\u2019s lackadaisical currents and sheer selection of sandy beaches. (Visitors should be aware that dogs are not allowed in Oxbow Regional Park.)<\/p>\n


\n5. SERENE LAKE<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s really no such thing as a \u201chidden gem\u201d when it comes to swimming holes in Oregon, but Serene Lake comes close. Backpackers and hikers alike enjoy wildflowers around the lake at the height of summer, but the real draw for swimmers is the 25-foot-deep swimming hole at the southern end of the lake. A few rocks create opportunity for fun (and safe) dives, as well. And as a bonus, those who tackle the trail will be treated to views of looming fir trees, pristine views of Cascade peaks, and untouched mountain lakes.<\/p>\n


\n6. JEFFERSON PARK<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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In addition to numerous lakes suited for swimming, Jefferson Park provides no shortage of stunning viewpoints. Photo by Abby Joffe<\/figcaption><\/figure>

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Few swimming holes in Oregon offer the kind of scenic beauty that has long been the hallmark of Jefferson Park . Situated on the north side of Mount Jefferson, the park is home to breathtaking wildflowers, dense forest, scenic mountain views, and pristine alpine lakes.<\/p>\n

Russell Lake, Scout Lake, Rock Lake, and Bays Lake are all along the park\u2019s main trail and provide opportunities for a relaxing (if not cold) swim. Bays Lake is especially popular for a peninsula outcropping that is fun to swim out to, and Scout Lake provides one of the best Mount Jefferson views in the park.<\/p>\n


\n7. SALMON RIVER<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The Salmon River has numerous secluded swimming holes along its banks. Photo by Mt. Hood Territory<\/figcaption><\/figure>

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Oregon is known for its beautiful waterways, but the Salmon River might be among the most breathtaking. Lush, old-growth forest hugs the riverbank, and this particular trail follows the clear river for about eight relaxing miles. The hike is also close to a handful of sandy beaches, hidden waterfalls, and deep green pools, providing a cool break to hikers who\u2019ve worked up a sweat along the way.<\/p>\n


\n8. BAGBY HOT SPRINGS<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The trail to Bagby Hot Springs is about as surreal and serene as it gets. Photo by Ruby<\/figcaption><\/figure>

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The bathhouses at Bagby Hot Springs don\u2019t fit anyone\u2019s conventional definition of \u201cswimming hole,\u201d but they nevertheless provide a uniquely Oregon experience on a cool day or before the sun really heats up the forest. The natural hot springs are near a secluded tributary of the Clackamas River, and a soak in the tub provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding forest.<\/p>\n

Written by Matt Wastradowski for RootsRated. Featured image provided by Matthew Macpherson.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n