Uproxx
Ice cream and cold beer are good, but what summer heat really demands is cold, clear H2O. Heaven is a glass of ice water. Patios are made bearable by misters. If things get sweaty enough, pride and maturity are non-issues when you see a Slip n Slide. And, though the obvious option for a summer cooldown is a dip in an ool (“we call it that because we don’t want any P in it”), we think the pinnacle of aquatic good times is a classic swimming hole.
Of course, what constitutes a swimming hole is as up for debate as what constitutes a sandwich. Can a river be one? A bend in a river? What about a lake? Can they be manmade? Saltwater? A quarry works but the swimming pool at your apartment complex is obviously out. It’s was a puzzle and we had to make judgment calls. (There. Were. Arguments.)
After finally hashing out our definitions (which will become clear as you read), we decided to spend the week listing the very best swimming hole in each state of this great nation. Today, we kick off out west.
Washington: Dougan Creek Falls (Skamania County)
When it gets hot in the Portland (OR) area, residents fan across Oregon and Washington looking for places to cool off. Many of them end up between Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mt. Hood National Forest at Dougan Creek Falls. Unlike many of the falls associated with swimming holes, these are rather small — just 12-feet. But, their gradual sliding cascade makes them a lot of fun. And, the deep pool at the base of the falls is all that you need for some world class horseplay. Plus, the area gets a ton of sun, so you shouldn’t end up shivering in some random Pacific Northwest shade while you lie on the sandy beach.
This is a great swimming hole and the proximity to PDX means that it can get crowded in the peak of summer. Plan accordingly.
Oregon: Triangle Lake Rock Slides and Lake Creek Falls (Blachly)
Natural rock water slides? Check. Multiple swimming hole areas? Check. Cliff jumping? Check. Fish ladders? Check. This place has it all. About a mile west of the tiny town of Triangle Lake in western Oregon,the rock slides have everything you need to cool off on a hot summer day. Better still, it’s a short, easy walk from the parking area — so you don’t have to hike in. Heck, you could walk in barefoot if you are down with that.
The water is deep enough to swim, but a lot of people prefer to grab inner tubes and slide over the slick rocks or jump from nearby cliffs. There’s also a short waterfall and a larger 25-30 footer. If exploring underwater holes and tunnels is your speed, that’s an option too. When you need a rest, there are tons of large boulders that you can sun yourself upon like a lizard.
If you’re looking for exciting city happenings in the area, there isn’t a lot to offer, but nearby Walton does have some solid places to grab a burger if you forget to pack a picnic.
California: Cleo’s Bath (Pinecrest)
A lot of people think of California as a beachy paradise, and honestly, SoCal is very that. But, it’s the northern part of the state that we turn to for swimming holes. Cleo’s Bath is one of the best kept secret aquatic locales in the nation and deserves the nod here.
Located in the Stanislaus National Forest, this swimming hole is adjacent to a lake, a river, a waterfall, and a dope hiking trail. You want a full day in nature? Well you are covered. Because of snowmelt, the water can be pretty chilly in spring and early summer, but by the time things are in the triple digits, the temps are perfect.
Be sure to stop by the convenience store near the parking lot and grab some local brews to quaff while you soak in the pool.
Idaho: Jump Creek Falls (Marsing)
We admit it; we’re suckers for waterfalls. It’s partially the majesty of nature on full display, a little bit the daredevilry of leaping off of them, and a smidge of merperson roleplay. We contain multitudes like that.
Jump Creek Falls gives 60-feet of classic, gorgeous falls that descend into a beautiful placid swimming hole tucked inside a canyon. And because this falls is a bit difficult to access (expect to navigate a labyrinth of private property signs), you won’t be fighting for your spot in the water. It is a true “locals” swimming hole surrounded by vibrant rock walls that jut out of the earth and climb hundreds of feet.
This spot is only about a half hour from Boise, so you can finish up the day at 10 Barrel or Cloud 9 breweries. A day of swimming, sun, and beer should have you sleeping like a little baby.
Montana: Gigantic Warm Spring (Lewiston)
Are we getting tricky by choosing what could be considered more of a hot spring as a swimming hole? Yes. But, technically, this is a warm spring, so slow your roll. It counts.
The warm Spring has been owned by the Vanek family since 1940, and it’s considered the world’s largest natural warm spring and the third largest natural spring — which we think is so freaking cool. Every minute of every day, 50,000 gallons of water rise up from the earth and feed the spring. And that water is a soothing 68 degrees, 14-feet deep, and clear. There is a small $4 fee to get in because it is privately owned, but that also helps keep traffic down. It can get crowded during peak times, but there are other times when it is completely dead, and you get a huge swimming hole to yourself. Sit on the deck surrounding the spring and take in the central Montana countryside or soak and swim in one of the world’s natural wonders.
This is also a great area for a hike, so plan one before you hit the spring.
Wyoming: Boiling River (Yellowstone National Park)
Yes, this is a river. But, it is also part hot springs and part swimming hole and all awesome. Located in the Mammoth area of Yellowstone (and on both sides of the Montana/Wyoming border), the Boiling River is where a big ass hot spring eases into the Gardner River, making the area the perfect temperature for swimming about. If you need to be cooler or hotter, you can adjust the water’s temp by moving closer to or farther from the hot springs. And, as an added bonus, the presence of the natural hot water means this is a winter swimming hole too. A little cruising through Instagram reveals many a person enjoying a dip in a swimming suit and a knit beanie. However, the river rises in spring and becomes dangerous, so the Boiling River doesn’t open until mid-summer.
When you’re done with the soak, you still have one of the most beautiful parks in the country to explore. Be sure to take a pic at the 45th Parallel, the imaginary line that circles the globe halfway between the equator and the North Pole.
Hawaii: ‘O’heo Gulch (Maui)
Just because you’re on an island state surrounded by the crystalline Pacific Ocean doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when you want to go for a chill day at a swimming hole. Our vote is for the Seven Sacred Pools of Haleakala National Park, a natural playground for Hawaiians and visitors alike. When the rains hit hard, the number of pools in the area can be as many as 20, so there is no shortage of swimming and splashing to be done.
You have to hike about four-miles roundtrip to enjoy the waters, but you will see waterfalls and be out walking in Hawaii, so there shouldn’t be any complaints. If you’re concerned about desecrating anything sacred, don’t be. According to rumor, the pools were so named by an enterprising hotel owner who thought it would attract more visitors to his lodgings.
Sometimes, the risk of landslides will close the pools, so be sure to contact the park before setting out. If they’re open, arrive well before noon to minimize competition from other people in desperate need of a cliff jump. There may be a lot of water to go around, but crowds get intense.
Alaska: Chena Lakes (Fairbanks)
Obviously, the location of Alaska means that you won’t be skinny dipping year-round, but there are enough hot summer days that finding a place to take a plunge in chilly waters is absolutely worth it. Now, there could be some debate about whether Chena Lake in Fairbanks is a swimming hole in the strict definition, but we think it counts. And, on a 90-degree day, are you really gonna refuse to go to it because of semantics? And, if swimming isn’t enough to keep you entertained, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and rowboats and rule the lake.
During the cooler months, the lake is great for ice fishing and seeing the Northern Lights, so you may not be able to swim when it’s cold, but you can totally enjoy the recreation area.
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