WESTERN
WATER HOLES(Western US States are all shown on one map below) |
Click here to see our home page and learn about swimming holes in other states
ON STATE MAP BELOW: BLUE = swimming hole, GREEN = road trip dip (click here for info) , RED = hot spring. Hold cursor over map tags for info(click here if you don't see this info), then click to go to detailed listing. The map location is very approximate. Use our directions with a highway map.
See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in these states.
We include some of our favorite hot springs here, but there are more comprehensive western hot springs web sites. Have a look at our Related Links at Hot Springs Links .
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SAN FRANCISCO, GHIRARDELLI SQUARE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=37.807292, lon=-122.423542(source:DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | San Francisco Bay |
TYPE | Spring-fed pool |
DESCRIPTION | In the heart of San Francisco, in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is Aquatic Park: a small beach on a lagoon in the San Francisco Bay which is a historic swimming place and is still used and open to the public. The water is not pristine (and sometimes real cold) but some folks swim year around. There are at last two clubs (open to the public for a small fee) for people who swim here. For photos and information, see: DOLPHIN CLUB , SOUTH END CLUB. For other information see: GORP , FROMMERS .
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AREA | Golden Gate National Recreation Area GGNRA |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes - see web sites above |
FACILITIES |
Changing facilities, bathrooms in Dolphin and South End club facilities. |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | (415)561-4700(GGNRA) |
CAMPING | None at site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | Take cable car to Ghirardelli Square then walk north to Aquatic Park (parking very limited).
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/4/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ODESSA, PECOS, ALPINE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=30.944350, lon=-103.783258(source: By Another) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | TX |
WATER | San Solomon Spring |
TYPE | Spring-fed pool |
DESCRIPTION | The park's main attraction is a large (77,053 sq. ft.) artesian spring pool that is open daily and fed by San Solomon Springs. The pool differs from most public pools in several respects: the 1 3/4-acre size, the 25-foot depth and the 72 to 76 degree constant temperature. It also has a variety of aquatic life in its clear waters. With a capacity of more than 3 1/2 million gallons, the pool has plenty of room for swimmers, while offering a unique setting for scuba and skin diving. See web site for details: BALMORHEA S. P.
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AREA | Balmorhea S. P. |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes - see web site |
FACILITIES |
Full facilities in State Park |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Scuba Diving |
PHONE | 1-800-792-1112(State Park) |
CAMPING | At site, reservations available. There is also a historic "court" - like a motel. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Odessa, take I-20 west then I-10 east. The park is located 4 miles southwest of Balmorhea on State Highway 17, in Toyahvale. Take the Balmorhea exit off I-10 (exit #206); FM 2903 south to Balmorhea; State Highway 17 east 4 miles to the Park. From I-10 eastbound, take Toyahvale/Ft. Davis exit (exit #192); Ranch Road 3078 east approximately 12 miles to the park.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/4/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SAN FRANCISCO, MARIN, BOLINAS |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=37.9507, lon=-122.7645(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Bass Lake |
TYPE | Lake |
DESCRIPTION | Hike 2.6 miles (each way) to escape the crowds in Point Reyes National Seashore and join the bathing-suit-optional, laid back folks at Bass Lake. No real beach here and sometimes a bit muddy but good swimming, a great ambiance and a rope swing to play on. Even when it is foggy on the road, it is often clear at the lake. See web sites for more info:NATIONAL SEASHORE , GORP , NUDE BEACHES OF MARIN COUNTY.
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AREA | Point Reyes National Seashore |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Rope Swing |
PHONE | (415) 663-1092 (National Seashore) |
CAMPING | Walk-in, primitive camping (only) at the National Seashore |
BATHING SUITS | Optional (very!) |
DIRECTIONS | From San Francisco, take RT 101 across the Golden Gate then RT 1 north. Just past Bolinas Lagoon, turn left at the exit to Bolinas (may be unsigned). Follow the road along the lagoon until it ends then take Olema-Bolinas Road to the stop sign at Mesa Road. Go right on Mesa Rd. and go about 4 miles where it turns to dirt and ends at a parking area. There is a sign at the trailhead by the lot which will direct to Palomarin Trail. When you come to a grass meadow walk to the lake - there are 3 paths.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/4/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PORTLAND(OR), VANCOUVER(WA), BATTLE GROUND (WA) |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=45.8211, lon=-122.4518(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | WA |
WATER | Varies -see below |
TYPE | River/Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming places,some offical some not, on the East Fork of the Lewis River and other rivers near Battle Ground, which is just northeast of Vancouver, WA. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
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AREA | County Parks and Gifford Pinchot N. F. |
SANCTION | Varies |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Full facilities at county parks |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
PHONE | unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Varies -see below |
DIRECTIONS | In Vancouver (WA) from I-205, take exit 30 then RT 500 north. Where RT 500 turns east (right) keep straight onto RT 503. Follow RT 503 north though Union, Bush Prairie and Battle Ground. Then: | LEWISVILLE COUNTY PARK [LEWI]: Official swimming place in East Fork of the Lewis River in county park. Bathing suits for sure. Other facilities, fee unknown. To get here, continue north on RT 503 past Battle Ground and see signs for park. Swimming place is in river in park. Park Web Site LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=45.82044, lon=-122.53519(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2/2007. MOULTON FALLS COUNTY PARK [MOUL]: Official swimming place in East Fork of the Lewis River in county park. Bathing suits for sure. Other facilities, fee unknown. To get here, continue north on RT 503 past Lewisville County Park (above) and turn east (right) onto NE Rock Creek Rd (if you get to Fargher Lake you have gone too far), then continue onto NE 152nd south then onto NE Lucia Falls Rd. east. Follow Lucia Falls Rd past Lucia Falls (don't know about swimming there) to Moulton Falls County Park and see signs for park. Swimming place is in river in park. Park Web Site LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=45.83148, lon=-122.38910(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2/2007. SUNSET FALLS [SUNS]: Unofficial swimming place at foot of falls in Gifford Pincot N. F.. Apparently some jumping and sliding also - CHECK DEPTH AND CURRENTS BEFORE JUMPING! Other facilities, fee unknown. To get here, just past Moulton Falls park turn east (right) on NE Sunset Falls Rd.. Continue on this road past Horseshoe Falls (don't know about swimming there)into the National Forest to Sunset Falls Recreation Area right near the National Forest boundary. Swimming place is at bottom of falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=45.8189, lon=-122.2531(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 2/2/2007. SIOUXON CREEK [SIOU]: Trail along beautiful creek with waterfalls and swimming holes. Excellent for running and mountain biking too. Places to (primitive) camp along the trail beginning about 1/2 mile in. May get a glimpse of (what's left of) Mt. Saint Helens if you hike in far enough. Some steep switchbacks if you hike far in and some bugs and crowds in summer - spring may be best. Described by one visitor as:"... a bit like spending the day at an outdoors-themed fun park. Amazing experience." To get here, continue north from Lewisille County Park (above) on RT 503, go past Amboy to the small town of Chelatchie then and turn east (right) on NE Healy road. Follow this road as it turns several times for about 9 miles total, then turn left on National Forest Rd. 57 Go about 1 mile, then turn left on National Forest Rd. 5701. Continue on this paved road about 4+ miles to the trailhead. Hike, swim, camp and enjoy! LAT, LON of trailhead: [N83/W84] lat=45.94618, lon=-122.17826(source: web site) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2008.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SAN FRANCISCO, MONTEREY, BIG SUR |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=36.24828, lon=-121.77803(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | At the heart of the wild and remote Big Sur is the deservedly-popular Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park, through which courses the Big Sur River just before it empties into the Pacific. Of course, you can swim in the Pacific nearby (at Andrew Molera State Beach) but there are also several fresh water swimming holes in the Big Sur River in Pfeiffer-Big Sur S.P.. South of here, along the coast, is Eslen hot springs and other swimming holes. For details see DIRECTIONS below.
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AREA | Pfeiffer-Big Sur S.P./ Los Padres N.F. / Esalen Institute |
SANCTION | Varies |
FEE | Yes |
FACILITIES |
Full facilities in Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming/Hot Tubbing |
PHONE | 831-667-2315 (Pfeiffer-Big Sur State Park), (831)667-3000 (Esalen) |
CAMPING | At Pfeiffer-Big Sur S.P., extremely popular, must get reservations early, call (800)444-PARK (Mistix) |
BATHING SUITS | Varies - see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Monterey, go south on RT 1, then: |
GORGE [GORG]: Also in the Pfeiffer - Big Sur State Park: For a spectacular swimming hole setting, go to the far eastern end of the road along the river in the park then hike upstream along the Big Sur river for about 10 minutes, some scrambling over rocks and wading in water is required, to get to the gorge. Here a deep pocket of cold water is surrounded by massive smooth rocks. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . A report from a visitor:"The large swimming area quickly became overcrowded while we were there. However, the downstream area offers a fine area for Jacuzzi soaking, splashing and swimming in a smaller, more intimate setting. I was amazed to see that virtually everyone was overlooking the river portion as they walked to the main pool upstream". LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=36.24815, lon=-121.76988(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Bathing suits for sure. For good swimmers only, it can be difficult to find a place to scramble out on the boulders. Very confident. Verified. Updated 12/15/2005. ESALEN HOT SPRINGS [ESAL]: While you are in the neighborhood, go further down RT 1 for a late night visit to the beautiful hot springs at Esalen Institute. Natural hot water is led into stone pools above the thundering Pacific. (The old pools were destroyed in mud slides in 1998, but are now rebuilt - as of 9/04.) Unless you are staying at Esalen, you can only use the pools from 1AM to 3AM (yes, AM!), for which you pay $20.00 a person and for which you MUST make reservations ahead, either in person or by calling (831)667-3000. Bathing suits are not necessary. Outstanding experience, worth losing a little sleep over, don't miss it! LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=36.126250, lon=-121.641742(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. (Lots of mind-expanding workshops at Esalen too; see their web site at www.esalen.org ). To get here from Pfeiffer; continue down Rt 1 to signs for for Esalen Institute. Very confident. Verified. Updated 12/15/2005. SALMON CREEK FALLS [SALF]: Awesome waterfall near the south end of Big Sur area (Los Padres N.F.) with great swimming hole in pool at the bottom. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . Bathing suits may be optional. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.81601, lon=-121.35673(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . To get here, go way south on RT 1, 7.5 miles south of Gorda. There is a tight turn in the road with a large parking spot on the east side of the road. You can see the waterfall from the road. Park and look near the south side of the bridge for the Salmon Creek trailhead (you may have to hunt a bit for this but it is marked). Follow the trail for about 5 minutes until it comes to a clear area like a campsite and follow one of the small trails down to the creek. (Alternately, simply follow the sound of the water, and you will arrive at the base of the falls.) To get to the base of the large falls will require you to either get wet by navigating through the river or to climb over a very large rock buttress. Climbing over the rock involves a few awkward maneuvers, but can be done, even by children. For more info and maps see Water Falls West . Very confident. Verified. Updated 12/5/2006.
CONFIDENCE | Varies-see above |
VERIFIED | Varies-see above |
DATE UPDATED | 12/15/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | CARSON CITY (NV), BRIDGEPORT (CA) |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Buckeye Creek/Hot Springs |
TYPE | Hot Springs |
DESCRIPTION | Here is another hot-cold combo; two hot springs and a cold creek in close proximity to each other. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
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AREA | Toiyabe N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Picnic tables, Toilets near Buckeye at campground. None at Travertine. |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Tubbing, Wading |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | There is camping at Buckeye in a National Forest campground.
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BATHING SUITS | Optional (very) |
DIRECTIONS | Both Buckeye and Travertine Hot Springs are south of Reno and Carson
City NV. on RT 395 near Bridgeport in CA. To get there: | TRAVERTINE [TRAV]: Travertine is a hot spring only, but a very interesting one with a great view of the Sierra-Nevada mountains (if you can overlook the dusty quarry yards nearby.) The hot springs are in travertine pools, rock hard and white as snow. PHOTO . To get there: Take RT 395 south from Carson City to Bridgeport (CA). Continue about .3 miles south of Bridgeport then go east (left) on Jack Sawyer Rd. (paved). Where the road turns right, continue straight onto an unpaved road. Pass the quarry site, up a hill to the hot springs site. There are both lower and upper pools. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=38.24569, lon=-119.20494(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. BUCKEYE [BUCE]: Buckeye is a great hot spring alongside Buckeye Creek where you can cool off (not deep enough to swim) and camp within walking distance. To me, this place has it all! To get there: Take RT 395 south from Carson City to Bridgeport (CA). Just before you get into Bridgeport on RT 395, turn west (right) on Twin Lakes Rd. about 7 miles to FR 017. Turn north (right) onto FR 017 for 3 miles until after you cross the creek for the second time and you meet FR 038. If you go left here, you get to Buckeye Campground. For the hot springs, continue straight up to the top of the hill where there is a flat parking area. Park here. The hot springs are down the trail toward the creek, some on the hillside and some right down by the creek. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=38.23881, lon=-119.32633(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. CARSON HOT SPRINGS RESORT [CARS]: While you are in the Carson City area, check out the Carson Hot Springs Resort. The new owner says, "We have bought this small hot spring resort in Carson City, Nevada. The location is in Carson City and offers some unique experiences. The facility has been in use since 1849. Take a look at our web site. www.carsonhotspringsresort.com""
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 11/13/2001 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ST. GEORGE, ZION N.P., BRYCE CANYON N.P., ESCALANTE |
STATE | UT |
WATER | Calf Creek |
TYPE | Creek/Falls |
DESCRIPTION | America's newest National Monument is an awesome desert
landscape and it sure is hot about half the year. Fortunately, in the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante N.M. is Calf Creek with camping, pools and falls to cool the fevered brow. Take plenty of drinking water and respect the land (and look in your boots to be sure a scorpion hasn't taken up residence while you were swimming!) (See also ZION AREA and CAPITOL REEF AREA nearby.) See "DIRECTIONS" below for details. |
AREA | Grand Staircase-Escalante N.M. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Day use fee |
FACILITIES |
Rest rooms, picnic tables (in campground) |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at site in Calf Creek Campground. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary, may be optional at Upper Falls (very remote) |
DIRECTIONS | From Bryce Canyon N.P. take RT 12 to the northeast until you get to Calf Creek Recreation Area (well signed). Then: | CALF CREEK CAMPGOUND [CALC]: There is a pretty nice swimming hole with rope swing in Calf Creek right in the middle of the campground. Nice family place, lots of kids, easy access. May be shallow late in season. Park at campground (may be crowded on weekends)and pay day use fee. Swimming place is near the rest rooms. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=37.79324, lon=-111.41449(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified. Updated 8/9/2006. CALF CREEK - LOWER FALLS [CALL]: Beautiful falls which drop 126 feet into a cool (cold?) desert swimming pool. LINK TO PHOTO. . PHOTO . Three mile hike each way. Not much elevation change but it can be hot and much of it is on a sandy trail which is tiring. Popular hike, lots of people on weekends. Park at campground (may be crowded parking on weekends)and pay day use fee. Follow the well-marked trail north about 3 miles (each way) to the waterfall. May be shallow late in season. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=37.8290 , lon=-111.4209(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified. Updated 8/9/2006. CALF CREEK - UPPER FALLS [CALU]: (Description and directions from BLM document:) "A short, steep, strenuous hike to a lush desert oasis of thick stream-side vegetation, hanging gardens, deep pools, and the 87-foot high Upper Calf Creek Falls." Some or all of the pools may be too shallow to swim late in season. PHOTO 1, PHOTO 2. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=37.8557, lon=-111.4530(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified. Updated 8/9/2006. "To get to trailhead, continue on RT 12 east (past the Calf Creek Recreation Area/Campground, above). Before you get to Boulder, look sharply for the unmarked dirt road to the trail head located on the north (left) side of the road between mile markers 80 and 81. A good landmark indicating that you have the right road is a large black boulder with a wide white stripe that sits on the right side of the entrance to the road. It is less than 0.25 mile to the trail head on the dirt road which is very rough, sandy, and recommended for high clearance vehicles only". Park and walk if this road is too rough. "The hike begins on the canyon rim and makes a 500-foot descent down steep slickrock to a sandy trail visible at the bottom of the slope. As you approach the creek, the trail splits. The left side of the fork follows a trail down slickrock ledges and leads to the base of the falls. The right fork stays high and leads to the top of the falls. For more information, detailed maps, and current conditions contact the nearest GSENM visitor center. Day hike. Route is a well-worn sandy path; occasional rock cairns mark the slickrock sections.1.0 mile one-way with a 500-foot elevation change" (Footing seems precarious when you first go out on this slickrock, but if you have good footwear, avoid loose gravel and the rock is dry, the grip is actually pretty good. Follow the cairns across the slick rock face.) SAFETY: "Very steep slickrock at the beginning and end of the hike. Several rocky ledges to negotiate on the section of trail that leads to the base of the falls. Use caution near cliff edges along the section of trail to the top of the falls. Hikers need to watch their footing on steep slickrock to avoid falls, especially when wet. The return hike up the steep slickrock is very strenuous and can be extremely tiring, especially in hot weather. Heat exposure and lack of water are safety concerns along this route. Heat-related injuries and dehydration could be potential problems. Hikers must carry adequate water. Calf Creek is a sensitive riparian area and requires special "Leave No Trace" principles. Camping and fires are not permitted near the falls."
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | See above |
DATE UPDATED | 8/9/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PHOENIX, CAMP VERDE |
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | In the creeks around Camp Verde, northeast of Phoenix, in the Coconino N. F., there are numerous swimming holes. See DIRECTIONS below for a few of these. |
AREA | Coconino N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
At the Clear Creek and Beaver Creek campgrounds |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, jumping |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at the Clear Creek and Beaver Creek campgrounds. |
BATHING SUITS | Some optional (some are very remote) |
DIRECTIONS | From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Exit 287 (RT 260) near Camp Verde. Directions below are given from this interchange. | BULL PEN [BULL]: Short hike to a deep swimming hole in West Clear Creek. PHOTO . To get here from the interchange above, go east on RT 260, bypassing Camp Verde, then a few more miles to FR 618 on the left. Go about 2 miles north on FR 618 then turn east (right) on FR 215 and go about 3 miles to a gate that is locked. Park and hike about .5 miles to West Clear Creek where you will see the swimming hole. There is said to be another swimming hole upstream from here about 1.5 miles more. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.5397, lon=-111.6960(source: measured) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007. CLEAR CREEK CAMPGROUND [CLEA]: Nice Forest Service campground with a swimming hole in West Clear Creek. PHOTO . To get here, continue east on RT 260 past the turnoff for FR 618 (above) a short way to a sign for Clear Creek Campgound. Go toward the campground and follow signs to the Day Use Area. Park (pay fee) and follow a short trail down to the creek (you will have to cross an irrigation ditch on the way). LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.5134, lon=-111.7640 (source: measured) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007. WET BEAVER CREEK [WETB]: Hike about 7 miles round trip on the popular and scenic Bell Trail to several swimming holes in Wet Beaver Creek. To get here from I-17 exit 287, continue north on I-17 to exit 298 at RT 179. Take RT 179 east a short way toward Beaver Creek Campground. Follow signs to the Visitor Center but park in the lot just before the visitor center for the Wet Beaver Creek trailhead. Follow this well-developed trail across the desert landscape (sunscreen recommended) and into the canyon to the Bell Crossing where the trail crosses Wet Beaver Creek - about 3.3 miles total. The first swimming holes is just upstream of Bell Crossing, a huge one called "The Crack". There are said to be more swimmingholes upstream of here within 1.25 miles of the crossing. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.6741, lon=-111.6592(source: topozone) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007. BEAVER CREEK CAMPGROUND [BEAC]: Very inviting, large and deep swimming hole at the Beaver Creek Campground. Rope swings (watch for shallow water here) and picturesque red rock bluffs on the far side. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . To get here, continue past the Wet Beaver Visitor Center (above) and park at Day Use Area, across the road from Beaver Creek Campgound. Walk across the road and follow the sign to the creek side trail (dont go into the campground if you aren't camping). The swimming hole is just a short walk down this trail. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.6691, lon=-111.7123(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 10/17/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ST. GEORGE, CEDAR CITY, ESCALANTE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.28467, lon=-111.20586(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | UT |
WATER | Fremont River/Freemont Falls |
TYPE | Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Utah RT 24 goes east out of the Capitol Reef along the Fremont River, going toward Hanksville. As it comes out of the reef, the river tumbles over a waterfall making a large pool below. A great swimming hole with a smooth chute which you reach from a ledge hidden behind the falls. (See also "CALF CREEK AREA" nearby.) |
AREA | Capitol Reef N. P. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, sliding |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at Fruita. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From the town of Escalante (about 100 miles east of Cedar City),
take RT 12 to the northeast to RT 24 to the Capitol Reef Visitors Center. To reach the waterfall and swimming hole from the Capitol Reef Visitor Center take RT 24 east for 6.6 miles to mile marker 86.5. There is a large paved pull-out on the north side of the highway with several information signs. The waterfall is next to the parking area. The river tumbles over a waterfall making a large pool below. CAUTION- DO NOT SWIM HERE IN HIGH FLOW CONDITIONS! | We received this very helpful email from a park ranger in 4/2006:"...regarding the Capitol Reef swimming hole. There's no fee to enter the park as long as you stay on the main highway and not head south down the waterpocket fold area. The main highway includes the swimming hole. there are no facilities at the swimming hole, just a pull off beside the road and then several trails down to the water. just wanted to remind everyone that as this is the desert, the vegetation and soil is very delicate and shouldn't be trampled on at all. please stay on paths. Especially stay off the biological soil crusts!"
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/4/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PHOENIX, CAREFREE, CAVE CREEK |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=33.9678, lon=-111.912(source: measured-p) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Cave Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Three mile (one way) desert hike above a creek along a saguaro-
lined hillside to a deep, compact pool enclosed by several large rocks in the shade of small trees.
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AREA | Tonto N.F., Seven Springs Rec. Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None (Picnic tables, Toilets nearby) |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at either of two free campgrounds- Seven Springs or
the CCC Camp- each beside the creek (but with no drinking water.)
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BATHING SUITS | Optional (very remote) |
DIRECTIONS | In the Seven Springs Recreation Area of the Tonto National Forest.
To get there, take I-17 north from Phoenix to Exit 223. Follow the Carefree Highway east to
Cave Creek Rd. north. DO NOT turn off at signs to the "Cave Creek Recreation Area", which is
a local park near here. (Make sure you get drinking water as there is none further up.) Stay on Cave Creek Rd. for many miles, through the towns of Cave Creek and Carefree, past numerous
subdivisions, to the sign for the Cave Creek Ranger District office. STOP AT THIS RANGER
STATION FOR MAPS AND INFORMATION. Continue up Cave Creek Rd. as it changes to
FR 24, a dirt road which has some washboarding but negotiable with a passenger car. About 9
miles past the ranger station you will see the Seven Springs picnic area. Park here and
hike. | Hike from the Seven Springs picnic area. A network of five trails originates in this area; the one along Cave Creek to the swimming hole is known prosaically as "Trail Number 4". (SEE THE TRAIL MAP YOU PICKED UP AT THE RANGER STATION) The trailhead for #4 is just a short walk up Cave Creek Road (FR 24) from the campground, on your left after you splash through the creek on a low water bridge. The trail descends and heads west, closely following Cave Creek. It meanders initially through fragrant juniper stands, then up onto the canyon slope high above the water. Stop and enjoy the view: Saguaro cactus standing sentinel over clumpy prickly pear all the way down the canyon. As you cross through the creek the second time, about 3 miles in, the swimming hole is just downstream behind some rocks. There are said to be other swimming holes along this trail as it continues beyond this point for a total length of 9.9 miles, eventually coming our on another forest road (FR 1533 and FR 48).
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 1/4/2000 | |
|---|
Swimmingholes.info
|
TOWNS | SAN ANTONIO, AUSTIN, KERRVILLE, FREDERICKSBURG,
JOHNSON CITY |
STATE | TX |
WATER | Varies (see below) |
TYPE | Varies (see below) |
DESCRIPTION | There are numerous swimming holes in the areas of Austin and San Antonio, Texas and the nearby "Hill Country". See DIRECTIONS below for details. More are included in links in our RELATED LINKS section on CENTRAL TEXAS SWIMMING HOLES LINKS.
|
AREA | Varies (see below) |
SANCTION | Varies (see below) |
FEE | Varies (see below) |
ACTIVITIES |
Varies (see below) |
FACILITIES |
Varies (see below) |
PHONE | Varies (see below) |
CAMPING | There are several Texas State Parks in this area with camping. To make camping reservations: Texas State Parks. These are some very popular State Parks in season so consider reservations. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | All directions are from San Antonio or Austin. | BARTON SPRINGS [BART]: The most well-known centerpiece of all the Central Texas swimming holes is Barton Springs, in Zilker Park, right in downtown Austin. A huge, spring-fed pool (cool, 70 degree water) with concrete sides and natural bottom. Diving boards. Fee to swim $3.00 (2007). Barton Springs info and photos . To get here: from downtown Austin, take Lamar Boulevard (RT 343) south across town lake then turn west (left) on Barton Springs Road. At Robert E. Lee Drive, you have two options. You may turn left onto Robert E. Lee, go up a hill for about a quarter of a mile, and just past a baseball field, next turn into a gravel parking area. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.26386, lon=-97.77133(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified. Very confident. Updated 7/22/07. BLUE HOLE WIMBERLEY [BLUW]: A multi-generation local treasure (and preserved as such), the Blue Hole at Wimberley has recently re-opened as a city park and Blue Hole Campground. Blue-green Cypress Creek flows under Cypress trees through a naturally beautiful, shaded area with swimming and a rope swing. Unknown if there is a fee to swim. Friends of Blue Hole - information and photos . To get here, from San Antonio, take I-35 northeast to San Marcos then Ranch 12 northwest to Wimberley. In Wimberley, take Deer Lake Rd. (Old Kyle Rd. ?)east (right turn) the Blue Hole Lane north (left turn) to the Blue Hole Campground. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.00431, lon=-98.09053(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 6/22/07. BLUE HOLE GEORGETOWN [BLUG]: Traditional swimming place on the San Gabriel River right in downtown Georgetown. Dams create the pools and there is a cliff to jump from and small rapids to tube and play in. You can swim here and walk into downtown. To get here from Austin, take I-35 north to Georgetown and take Exit 259 and take South Austin Ave. through downtown. At the north end of town, just before you cross the bridge over the South Fork San Gabriel River, turn west (left) on 2nd Street and follow signs to the Blue Hole Park. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.64314, lon=-97.68144(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 6/22/07. LLANO SLAB - KINGSLAND [LLAS]: Traditional swimming place on the Llano River in Kingsland. Here, the river is wide and mostly shallow with a few deep places to cool off in. If you go, TAKE YOUR TRASH OUT WITH YOU! To get here from Austin, take RT 290 west to Johnson City then RT 281 north (right turn) to Marble Falls then FM 1431 west (left turn) through downtown Kingsland then turn west (left) on Ranch 3404 and go to the Llano River hwere the swimming hole is. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.68231, lon=-98.48369(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 6/22/07. KRAUSE SPRINGS [KRAU] This is a privately owned swimming and camping place in Spicewood. Features a waterfall covered in ferns with a swimming hole below the falls and a spring-fed swimming pool. A rope swing under shady cypress trees. LINK TO KRAUSE SPRINGS INFORMATION Fee is $4.00 to swim (in 2007). Has picnic tables, toilets - swimming, jumping. To get here from Austin: take RT 71 west, cross the Pedernales River, drive 7 miles, turn right on Spur 191 at the Exxon Station, right on County Road 404 and look for a sign on the left directing you to this private park. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.48061, lon=-98.14550(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 7/22/07. LUCKENBACH [LUCK]: Swimming place in the South Grape River in Luckenbach near the Luckenbach Inn Bed and Breakfast. No further details. To get there: From San Antonio, take I- 10 northwest to RT 16 northeast to Fredericksburg. In Fredericksburg, take RT 290 east then RT 1376 southeast to Luckenbach. Look for the Luckenbach Inn Bed and Breakfast and the South Grape River. The swimming place is here. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.17894, lon=-98.75506(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. PEDERNALES FALLS S. P. [PEDE] To get here from Austin, take RT 290 west through Dripping Springs and Henley the Ranch 3232 north (right turn) to Pedernales Falls S. P.. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.3392, lon=-98.2566(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Several fine swimming places: There is a pretty, staircase falls in the Pedernales River river here. Swimming is allowed in the river downstream of the falls, but no swimming at the falls itself. A nice camping area too, well wooded with small scrub trees. Swimming in the river behind camping area also. PEDERNALES FALLS S.P.-RIVER HOLE PHOTO For a very secluded little swimming place here, there is a trail to "primitive camping", a nice easy wide trail. On this trail, at about 3/4 mile (pass the .5 mile sign, ight at the 6.5 mile sign in opposite direction) off to the left of the trail is a creek with a little ravine and nice cozy secluded deep pools at the bottom good for swimming. Mountain biking is popular on this trail, you can also primitive camp back in there. PEDERNALES FALLS S.P. - CREEK HOLE PHOTO Verified. Very confident. BLANCO STATE PARK [BLAN] This is right in "downtown" Blanco, where the whole town comes out on hot days to picnic, fish and swim. Camping too. The Blanco River is dammed up (well, actually, a low water bridge where the river goes over the top) making a deep swimming place. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.089, lon=-98.424(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get there: From San Antonio, go about 45 miles north on RT 281 to the town of Blanco. Can't miss the river. BLANCO S.P. PHOTO 1 - BLANCO S.P. PHOTO 2 Verified. Very confident. HAMILTON POOL [HAMI] A most beautiful swimming place in a natural spring in a remote box canyon, with ferns all around and clear, clean, cool water. Waterfalls and cascades. Owned by Travis County. See web site HAMILTON POOL 1 , HAMILTON POOL 2. Is occasionally closed to swimmers - call ahead (512)264-2740. Parking lot holds only 75 cars and when it's full you have to wait until somebody leaves. That happens a lot on weekends, so come early. LINK TO VIDEO. We received this caution from a visitor in 2005:"...there are LARGE amounts of some sort of "scum" floating in the water. There are birds that roost all along the rim of the waterfall/cliff formation and the birds poop falls into the water, this really looks to be the scum that is floating - bird poop! It gets in your hair and on your skin, not pleasant. And, an odor abounds. Also, the water clarity is compromised..." Unfortunately, doesn't sound good. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.342, lon=-98.126(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Austin, take RT 71 west 38 miles, through Bee Cave, then turn left on Hamilton Pool Road. The park entrance is thirteen miles. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/12/06. SAN MARCOS [SANM]: Not exactly in the hill country, but between San Antonio and Austin, on I-35, is the town of San Marcos and the spring-fed San Marcos River. In the city of San Marcos there is Sewell Park with tube rentals and man-made falls. The water is crystal clear and very cool. One of the most popular sections is the Cheatham Street Dam (Rio Vista Falls) in Rio Vista Park LINK TO INFO AND PHOTOS (may take a minute to load). From Aquarena Springs to the interstate highway, the San Marcos River is a great swimming hole and float trip. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=29.89008, lon=-97.93400(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. NEW BRAUNFELS [NEWB]: A traditional German town, right on the Guadalupe River, with lots of river tubing and water park activities and other tourist attractions. Mostly commercial, with a fee. Some of the commercial parks and outfitters are: Schlitterbahn Water Park, Rio Rafting, River Sports Tubes. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=29.705, lon=-98.153(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident.
KERRVILLE [KERR]: Downtown Kerrville has a park right along the Guadalupe River. There is hiking, picnicking and swimming in very deep water (good swimmers only) behind a dam here at the river right in the midst of town. To get there: From San Antonio, take I- 10 northwest to RT 16 then into Kerrville. Take RT 16 south in the downtown, cross the bridge over the river then take an immediate right into Louise L. Hay Park. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.04636, lon=-99.14297(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. No camping at the site, for camping right near Kerrville, try the Kerrville-Schreiner S. P., just 3 miles from downtown, also along the Guadalupe River, with boat launching and swimming in the river. Has cabins also. To get to the camping place, take loop 534 just southeast of Kerrville. KERRVILLE PHOTO 1 - KERRVILLE PHOTO 2 Verified. Very confident. DEVILS WATER HOLE [DEVI] In Inks Lake S. P., there are many small falls fed by Spring Creek and a part of the dammed-up Colorado River where one might jump into the deep water. Inks Lake S. P. . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=30.7322, lon=-98.3739(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from San Antonio, go 95 miles north on RT 281 to Burnet, then 9 miles west on RT 29 then 3 miles south on Park Road 4 to Ink Lake S. P.. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 6/22/07. INGRAM DAM [INGR]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. The dam gets mossy and real slippery and folks slide down the dam face into the pond at the bottom. To get here, from Kerrville (above) take RT 27 west to Ingram. In Ingram, go left on Riverview Rd. and right on River Park Rd. (I think) and find the dam and you are there. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.06928, lon=-99.23336(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/12/06. HUNTS CROSSING [HUNT]: Another swimming place in the Guadalupe River, upstream from Kerrville. Has rope swing, county park and boat launch. Also known as "Schumacher's Crossing". To get here, from Ingram (above) continue west on RT 39 toward Hunt. (You will be running alongside the Guadalupe River and there may be other swiming places along here.) Just before you come into Hunt, RT 39 crosses the river and below this bridge is the park and swimmingplace. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.06935, lon=-99.32270(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/12/06. MEDINA [MEDI]: South of Kerrville, further south on RT 16, a bridge crosses the Medina River near Medina where there's a great swimming hole. To get there: From San Antonio, take I- 10 northwest to RT 16 then into Kerrville. Continue on RT 16 south past Medina. Swimming hole is at a low-water crossing of the Medina River on RT 16 between Medina and Bandera. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=29.73614, lon=-99.12208(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. COLORADO BEND S. P. [COLO] Very remote State Park in central Texas. Said to be "a spring-fed oasis of lush green vegetation and crystal clear water. Like driving out of West Texas, blinking your eyes and finding you're in Jamaica." Several very fine swimming holes, in spring fed creeks. Also features spectacular cave tours and a waterfall tour (ranger-led tours only, reservations recommended.) Ask at the office about the swimming places. All facilites are at the State Park, including very beautiful camp sites at site. Phone 915-628-3240. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=31.0977, lon=-98.5111(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Austin: take RT 183 northwest to Lampasas. The park is west of Lampasas, southeast of San Saba. From the intersection of US Highways 281 and 183 in Lampasas, take FM 580 west 24 miles to Bend and follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance. From San Saba, take US Highway 190 about 4 miles to FM 580 and follow the signs 13 miles to Bend; follow the signs 4 miles to the park entrance. The headquarters and main camping are 6 miles past the entrance on the gravel road (unmarked County Road 442). (Access road subject to flooding.) Very confident. Not verified. Updated 10/2/04. SAN FELIPE SPRINGS [SANF] Spring-fed pool in Horseshoe City Park in Del Rio. Link to photos and information. Unknown if there is a fee. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=29.37350, lon=-100.88367(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from San Antonio: take RT 90 west about 160 miles to Del Rio. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 6/22/07.
CONFIDENCE | Varies, see above |
VERIFIED | Some, see above |
DATE UPDATED | 6/22/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SACRAMENTO, OREVILLE, CHICO |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies-see below |
TYPE | Varies-see below |
DESCRIPTION | There are an abundance of swimming holes near Chico, some even right in town and others north and east of there - some in the Plumas N.F.. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
|
AREA | Plumas N.F. (some) |
SANCTION | Varies-see below |
FEE | Varies-see below |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | There are several campgrounds, some east of Oroville and others near Storrie in the N.F.. |
BATHING SUITS | Varies-see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Sacramento, take I-5 about 150 miles north to Oreland then RT 32 east to Chico. Then: | BIDWELL PARK[BIDW]: There is a long, linear park along the Big Chico River, beginning in the town of Chico and going to the northeast. Lower Bidwell Park is right in Chico and is accessed from downtown via Vallambrosa Avenue and there are several swimming holes here in the Big Chico River. Some of these are called "The Bank" (near Manzanita Avenue, has a rope sometimes), and "One Mile" (One Mile may have lifeguards). To get to Upper Bidwell Park, take Wildwood Rd. north out of town and follow signs to the park. Here, the swimming holes, going from south to north along the Big Chico, are called "Bear Hole", "Salmon Hole" and "Browns Hole". Brown's hole seems to be the best - somewhat remote and with fewer crowds. CAUTION ON SALMON HOLE In June, 2007, a man tried to jump into Salmon Hole from a cliff at the south end of the hole and was fatally injured when he hit the bank instead. Do not jump from this cliff. For more info on Bidwell Park, see: BIDWELL PARK , MAP (with some holes) , VISITOR INFO . LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.7622, lon=-121.7923(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/4/2006. BUTTE CREEK[BUTT]: East of Chico, along Butte Creek, are more swimming holes - said to be more family-friendly than along Big Chico. From town, take Skyway Rd east then go left (east) on Honey Run Rd. to the parking area (pay fee) near the Honey Run Covered Bridge or park along the road (completely off the road or you may be ticketed). The water is easily accessible with flat rocks and sandy areas. GO further up Honey Run Rd. and you may find more solitary (bathing suits optional) swimming areas. Much of the land along the creek is private property - obey "no trespassing" signs. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.72900, lon=-121.70528(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006. KIMSHEW FALLS[KIMS]: From Chico, take Skyway Rd east (as above, but don't turn on Honey Run Rd) continue east on Skyway. Stay on Skyway Rd. for many miles, through Paradise and through Magalia to Sterling City. As you enter Stirling City, take the first right then the first right again. You will now be going south on (I think) a gravel road (may be known as "P&R Line Rd." or "Retson Rd.) then very shortly go right (or continue straight) onto Robley Point Rd. (also known as "P Line Rd."). Keep right if you come to a fork and continue about 5 miles into the Plumas N.F. to a bridge over Big Kimshaw Creek. Kimshew Falls, with a large swimming hole at the bottom, is near this bridge. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.8794, lon=-121.5072 (source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006. The following places are best accessed from Oroville, which is a bit southeast of Chico: FEATHER RIVER [FEAT]: There are a number of swimming holes in the North Fork of the Feather River in the Plumas N.F. northeast of Oroville. No specific information, just look for folks enjoying the river. From Oroville, take RT 70 northeast into the N.F. and look for places down the embankment in the river. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.8576, lon=-121.3904(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006. FEATHER FALLS [FEAF]: This is about an 8 mile round trip hike in the Plumas N.F. to 640 foot high Feather Falls, which has a which has an observation deck with a great view. The swimming holes are NOT at the bottom of the falls, but BEFORE you get to the observation deck on this trail, the trail will fork and you take the right fork uphill and in about .25 miles you will come to the Fall River (which feeds Feather Falls) and several swimming holes. TO get here, from Oroville, take RT 162 east (Olive Hwy) for 6.7 miles, turn right on Forbestown Road for 6.3 miles, turn left on Lumpkin Road for 11.4 miles to the signed turnoff for Feather Falls. Turn left at sign and drive 1.5 miles to the trailhead. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.64306, lon=-121.27333(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 11/24/2007. GRIZZLY CREEK [GRIC]: Continue on RT 70 along the Feather River (as above) and go about 1 mile past the Arch Rock Campground to where Grizzly Creek joins the Feather River and park on the right. Walk upstream on the right, through tunnels, to the first pool which is about a 10 minute walk past the second tunnel. If you scramble upstream about another 20 minutes or so there is another pool. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.8611, lon=-121.3628(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006. ROCK CREEK [ROCK]: Continue on RT 70 along the Feather River (as above) and go about 1 mile past the Cresta Dam to the area where Rock Creek comes in from the north to join the Feather River. There are several swimming holes near here. To get to the first, park at the first wide spot and scramble upstream (not much of a trail) on the right side of Rock Creek for about 20 minutes to small waterfall and swimming hole. For another, easier to get to, a drive about another .5 miles to another parking spot and walk north about .25 miles along an old road to where there is a water slide into a large pool and a number of other smaller holes nearby. If you continue to walk upstream from here, on the left bank, and squeeze between some boulders, there is yet another hole. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.9078, lon=-121.3636(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Very confident. Updated 12/4/2006.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/24/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ALPINE, MARFA, PRESIDIO | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=30.0238, lon=-104.6473(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | TX |
WATER | Hot spring |
TYPE | Hot spring |
DESCRIPTION | Beautiful commercial hot springs with camping, lodging and food. Day use of springs also (fee). see website . |
AREA | None |
SANCTION | Official, commercial |
FEE | Yes, see web site |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot tubbing |
PHONE | 432-229-4165 |
CAMPING | Camping at site, lodging also. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown (probably optional) |
DIRECTIONS | From Alpine, take RT 90 west to Marfa then RT 2810 (Pinto Canyon Rd.) south then see map on website for further directions. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/28/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SACRAMENTO, AUBURN | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.9293, lon=-121.0385(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | American River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | There are a number of swimming holes along the North Fork of the American River outside of Auburn in the Auburn State Recreation Area . Clark's Hole is one of the best. A short but steep trail down to the hole with rugged cliffs around. This is just above where the Middle Fork American joins the North Fork American - it is generally not recommended that you swim in the Middle Fork, which is a challenging whitewater rafting river. The Recreation Area stretches for miles along both forks. |
AREA | Auburn State Recreation Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | 530-885-4527 |
CAMPING | There are several camping places along the river. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Reno, NV go west on I-80 west to Auburn, CA and take RT 49 south. Keep on Rt 49 through Auburn. In about 3 miles RT 49 will cross the American River. Park near here and follow the trail upsrteam on the North Fork. In about .5 miles of hiking you will pass under a highway bridge (Forrestville Rd) and in about another .25 miles you will come to Clark's Hole, big and deep. |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/28/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | FLAGSTAFF, WINSLOW | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=34.96825, lon=-110.64450(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Clear Creek |
TYPE | Creek/lake |
DESCRIPTION | Picnicing, camping, swimming and canoeing on a beautiful clear stream and/or lake through rock canyon just outside of Winslow at/near McHood Park. If you bring a canoe, you can paddle through this beautiful canyon too. |
AREA | McHood Park |
SANCTION | Unknown |
FEE | Unknwon |
FACILITIES |
Picnic Tables, Toilets |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, jumping |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at site - no hook ups - may be free camping. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Winslow, take RT 87 south a short way then RT 99 east (left turn) about 4 miles to McHood Park. Also, if you go a mile or two upstream, there are great jumping places into deep, clear water. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/280/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | TEXARKANA, MAUD | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=33.32606, lon=-94.38214(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | TX |
WATER | Crystal Springs |
TYPE | SPring-fed pool |
DESCRIPTION | Spring-fed swimming place, commercial, with water rides and a 350-foot-long beach of white sand. See web site for fees, photos and hours. CRYSTAL SPRINGS BEACH WEB SITE .
|
AREA | Crystal Springs Lake |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes- see web site |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, sliding, diving |
PHONE | 903-585-5246
|
CAMPING | Camping at site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Texarkana, take RT 67 west 20 miles (through Maud); Crystal Springs will be on the right side of the highway.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 7/2/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | LAS CRUCES, SILVER CITY, FAYWOOD | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=32.5542, lon=-107.9942(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NM |
WATER | Faywood Hot SPrings |
TYPE | Hot Springs |
DESCRIPTION | NOTE: As of 2007, Faywood was closed and for sale. Faywood Hot Srings has long been enjoyed, first by native Americans and now by all. It has been very nicely developed as a commercial facility with many outdoor public and private pools and other tastefully-done amenities. There are both clothed and clothing optional areas. See their web site for all the information. WEB SITE |
AREA | Faywood Hot Srings |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see web site |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot soaking |
PHONE | 505-536-9663 |
CAMPING | Nicley developed camping at site. Also very nearby at the fantastic City of Rocks S. P. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional |
DIRECTIONS | From Las Cruces, take I-10 west to Deming then RT 180 north and then RT 61 northeast to the signs for Faywood Hot Springs.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 11/06 |
DATE UPDATED | 12/12/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | BOISE, MOUNTAIN HOME, FEATHERVILLE |
STATE | ID |
WATER | Varies-see below |
TYPE | Varies-see below |
DESCRIPTION | Another great western hot/cold dip and camping combination within just a few miles of each other in the Sawtooth N. F.. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
|
AREA | Sawtooth N. F. |
SANCTION | Varies-see below |
FEE | Varies-see below |
FACILITIES |
Facilities at the nearby camgrounds |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Hot Springs |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | At both sites, see below. |
BATHING SUITS | Varies-see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Boise, take I-84 southwest to Mountain Home the RT 20 north to the area of Dixie. Then take RT 61 northwest toward Pine and Featherville. In Featherville, turn east on RT 227. Then: | WILLOW CREEK [WILL]: Primitive hot spring - soaking spots alongside a trail along Willow Creek in the Sawtooth N. F. with developed N.F. campground nearby. To get there: from Featherville, go 7 miles east on RT 227 to Forest Rd 008. Turn left and go past the Willow Creek Campground about 1.5 miles to the end of the road where there is a horse camp. From here, follow the trail about .5 miles up Willow Creek to the hot springs area. There are a number of diffferent hot soaking pools of different temperatures here. Bathing suits optional, no fee. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=43.6402, lon=-115.1293(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 1/4/2006. BAUMGARTNER [BAUM]: Somewhat developed hot spring (National Forest) and informal swimming place near Baumgartner Campground. To get there: From Willow Creek (above) continue about 4 more miles east on RT 227 to Baumgartner N. F. Campground. Nearby this campground there is both a swimming hole and a hot spring. The hot spring is led into a concrete pool and managed by the Forest Service - there is a parking fee here. Not sure exactly where the swimming hole is but it is very nearby. There is camping at the campground. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=43.60583, lon=-115.07528(source: Topozone ) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 1/4/2006.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/4/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | STANLEY, SALMON, NORTH FORK
|
STATE | ID |
WATER | Hot Spring/ Salmon River |
TYPE | Hot Spring/River |
DESCRIPTION | Another outstanding hot-cold pair, nearby each other in central Idaho. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREA | Salmon N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Tubbing, Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | There is very little level land at Goldbug site for primitive camping, likely to be full during busy times. There is established camping nearby Goldbug at Williams Lake. For the Salmon hole, on FR 030, past the Salmon swimming hole, there is camping in the National Forest at Corn Creek (may be full due to rafting). Go south from FR 030 on FR 055 (Panther Creek Rd.) to camp at Deep Creek on Panther Creek, much less crowded than Corn Creek.
|
BATHING SUITS | Optional at Goldbug, Salmon hole is pretty exposed. |
DIRECTIONS | | From RT 93 in Salmon: GOLDBUG HOT SPRINGS [GOLD]: At Goldbug Hot Springs, hot waterfall drops through several rock pools in a lush green crevice of a desert hillside. Very beautiful, not sulfurous. Requires a 2 mile hike (each way), steep in parts, but well worth the trip! A hot shower with a spectacular view. To get there: From Salmon, take RT 93 south for 23 miles to mile marker 282. Then go east (left) on a short gravel road to the parking area. Climb over the fence on the south side of the parking area and follow the well used trail. Walk across the footbridge then the trail begins heading uphill. In all, about a 2 mile hike up a canyon, steep at times, following a well established trail. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=44.9050, lon=-113.929(source: Web Site) (accuracy:exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. PHOTO , LINK TO VIDEO . Verfied. Very confident. SALMON HOLE [SALM]: If the current isn't too strong, it is a real treat to swim in the legendary Salmon River. Here's remote spot with a fantastic view all around. with a nice sand beach, easy access. BE SAFE, DON'T SWIM IN STRONG CURRENT. To get there: From Salmon, take RT 93 north to North Fork. Go west (left) on FR 030 past Shoup and past the bridge where Panther Creek Road (FR 055) goes off to the left (south). Continue on RT 030 west to where the road crosses a bridge over the Salmon River. Just past this bridge, still on FR 030, there is parking on the left and a large sandy beach on the Salmon River where you may swim in the river IF THE CURRENT IS NOT TOO STRONG. If the beach is under water, you can be sure THE CURRENT IS TOO STRONG! GO down to Goldbug and soak! LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=45.322644, lon=-114.418036(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified. Very confident. No photo.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 11/17/2001 | |
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TOWNS | MISSOULA, KALISPELL | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=48.6203, lon=-113.8732(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | MT |
WATER | Lake McDonald, McDonald Creek |
TYPE | Lake/Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming places along the famous "Going-to-the-Sun" road in Glacier N.P.. Some in a lake, some in a stream. Cold water most of the summer. See DIRECTIONS below for details. For a map: Glacier N. P.- click on "map".
|
AREA | Glacier N. P. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Fee to enter park |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Jumping, Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | "Going-to-the-Sun" road goes entirely across Glacier, from the west to the east entrance. This report from an avid swimming holes fan:"Beginning from the west end and going east, the beginning/lower section of this road begins by following the shore Lake. McDonald. There are several spots along the lake with pull-outs and pebble beaches that are very nice for swimming. After the road leaves the lake (still going east), it starts ascending. For several miles, it parallels a stream (McDonald Creek). Again, there are numerous pullouts because there are many fantastic views. Several of those pullouts have excellent swimming areas. Only caveat is the cold water. We were there in mid August and our kids (and their parents) loved it. After the "top," the road begins descending. At some point, it crosses a small bridge, with a waterfall & hiking trail also crossing the road. There are pullouts on both sides of the road there. We hiked downstream to a waterfall (no swimming there). The trail then continued to a relatively remote lake where we also found very nice swimming."
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 6/24/2007 | |
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TOWNS | GREAT FALLS |
STATE | MT |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming holes in Great Falls and nearby. See DIRECTIONS below for details. |
AREA | Varies - see below. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Varies - see below |
CAMPING | Primitive camping at Sluice Boxes S. P. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknwon |
DIRECTIONS | From Great Falls: | BROADWATER BAY [BROA]: Popular swimming place in the Missouri River in Great Falls - with a beach and a dock. From downtown, take River Drive south to where the Applebee's restaurant is. Broadwater Bay is across the street from Applebee's. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=47.49336, lon=-111.31200(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/17/2007. WHITE BEAR ISLAND [WHIT]: Another swimming place in the Missouri River in Great Falls. Continue south on River Drive to 4250 Lower River Road in Great Falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=47.49336, lon=-111.31200(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/17/2007. SLUICE BOXES S. P."[SLUI]: South of Great Falls, Belt Creek goes through a canyon where it is paralleled by a trail that follows an abandoned rail track. There is great scenery and many swimming places along this trail. NOTE: The trail requires crossing the creek numerous times with no bridges, passable only during the dry season, about mid-July through September. WEB SITE . PHONE: 406-454-5840. Lat=47.19211, lon=-110.94125(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: From Great Falls, take RT 87 southeast to Armington then RT 89 south for 15 miles until you see a sign marked "Sluice Boxes State Park." Take a right at the sign and west over a bridge until you see a parking lot on your left. There are many places to swim, including at the bridge and along the trail. Another approach to the Sluice Boxes is via the Primitive State Park - instead of turning off into the lower state park continue on the road a couple of miles until you see a parking area on your left and a sign for Primitive State Park. From the parking area follow the pretty steep path for about a mile and it will go down to a swimming area. The primitive state park has high cliffs, a middle level cliff, a nice beach, and a large swimming hole. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/17/2007. CONFIDENCE Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/17/2007 | |
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TOWNS | SACRAMENTO, WILLIAMS, MIDDLETOWN | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.78767, lon=-122.65556(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Harbin Hot Springs |
TYPE | Hot Springs |
DESCRIPTION | Harbin Hot SPrings is a well-established, nicely developed commercial hot springs with multiple pools, overnight facilities, restaurant, conference facilities, courses, meetings and other activities. Clothing optional in some places. Fees apply, reservations required for lodging, not for camping. WEB SITE . DIRECTIONS AND MAP . |
AREA | None |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see web site |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Tubbing, Courses, Conferences |
PHONE | 707) 987-2477
|
CAMPING | Camping at site - fee. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional in many places |
DIRECTIONS | From Sacramento drive North on I-5 for 58 miles to the town of Williams. Exit West on CA 20 for 37 miles. Turn Left onto CA 53, which turns into CA-29 south, into Middletown. Arriving in Middletown turn right onto Hwy 175. Drive three short blocks to Barnes St. (Big Canyon Rd.) and turn right.
Drive 1.2 miles to Harbin Springs Road, turning left at the fork at the top of the hill. Follow road for 2 miles to the gate house. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 8/08. |
DATE UPDATED | 8/26/2008 | |
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TOWNS | FLAGSTAFF, KINGMAN, PEACH SPRINGS | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=36.2563, lon=-112.6991(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP IF YOU HAVE GOOGLE EARTH, CLICK HERE
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Havasu Creek (tributary to Colorado River) |
TYPE | Waterfalls |
DESCRIPTION | These are primo swimming holes in blue-green pools at bottom of Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls on the Havasu Indian Reservation in the Grand Canyon area. It is about an 8 mile hike (1600 feet down) and you must have reservations to camp or stay at the lodge. DO NOT SHOW UP WITHOUT RESERVATIONS and make them well in advance! Call 602-448-2111 for the lodge or 602-448-2121 for general information and camping reservations. For a small fee the Native Americans will haul your camping duffle down canyon by mule or horse. Also, Havasu Creek goes another 10 miles into the Grand Canyon from Havasu and there are many swimming holes along the way. The reservation enforces bathing suits in the pools around Havasu. |
AREA | Havasu Indian Reservation |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Yes-entrance fee and camping or lodge fee |
FACILITIES |
All facilities at lodge and campground |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, rope swing |
PHONE | 602-448-2121 |
CAMPING | Camping at site, requires reservations |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Flagstaff, go west on I-40 to exit 149 then west on RT 66. At Nelson, turn north on on RT 18 and go 64 miles to Hualapai Hilltop, where the road ends. From here, hike about 8 miles (4 hours) to Supai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls, both of which have spectacular blue-green swimming holes at the bottom, at within hiking distance of here. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/9/2003 | |
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*
TOWNS | HAWAII - KAILUA |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=19.675, lon=-155.578(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | HI |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming holes on the "Big" Hawaiian island of Hawaii. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
|
AREA | Varies - see below |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Uknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | Directions are from Keahole Aiport, Hawaii: | KONA POOL [KONA]: A little-known state-owned saltwater swimming hole fed by the ocean waves. To get here: from Keahole Aiport: Turn right onto Queen Kaahumanu Highway 19. At second stoplight about 5 miles down, turn right onto Palani Drive. Follow Palani Drive until it changes to Alii Drive. On Alii Drive, between Kona-By-The-Sea and Kona Isle is a 100-yard access trail that leads you to the saltwater pool. The pool is right by the ocean and tere's a smaller tide-pool to the left. If you want to swim in seawater but are hesitant to go into the ocean, here's your chance. The pool occasionally gets funky if the ocean doesn't splash over it for a while. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=19.63, lon=-156.0(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 2/21/2006 | |
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TOWNS | COLORADO SPRINGS, CANON CITY, CRIPPLE CREEK | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.84717, lon=-105.24844(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CO |
WATER | Hay Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | One mile hike to local swimming hole in creek with low cliff to jump from. Be careful if you jump, the deep area is not large - best to follow a local who knows the place to land. |
AREA | Mueller State Park and Wildlife Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | none |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Jumping, Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Canon City, take RT 50 west out of town then RT 9 north for about 21 miles then take RT 102 off to the right toward Guffey. Follow RT 102 about 17 miles then turn north (left) on RT 11. In about 4 more miles, go left (north) on RT 1 (Cripple Creek-Florissant Rd.) (away from Cripple Creek). (Directions become uncertain at this point - please tell us if you find this place. It may not even be Hay Creek.) Go about 2 miles, over a hill, then park in an area on the left side which has a sign about rules for the area. Walk across the road then down a trail which follows a small canyon and a small stream, for about 1 mile to Hays Creek and the swimming hole. |
CONFIDENCE | Very uncertain |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 6/24/2007 | |
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TOWNS | SALT LAKE CITY, PARK CITY, HEBER
| LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.52323, lon=-111.48801(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | UT |
WATER | Homestead Crater Hot Spring |
TYPE | Hot Spring |
DESCRIPTION | A 65 foot deep hot spring inside of a cave where you can snorkel or
scuba in 90 degree water has brought visitors here for over a century. Now it is a commercial
resort with hotel, restaurants, tennis, sauna, et.al.. The hotel rooms are $120-$170 per night, but it looks like you can just go to the Crater Hot Spring for $10. It is at 700 North Homestead Drive, Midway, UT 84049, 435-654-1102, 800-327-7220. Visit their web site at WEB SITE |
AREA | Homestead Resort |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | $10.00 |
FACILITIES |
Yes |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Soaking, Snorkeling, Scuba |
PHONE | (800)327-7220 (Get reservations for hot spring
visit) |
CAMPING | No camping at site, there are several national forest campgrounds
nearby on RT 40. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Salt Lake City, take I-80 east to RT 40. Follow US Route 40
South past RT 248 (RT 248 goes to Park City). (The route from here is well marked with Homestead
Golf Course sign.) About 10 miles from RT 248, go southwest (take a right) on River Rd. into Midway. Cross Midway on 1050 N. St. & 1100 N. St. and, at the west side of Midway, take RT 224 south - look for signs to Homestead Resort.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 4/21/2000 | |
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TOWNS | RAPID CITY, KEYSTONE | LAT, LON | lat=43.89408, lon=-103.48069(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | SD |
WATER | Horsethief Lake |
TYPE | Lake jumping place |
DESCRIPTION | Just down the road from Mt. Rushmore, this is a great place for a 30 - 60 foot cliff jump into water that is said to be plenty deep. Here is a report from a visitor in 2009: "You can walk in from the road. It gets gradually deeper for about 10 feet and then just drops straight down to the 15 feet level quickly. To get up the rocks you can access them close to the road and climb up to the 30' elevation rather quickly. Then the 50 or 60 foot jump is just a walk up the same rock near a tree. The water is plenty Deep Enough. We were out there a few weeks ago. Then some people stopped and drove head first into the water. Then they did a backflip. It was a great time. Here are some better pictures to post which gives a good idea on the height which was 30-50 feet depending on where you jumped from."
|
AREA | Black Hills N. F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | none |
FACILITIES |
Facilities at Mt. Rushmore and at Horsethief Lake Campground |
ACTIVITIES |
Jumping, Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Camping at Horsethief Lake (National Forest) Campground on the far side of the lake. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Rapid City, head south on RT 16 to Keystone, then take RT 244 west and go about 5 miles and the lake will be at the bottom of a hill on your left. When looking at the lake the jumping cliff is on the right. Parking is right next to the road in a pull off, and the lake is just over the guardrail, and its an easy climb to the top.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | By another, 2009 |
DATE UPDATED | 11/09 | |
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TOWNS | BISHOP, MAMMOTH LAKES, YOSEMITE N.P. | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=37.6903, lon=-118.8403(source: USGS) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Hot Spring Creek |
TYPE | Hot Creek |
DESCRIPTION | This note came in 2008:"I noticed your report of swimming in Hot Creek near Bishop, Calif. I was there in 2006 and it was closed to swimming due to increased seismic activity and the hot springs increased from scalding to boiling. There is another hot spring in the area but I can not remember it's name but it was located beyond a US Ranger station." | This from a newspaper report in 12/2008:"...Hot Creek and several hot springs pools near the mountain draw many bathers each year. But federal parks officials have fenced off Hot Creek and banned swimming there because of the risk of extreme temperature changes. More than a dozen people have been killed or scalded in the creek since the 1960s, according to signs posted around the creek. Still, hot springs fans regularly ignore the signs and scale the fences to soak in the super-charged waters. [Some] hot springs enthusiasts suggest bathers use a thermometer, tied to a string, to test water" The hot springs come up in the midst of a cold creek. Look at the photos. These notes from a visitor:"There have been a few people who really got scalded there because they did not watch where they went in the water. You gradually wade/walk out through the cold water until you start feeling the "hot" water. Then you have to be careful to not go right into it, or you will really get scalded! But all in all, its a great place to visit. If you are ever in this area, GO THERE! There are generally two main hot water vents (places) to soak there in the stream, one downstream and one upstream, and located maybe 200 feet apart from each other. There are also some other thermal features on shore, like fumaroles (steam vents), and in one area a boiling pool of water." See also: HOT SPRINGS ENTHUSIAST.
AREA | Inyo N. F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial (but semi-developed) |
FEE | none |
FACILITIES |
Primitive toilets, changing rooms |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot bathing |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Camping north on RT 395 at Oh Ridge, south on RT 395 at Aspen Park. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary (big crowds sometimes) |
DIRECTIONS | From Mammoth Lakes, go 4-5 miles east on RT 395 then turn north (left) on Hot Creek Hatchery Rd/ Airport. After less than a mile, you will see a sign to "Hot Creek Geothermal Area". The last mile or so, before the parking lot, is unpaved.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/2008 | |
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TOWNS | HOUSTON, BEAUMONT |
STATE | TX |
WATER | Varies (see below) |
TYPE | Varies (see below) |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming place in parks near Houston. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREA | Varies (see below) |
SANCTION | Varies (see below) |
FEE | Varies (see below) |
ACTIVITIES |
Varies (see below) |
FACILITIES |
Varies (see below) |
PHONE | Varies (see below) |
CAMPING | At Village Creek S. P. and Huntsville S. P. There may be other Texas State Parks in this area with camping. To make camping reservations: Texas State Parks. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | All directions are from Houston or Beaumont. | VILLAGE CREEK S. P. [VILL]: Hike 1 mile in State Park to sandbar swimming area on Village Creek. WEB SITE. Phone: 409-755-7322. Camping. Fee. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.2497, lon=-94.1765(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. From Beaumont, take RT 69/96 north; take Mitchell Road exit onto Mitchell Road (just before the RT 69/96 split). Go approximately .4 mile on the access road and turn east (right) onto Mitchell Road. Then turn immediately north (left) onto FM 3513 (Village Creek Parkway). Go approximately 2 miles and turn East (right) on Alma Drive. Cross the railroad tracks (veer to the left) and go .5 mile to park entrance. Very confident. Not Verified. Updated 12/28/07. HUNTSVILLE S. P. [HUNT]: Swim in a roped-off area of Lake Raven - beautiful clear water lake in forested area adjacent to Sam Houston N. F.. There are alligators in the far reaches of this lake but there have not been reported problems with people. Do not swim at dusk or dawn. WEB SITE. Phone: 936-295-5644 . Camping. Fee. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=30.6156, lon=-95.5341(source: web site) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. From Beaumont, take I-45 north to Huntsville. The park is 6 miles southwest of Huntsville on Park Road 40. Very confident. Not Verified. Updated 12/28/07.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/28/2007 | |
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SWIMMING HOLES EAST
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TOWNS | EUREKA, SCOTIA, REDCREST, WEOTT, MIRANDA, GARBERVILLE | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=40.3225, lon=-123.9928(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Eel River, South Fork Eel River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | South of Eureka and Fortuna, RT 101 is closely paralleled by the "Avenue of the Giants" (old RT 101?) which runs through the beautiful Humboldt Redwoods State Park area and alongside the Eel River and the South Fork of the Eel River. There are numerous swimming places in these two rivers which are popular and easily accessed from the Avenue. | The visitor to this area should definitely stop at a visitor center ASAP and buy the Humboldt Redwoods State Park map ($2.00) which shows the area, the Avenue and rivers as well as the swimming holes! We do not attempt to detail all the swimming holes which are shown on the map, but to highlight a few of the best. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREA | Humboldt Redwoods S. P. |
SANCTION | Semi-official (no life guards) |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
All facilities along the Avenue and at the State Park campgrounds |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, tubing |
PHONE | 707-946-2409 |
CAMPING | Camping at Hidden Springs, Burlington and Albee Creek, three State park campgrounds. Get reservations. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Eureka and Fortuna, take RT 101 south, then: | SCOTIA FIREMENS PARK [SCOT]: This one is off of RT 101 in the town of Scotia before you get to (north of) Humboldt Redwood S. P.. Get of RT 101 at Scotia, go left on Main St. (through a pretty downtown area) then right on Bridge St.. Continue on Bridge St. over a pond and through a neighborhood and through a mill gate (if it is open - if not, you are out of luck) to a ball field and small park. Park here and walk down to the river. PHOTO . There is a concrete jetty here that you may be able to jump off the end of but CHECK WATER DEPTH AND CURRENTS BEFORE YOU DO SO! LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.47573, lon=-124.10759(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. Continue south on RT 101 and then access the Avenue of the Giants at Redcrest and continue south. On the State Park map, you will see swimming holes along this road begining just south of Redcrest, but the best places are near the Founders Grove and south of there: LEATHERWOOD BAR [LEAT]: A popular swimming spot and scenic area - just a little bit tricky to get to. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . After you pass the Dyerville Overlook going south on the Avenue, drive just a short way and follow the signs as if you were going to get on RT 101 south (but you will not). Go slowly! Just as you make a right hand turn then another and you will seem to be on the ramp to RT 101 BUT turn right onto an unsigned gravel/dirt road (you dont actually get on RT 101 at all). Drive down this road a short way and park and walk down to the gravel river bed and sandy beach. You are there! (You can also leave without getting on RT 101). LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.35385, lon=-123.92775(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. WOMENS FEDERATION GROVE [WOME]: A pretty but not so populated swimming spot and scenic area - easy to find and to park. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . From the Leatherwood Bar (above), go about .7 miles south on the Avenue to signs for the Womens Federation Grove. Turn in and go down this narrow road to a large parking area near the river. Park and walk down to the river. Enjoy! LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.34269, lon=-123.93881(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. GARDEN CLUB GROVE [GARD]: Even less populated swimming spot and scenic area - easy to find and to park. PHOTO . Continue south on the Avenue to the Visitor Center at the Burlington Campground (buy the map here if you haven't already) and go about 2 more miles south to the signs for the Garden Club Grove. Park and walk down to the river. Enjoy! LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.29219, lon=-123.90210(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 8/08 |
DATE UPDATED | 8/9/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | KAUAI - WAIMEA, KILAUEA, KEALIA |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=22.077, lon=-159.533(source: Topozone) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | HI |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | There are several beautiful and popular swimmng holes on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
|
AREA | Unknown |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Uknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, sliding |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Lihue Airport, Kauai: | KOAIE CANYON [KOAI]: A spectacular hike in the Waimea Canyon area with numerous swimming holes along the way. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=22.079, lon=-159.647(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from the airport, take RT 58 to RT 50 west to Waimea then take RT 550 north along the Waimea Canyon. Begin on the Kukui Trail (rated difficult), which starts along Highway 550, about 0.75 miles beyond the 8-Mile Marker. Kukui Trail is a scenic trail down the west side of Waimea Canyon. It makes a 2000 ft. elevation drop to the canyon floor ending at the Wiliwili Camp site. Next take the Koaie Trail, which starts about a half mile up the Waimea River from the bottom of the Kukui Trail. It takes you on a route along the south side of Koaie Canyon, with good scenery and swimming holes. DANGER: Do not access to this trail during stormy weather in the mountains due to dangers related to flash flood storm (runoff over the Waimea River crossings). There are two backpack campsites (by permit only) on this trail, Hipalau and Lonomea. No commercial use allow for camping and hiking. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 3/16/04. KIPU FALLS [KIPU]: A short walk to a spectacularly beautiful waterfall with huge pool below and rope swing. Can be a crowd of tourists there. For photos and info, see KIPU FALLS . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=21.95038, lon=-159.41866(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from the airport, take RT 58 to RT 50 west. One mile past Puhi, at Mile Marker #3, turn left on Kipu Road. At the 'Y', bear to the right. Turn left on the dirt road just before the bridge. Park your car by the gate and walk downstream approximately 5 minutes to the waterfall. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/6/06. KEAHUA FORESTRY ARBORETUM [KEAH]: Not the deepest of swimming holes, this is, however, an excellent choice for families. The cascading stream makes for a fun spot for kids to splash. Stay away during heavy rains, as flash flooding does occur. For photos and info, see KEAHUA FORESTRY ARBORETUM . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=22.069542, lon=-159.413123(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from the airport, take RT 51 east to RT 56 north toward Wailua. After crossing the Wailua River Bridge, turn left on Kuamo'o Road (RT 580). The Keahua Forestry Arbetorum is approximately 5 miles down the road, past the Wailua Reservoir. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/08.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/6/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | BAKERSFIELD, LAKE ISABELLA, KERNVILLE |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies-see below |
TYPE | Varies-see below |
DESCRIPTION | Great swimming places near and in Sequoia National Forest. See DIRECTIONS below for details. |
AREA | Sequoia N. F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Varies-see below |
FACILITIES |
Varies-see below |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | At Limestone Campground |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Bakersfield take RT 178 east through the spectacular Kern River Canyon to the town of Lake Isabella. Then take RT 155 north to Kernville and continue north on Sierra Way (aka: Mountain Rd., RT 99, Kern River Hwy.) into the Sequoia N. F., then: | LIMESTONE CAMPGROUND [LIME]: Swimming place in the Kern River at the Limestone Campground. To get here, continue north on Sierra Way past Fairview Campground to the Limestone Campground. The swimming place is here in the Kern River. No more specific directions - no parking information. LINK TO PHOTO . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.965980, lon=-118.480017(source: Google) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 4/24/08. BRUSH CREEK [BRUS]: Several swimming places and slides in a desert canyon along Brush Creek. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3. To get here, continue north on Sierra Way to just past the Limestone Campground, see on the left a large parking area signed "Brush Creek River Access" (popular boating access to the Kern River). Park here and walk across the road to a trail that goes up Brush Creek. There are numerous swimming holes in the first 1.25 miles up this creek. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=35.9711, lon=-118.4714(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 10/4/04.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 4/24/08 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MOSCOW, HARVARD | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=46.94306, lon=-116.64889(source: web site) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | ID |
WATER | Palouse River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming place in dammed river (built by CCC) with sandy beach at park/campground. |
AREA | Saint Joe N.F. |
SANCTION | Unknown |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
At campground |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Moscow, go north on RT 95 then east (right) on RT 6 for 3 miles then 1.5 mi. southeast on Forest Rd. 447 (Palouse River Rd) to the campground sign. The swimming hole is in a creek in or near the campground. |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/29/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SANTA FE, WHITE ROCK, LOS ALAMOS, JEMEZ SPRINGS |
STATE | NM |
WATER | Varies, see belows |
TYPE | Swiming holes and hot springs |
DESCRIPTION | Drive a little and enjoy a lot! These are all west of Santa Fe and Los Alamos and are on a very scenic road, RT 4, between White Rock and Jemez Springs (also called the "Jemez Mountain Trail"). They are hot, cold and in between. (I am told that the hot ones were already hot long BEFORE the atomic research at Los Alamos.) There are places where, driving on RT 4, you can smell the sulfur of the thermal springs in the air. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREA | Santa Fe N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot soaking, Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | There are a number of campgrounds along RT 4 in the Santa Fe N.F.. My favorite is Vista Linda campground, south of Jemez Springs on RT 4. I believe there is a swimming hole in the campground behind site #8 PHOTO . |
BATHING SUITS | Forest rules say "No nudity" but this is often not observed. |
DIRECTIONS | From Santa Fe, take RT 285 north to RT 4 west to White Rock. Then: | PAJARITO SPRINGS [PARS]: Pajarito Springs is a springs/pool at the bottom of a beautiful canyon beside the Rio Grande River in White Rock near Bandalier National Monument. The water is luke-warm year-round as it is somewhat thermal. It may have some poison ivy around it (be careful) and some watercress in it, but it is said to be swimmable. To get there: Going west on RT 4 in White Rock, turn south (left) onto Sherwood Blvd (at Sherwood Plaza and the Smiths supermarket). Where Sherwood Blvd ends at Piedra Loop, go left. Continue a short distance on Piedra Loop in a residential area until you come to a sign that says "Trail Entrance, Red Dot Trail, Parajito Springs, Rio Grande" and a small parking area. Park here and follow the red dots (mostly on rocks) down into the canyon. It is a rather steep trail, going down sharply then somewhat level then down again to the banks of the Rio Grande. The spring is right near the Rio Grande on this trail, about 1.5 miles total one way. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=35.8030, lon= -106.1957 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Partially verifed, 9/02. Very confident. MC CAULEY WARM SPRINGS [MCCA]: Deep in the Santa Fe National Forest, McCauley is a beautiful warm springs, about 85 degrees, and a very nice hike on Trail #137 about 1.5 miles each way. There are several pools, some very large, with perfectly clear water, in a very scenic glade. PHOTO. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=35.8202, lon= -106.6274(source: Soak.net files) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verifed (Jemez Falls route only), 9/02. Very confident. There are two ways to get here: First way: (this is said to be the easier trail), from RT 4 west of White Rock and Los Alamos, see the signs for the Jemez Falls Recreation Area and campround. Park here and hike toward Jemez Falls a very short distance where you will see a trail marker indicating the trail forking off to McCauley Warm Springs (this is Trail #127). Follow this trail about 1.5 miles to the warm springs. Second way: Continuing west then south on RT 4 (past RT 126 and past the parking area for Spence Hot Springs, see below) come to Battle Rock Picnic Area. Park here (you can park in a little lot just north of the picnic area itself to avoid paying the fee for the picnic area) and find Trail #127 and follow it up a long, gradual grade about 1.5 miles to the warm springs. (I suppose if you had 2 cars you could leave one at Battleship Rock and hike down from Jemez Falls about 3.5 miles total and visit the warm springs on the way.) SAN ANTONIO HOT SPRINGS [SANA]: Also deep in the Santa Fe National Forest but 5 miles up a very rough road (will require a high clearance vehicle), San Antonio is a spectacular hot springs, with about 4 rock pools down the side of a mountain overlooking a scenic vally and with a very large flow of clear, hot water. This is a primo hot springs! PHOTO. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=35.9383, lon= -106.6454(source: Soak.net files) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Verifed, 9/02. Very confident. To get here, go west on RT 4 from Jemez Falls, then turn right onto RT 126. Follow RT 126 a few miles to where FR 376 (see sign) comes in from the left. FR 376 continues across RT 126 but there is no sign on the right side. Go right here on FR 376 past a gate (may be closed at night) up a very rocky, rough road (that doesn't get very much smoother as you go up it further). If your vehicle can make this road, it is about 5 miles up where the road drops down into a small valley and clearing past 2 cabins on the right (where you will probably see cars parked). Park then walk across a wooden bridge and take a short but steep climb up to the springs on the right. If you can't get your vehicle up this road, you could hike the 5 miles up the road, but you are supposed to be out by sunset. (I hitchhiked up this road in 9/02 as I didn't have a high clearance vehicle. There is not much up here but the hot springs and folks may pick you up rather quickly.) It is a great hot springs, worth finding a way up! Verifed, 9/02. Very confident SPENCE HOT SPRINGS [SPEN]: Spence Hot Springs is a very well-used, sometimes a rowdy crowd, but a large and beautiful hot spring, an easy walk from the road. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=35.8489, lon= -106.6297(source: Soak.net files) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Verifed, 9/02. Very confident. To get there: Continue west on RT 4 past RT 126 about 1.5 miles see the sign "Dark Canyon Fishing Area" and, just past here, there is a very large parking area on the left with no large sign. (Not as far as Battleship Rock) Park in this lot, where you will see a small sign that says "Parking sunrise to sunset-No nudity". From here, follow the well used trail a short distance across the creek to the hot springs. SODA DAM [SODA]: Soda Dam was formed in the Jemez River where minerals from a natural spring made a dam that blocks the Jémez River. Through a hole in the dam, the river forms a waterfall. The spot below the falls is a popular swimming hole. PHOTO. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=35.7931, lon= -106.6858(source: Soak.net files) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Verifed, 9/02. Very confident. To get here: continue west (really south) on RT 4 toward Jemez Springs to a sign that says "Jemez State Monument 2 miles" then in another mile come to a large white formation that crosses RT 4 - this is the soda dam. There is a parking area just past the dam on the left. The waterfall and swimming hole are very visible from here. (The Bath House in Jémez Springs has natural hot mineral baths and massages. Fee charged. ) GILMAN TUNNELS[GILM]: The Gilman Tunnels are 2 roadway tunnels in spectacular solid rock cliffs towering above the Guadalupe River. Well worth seeing just to see the canyon and river, there appear to be several swimming places here also. PHOTO1 , PHOTO2 . To get here: continue west (really south) on RT 4 beyond Jemez Springs and the Linda Vista Campground and turn west (right) on RT 485. Follow this road along the Guadalupe River through the 2 GIlman Tunnels. Right after you clear the second tunnel, pull off in the parking area on the right. It appears that you easily can climb down here to the river and there is a deep pool for swimming. Also, if you continue on this road to the gate (where it becomes unpaved) just past the gate on the right is a very accessible rock ledge over the water with an apparent swimming place. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=35.71978, lon= -106.75886(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP Very confident. Verified 9/02. Updated 12/17/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Mostly, see above |
DATE UPDATED | 9/28/2002 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MAUI - KAHULUI, WAILUKU |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=20.816, lon=-156.361(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | HI |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Beautiful and popular swimming holes on the Hawaiian island of Maui. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
|
AREA | Varies - see below |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Uknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, sliding |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Kaluhui Airport, Maui: | HANA HIGHWAY [HANA]: From the Airport, head east along RT 36/360 toward Hana and along the way there are several falls with swimming holes below. Reset your odometer at RT 360. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=20.83, lon=-156.14(source: deLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. For highlights along the road, see HANA HIGHWAY GUIDE . Mile Marker 2: Twin Falls. Park in the lot on the right side of the road, cross over the fence and walk across a grass area then down a dirt road down to the falls. Swim in pool at the bottom of the falls. INFO AND PHOTOS Mile Marker 11: Puohokamoa Falls. The main feature of a small state park, Puohokamoa can be seen from a stop along the winding road to Hana. It is only one of several falls along the highway, and the park also features a pleasant grassy area, with a picnic table or two, from which the water can be seen. Some visitors swim in the refreshing pool at the base of the falls. For information and photos, see HAWAII WEB . Mile Marker 17: Keanae Village, a Hawaiian village, taro fields, missionary church and swimming area. Walk down the gravel road, then swim upstream 50 yards to the small falls and a large pool. Mile Marker 22.6: Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park. A quiet stream, small waterfall and pools. Restrooms and picnic spots are available. Parking lot also. LINK TO PHOTO . This rest stop lies within a rain forest. It offers a pleasant waterfall and pools. The falls create a soothing background sound for the park's picnic area. There is a well-marked path which leads to the falls and to a swimming hole. The park offers some beautiful rain forest vegetation. This wayside park lies along the Hana Highway approximately 38 miles east of the Kahului Airport, on Maui. Mile Marker 44 is Ohe'O'Gulch - 7 Sacred Pools. About 15 minutes Past Hana is the home to the the seven sacred pools at the east end of Haleakala National Park. There are several waterfall pools to swim in. See: HAWAII WEB. IAO STREAM [IAOS]: A 1 mile hike in the spectacular Iao Valley along Iao Stream with several swimming places on the way. Here is a link to information and photos of the Iao Valley: IAO VALLEY STATE PARK . To get here from the Kaluhui airport, take RT 32 west through Wailuku. Past Wailuku, RT 32 (Kaahumanu Road) becomes RT 320. Continue to the end of this road at the Iao Valley State Park/Monument. Park here and walk along the Iao Stream. The first half mile is on a trail, you may have to wade or hop rocks in the second half mile. The swimming holes are along here. LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=20.8800, lon=-156.5554(source: Topozone) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 3/16/04
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 3/16/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MCCALL, CASCADE, WARM LAKE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=44.9103, lon=-116.0661(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | ID |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Beautiful and cold swimming holes in the forests around McCall. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
|
AREA | Varies - see below |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Uknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | National Forest camgrounds nearby, Ponderosa S. P. near McCall |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From McCall: | SNOWSLIDE [SNOW]: Granite outcropping in very picturesque area that forms a pool with water clear and cold. To get here from McCall: Go north on Davis street then east (right) on Lick Creek Rd. Drive about 13 miles on Lick Creek Rd. (becomes dirt) past the Black Lee Creek trailhead on the left. Before you come to the Snowslide Lake trailhead on the right, look at the stream on the right for a granite outcropping with a pool below. LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=44.99714, lon=-115.94800(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 10/4/04. KNOX [KNOX]: Wide stream, full of pools with sandy bottoms and grassy places for picnicking. Near Warm Lake east of Cascade. To get here from from McCall, go south on RT 55 to Cascade. Turn east (left) on Warm Lake Rd. - FR 22. Just before you reach Warm Lake, turn north (left) on a single lane, paved road along the South Fork of the Salmon River. Turn here and park right away. There is an embankmant above the road away from the river. Walk up this hill and cross a wood fence around a meadow at Knox Ranch, a historic mining settlement. Walk south down a hill, away from the meadow to a wide stream, full of pools with sandy bottoms and grassy places for picnicking. LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=44.6649, lon=-115.6973(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 10/4/04.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/4/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ELY, MCGILL |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.41260, lon=-114.77979(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NV |
WATER | McGill Springs |
TYPE | Spring |
DESCRIPTION | Quaint, fun swimming hole in the Nevada desert! Natural spring, but with a slide, diving boards and sandy beach.
|
AREA | None - Humbolt N.F. and Great Basin N. P. are nearby. |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Picnic tables |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, sliding, diving |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at either Humbolt N.F. or Great Basin N. P.
|
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | To get here from Ely, go north 12 miles on RT 93 to McGill. The swimming hole is at Dairy Road and Main Street.
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/4/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | REDWOOD CITY, LA HONDA |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=37.27350, lon=-122.28983(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Pescadero Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Walk path along Pescadero Creek to find wading and swimming places.
|
AREA | San Mateo County Memorial Park |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, wading |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at the site
|
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From I-280 near Redwood City, take Exit 28 at Woodside Rd. / RT 84 and go west. Cross Skyline Blvd., staying on RT 84, and go through the town of La Honda. Turn left onto Pescadero Rd. and continue to the park entrance on the left.
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CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MOAB |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.5647, lon=-109.5000 (source: measured-p) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | UT |
WATER | Mill Creek and Left Fork (of Mill Creek) |
TYPE | Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Very beautiful scenic area near Moab has three very popular swimming holes. USE THEM GENTLY, PLEASE! (Many thanks to Henry Steigerwaldt for the series of pictures going up this trail) |
AREA | Manti-La Sal N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | none |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Dead Horse Point S. P. (west of Moab) |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From the town of Moab, go southeast on Mill Creek Dr. (don't take the left fork, which leads to the Slickrock Mountain Bike Trail) and go onto Powerhouse Lane (less than 1 mile from town). Park at the end of this road. | The trail leading out of this lot, which is a continuation of the road, leads upstream to the dam (about a 10 minute walk) , where most people swim. For more swimming places, continue on this trail past the dam, hiking upstream to where Mill Creek and its Left Fork come together. There are swimming places up both of these forks, each about .3 miles up. From the lot, there is also a smaller trail that heads downstream, about a 1 minute walk, to a small swimming hole about 5 feet deep with 8 foot and 10 foot jumps from the rocks. Local kids dam the sream here to increase its depth.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | By others |
DATE UPDATED | 12/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MENDOCINO, FT. BRAGG, NAVARRO |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Navarro River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes along RT 128 in the Navarro River. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREA | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at Navarro Redwoods S.P. and Hendy Woods S.P. |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Ft. Bragg or Mendocino on the coast, take RT 1 south then take RT 128 southeast. Then: | ROADSIDE 128 [ROA8]: Go southeast on RT 128 and watch the milepost signs. Just past milepost 3.00/3.01 pull out on the south (right) side of the road just before the guard rail begins. (Going northwest on RT 128, the nearest milepost before this spot is 3.08) Park and walk between two redwoods trees down to the river and the swimming hole. PHOTO . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.17876, lon=-123.70181(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. PHILO [PHIL]: Continue southeast on RT 128 past Navarro and, before you get to Philo, look for a road on the south (right) side on RT 128 that is the Philo-Greenwood Rd. (a sign at the interesection says "Elk"). Go down this road a short way, just past Apple Farm you will cross a wooden bridge and, just on the far side of this bridge, pull off on the right in a pull out area. (You can see the sign for Hendy Woods S.P. across the road from here). Walk down to the river under this bridge - the swimming hole is here. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.08553, lon=-123.48508(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 8/08 |
DATE UPDATED | 8/9/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | OAHU - HONOLULU |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=21.287, lon=-157.754(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | HI |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Several outstanding swimming places on Oahu. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
|
AREA | Varies - see below |
SANCTION | Varies - see below |
FEE | Varies - see below |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, snorkeling |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | All directions are from Honolulu: | TOILET BOWL [TOIL]: NOTE: This place was closed indefinitely as of 3/2009 because of rocks caving in from around the rim. This report from an enthusiastic fan: "On Oahu, you go to Hanauma Bay, which is a big tourist draw for amateur snorkelers... everyone knows where it is... it's a big site... as you look out at the ocean from the bay, you just walk all away around the point to the left (as you look out at the ocean) and the toilet bowl is at the bottom of a little gorge cut out of lava rock." (It is not very good for snorkeling, really. Better to stay in Waikiki and snorkel along the near side (Waikiki beach side) of the rock "groin" or jetty that is at the Queens Beach. This place is much easier to get to and you will not see quite as many fish as at Hanauma but you will see a good variety.) PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 "It is totally cool. The water comes into, and flows out, of a big sort of oval pool which is about 10 x 12 feet and about 7 or 8 feet deep. This happens with each surge of the waves. The water enters and leaves through a small passageway, which is fun for the brave to swim through... you let the wave suck you out into the ocean side, as the water goes down." "The normal routine is to jump in when full, making sure to swim toward the water as it comes in (so it doesn't knock you against the rock), then, as the water goes out, you swim away from the current, so you don't get sucked through the hole. It's not as hard as it sounds, and when you go there, you observe those inside for awhile, and the other swimmers instruct you (being "pros") before you jump in." "When you want to get out, the best way is to wait until a large enough wave comes in so that you can slide up onto the edge like a seal. Sometimes, if the wave isn't big enough, you have to wait a while for a nice enough wave, so get out before you're too tired." To get here from Honolulu, take RT H1 southeast then RT 72 southeast to Hanauma Bay S. P.. As you look out at the ocean from the bay, you just walk all away around the point to the left (as you look out at the ocean) and the toilet bowl is at the bottom of a little gorge cut out of lava rock.LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=21.272, lon=-157.696(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. WAIMEA FALLS [WAIM]: On the North Shore of Oahu, the 55-foot-high cascade forms the centerpiece of Waimea Valley Park, operated by the Audubon Society. PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO There's a modest admission charge for the attractive nature reserve, with its flowers and peacocks. There are interesting guided tours included in the admission charge. In ancient times, the valley was the home of thousands of Hawaiians. Capt. James Cook's ships took on water there in 1779. Swimming is permitted in the large natural pool under the falls - there is even a lifeguard on duty. To get here from Honolulu, take RT H1 west bound to RT H2 heading to the North Shore. Take the Wahiawa Exit and get on Kamehameha Highway. Turn right into the Park just past the Waimea Bay Beach Park. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=21.6339, lon=-158.0463(source: Topozone) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 3/2009 |
DATE UPDATED | 3/28/2009 | |
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TOWNS | SEDONA, FLAGSTAFF |
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Oak Creek |
TYPE | Creek/Sliding rocks |
DESCRIPTION | A very beautiful (but definitely discovered!) canyon along Oak Creek just north of Sedona, AZ on RT 89A through the Kaibab N.F.. Folks come in by the busload so don't expect solitude; take a hike up a side canyon from Oak Creek Canyon just a bit and you'll leave the crowds behind quick enough. There are several informal swimming holes in Oak Creek along RT 89A, look for cars parked on a hot day. See DIRECTIONS below for some of the more popular places.
|
AREA | Slide Rock State Park; Kaibab N.F. |
SANCTION | Vaires - see below |
FEE | Yes |
FACILITIES |
Everything at Slide ROck S.P. |
ACTIVITIES |
Sliding, Swimming, jumping |
PHONE | See below |
CAMPING | No camping at Slide Rock S.P.. There are several National Forest
campgrounds along RT 89A in Oak Creek Canyon. These are well signed but fill up fast in
good weather so get there early.
|
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | Directions are from Sedona: | RED ROCK CROSSING [REDC]: At the Crescent Moon Picnic Area, also known as Red Rock Crossing, you can view the spectacular Catherdral Rock and wade and swim in Oak Creek. There is a fee for parking here. LINK TO INFO AND PHOTOS . Can be crowded later in the day. To get here, from Sedona drive WEST on RT 89A. Just outside town, turn south (left) on FR 216 (Upper Red Rock Loop Road). Drive about 1.5 miles and follow the signs to Red Rock Crossing. Park, pay fee, and hike along the creek to swimming holes. No better directions. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=34.8261, lon=-111.8074 (source: web site) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2008 GRASSHOPPER POINT [GRAS]: A report from a fan: "Grasshopper point is a wonderfully easy swimming hole to access and quite beautiful. Just follow the wide trail to the right of the parking area. A deep green pool invites the young at heart to jump off the twenty foot cliffs and the stream continues downward, providing tamer swimming areas for the rest of us! If you like solitude (the spot is often quite crowded on weekends) you can rock-hop down stream until you find a spot all to yourself. There are also some beautiful spots if you follow the trail that leads to the left of the parking lot. It meanders along the stream with no particular goal, except to enjoy the views. Wander off-trail toward the creek and find your very own piece of heaven! Restrooms/changing areas are available in the parking area. Go early if you go on a weekend, as the place fills up quickly. During the weekdays you can have the place almost all to yourself. LINK TO INFO AND PHOTOS. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=34.88697, lon=-111.73122(source: web site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here take RT 89A north from Sedona. Pass over Midgley Bridge, the huge metal bridge across the creek just minutes after town. Then, soon after you will see a parks and recreation hut to the right and a road that leads down to the creek. It is labeled "Grasshopper Point". Turn right here, pay the $3 parking fee and down you go! Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/7/2005 SLIDE ROCK S. P. [SLID]: How could we have a western water hole site without Slide Rock in Oak Creek. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 , PHOTO 4 . The west just has to be bigger and better than the east, so they took our eastern Sliding Rock (see North Carolina) and plunked it down in about the prettiest western canyon you could hope to find. Just as in the east, kids some in by the busload so don't expect solitude; take a hike up a side canyon from Oak Creek Canyon just a bit and you'll leave the crowds behind quick enough. It is Slide Rock State Park now, so there will be fee and you'll have to keep that suit on! WEB SITE. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=34.94722, lon=-111.75333(source: web site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here take RT 89A north from Sedona, past Grasshopper Point (above) about 7 miles to the signs for CLide ROck S.P.. Very confident. Verified. Updated 12/7/2005.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Varies - see above |
DATE UPDATED | 12/7/2005 | |
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TOWNS | SEATTLE, PORT ANGELES |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=47.976, lon=-123.688(source: web site) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | WA |
WATER | Olympic Hot Springs |
TYPE | Hot Springs |
DESCRIPTION | Outstanding and deservedly famous, series of 6+ all natural, rock-lined hot springs pools in Olympic N.P.. Take a small piece of rug to sit on. INFO AND PHOTOS , VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO . A 2.5 mile beautiful hike each way in summer, longer in winter as they close the road further down. May have to ford a creek or two on the trail. |
AREA | Olympic N. P. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Tubbing |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Primitive (backpacking) camping near the pools. Developed camping at Elwha Campground. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional (mostly none) |
DIRECTIONS | From Port Angeles take RT 101 west approximately 8 miles to Olympic Hot Springs Road. Turn south (left) and continue into Olympic N.P.. In about 3 miles from RT 101 pass Elwha Campground and continue past campground to the Elwha Ranger Station. Past the ranger station go right where Whiskey Bend Road goes left. Follow this road 6 miles to its end and the trailhead for Boulder Creek. Park and hike along the (closed) road for 2 miles to a side trail to the left that goes 1/2 miles to Olympic Hot Springs. The trail has 3 water crossings in total - some may be wet fords.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 12/2008 | |
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TOWNS | PHOENIX, CAMP VERDE, PAYSON |
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | In the rivers around Payson, northeast of Phoenix, in the Tonto N. F., there are numerous fabulous swimming holes. See DIRECTIONS below for a few of these. |
AREA | Tonto N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at Ponderosa or Christopher Creek - both are Tonto N.F. campgrounds. Also at Childs Campground (see Verde Hot Springs below). |
BATHING SUITS | Some optional (some are very remote) |
DIRECTIONS | From Phoenix, take RT 87 northeast to Payson. All directions below are given from Payson. | ELLISON CREEK FALLS [ELLI]: Very scenic spot, swimming holes at the falls and below, surrounded by rock slabs. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . To get here: From Payson take RT 87 northwest about 2 miles then RT 199 (Houston Mesa Rd.) north. Go about 7.5 miles, cross the creek twice, then turn right on a dirt road and park as you come to a locked gate. Walk down the road past the gate about .4 miles where you will go downhill and across a dry wash. Just past this dry wash, take a trail off to the right down to the creek then walk upstream on the rocks to the falls. There is a swimming hole at the bottom of the falls as well as downstream. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.3511, lon=-111.2766(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 10/07. Updated 10/17/2007. FOSSIL CREEK [FOSS]: Several great swimming holes in Fossil Creek - Fossil Springs, Fossil Dam (see note below) and others. To get here: From Payson take RT 87 northwest to Strawberry. In Strawberry, take Fossil Creek Rd. (FR 708) (may be rough dirt, High clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicle may be required - ask at the Forest Service office in Camp Verde about the condition of these roads. ) to the west about 5 miles. Turn right on (unknown name) Rd. Park at the trailhead for trail #18 and hike about 3 miles to Fossil Creek. Walk downstream a short distance to Fossil Springs, then a bit further downstream to Fossil Dam. We received this note about the dam: "I can give you some good info that in 2005 the Fossil Creek Hydo Dam was being decommission and that part of the stream was posted off limits, I think by the BLM during the decommission. The flume was empty also so it looks like no more flume rides. I never had the nerve to go through the enclosed pipe portion since I was not there with a local who would have rode it first. At the end of Fossil Creek is a primitive BLM camp area on the Verde River." Don't know current status of the dam swimming place, may be gone. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.4289, lon=-111.5717(source: Topozone-p) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 6/24/2007. VERDE HOT SPRINGS [VERD]: Used to be an old hot springs resort but all that remains are several concrete pools in a beautiful desert setting in a canyon on the west bank of the Verde River. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , LINK TO PHOTO . Being right next to the river, you can also jump in to cool off. The jump, approximately 20 feet, from the sheer ledge of the hot spring concrete area, is into the cold Verde River. (When you jump after being in the 102 degrees springs into the 40-50 degree river and climb back into the springs, there is a sensation of ice cubes being next to your body. Cool!). 1.5 mile hike each way. High clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicle may be required - ask at the Forest Service office in Camp Verde about the condition of the roads mentioned below. No fee. Clothing optional - and PLEASE carry out all trash! To get here from Fossil Creek Rd. (above), continue on Fossil Creek Rd. (FR 708) then onto Childs Powerplant Rd. (FR 502)(High clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicle may be required - ask at the Forest Service office in Camp Verde about the condition of the roads mentioned here.) Continue to the Childs Campground (Forest Service, primitive, vault toilets) In total, from Strawberry, it is about 23 miles of rough road to get to the campground. Park at the campground and hike upstream (from the north end of campground) along the Verde River, fording the river several times (BE CAREFUL OF CURRENTS) for about 1.5 miles. The Verde Hot Springs are on the opposite side of the river from the campground. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=34.355, lon=-111.709(source: Topozone) (accuracy: exact). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/14/2003.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/2008 | |
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TOWNS | COLORADO SPRINGS | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.89319, lon=-104.88689(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CO |
WATER | Camp Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | A series of small holes in a creek in a scenic desert canyon. One is deep enough to swim (usually) the others more for water play. Nice, easy 2 mile round trip hike too. LINK TO INFO. |
AREA | Queens Canyon |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Water Play |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From I-25 in Colorado Springs take the Garden of the Gods exit and go west 2 miles then turn south (left) on 30th St. Go about .5 mile to the entrance to the Navigators & Glen Eyrie Conference Center. Go towards the conference center through a gate. Access is free to the public but you must sign a liability waiver to hike Queen's Canyon. The trailhead is at the castle parking lot. | It is about a 2 mile roundtrip hike. The trail follows Camp Creek and is soon in Queens Canyon. In about .75 miles you will come to a small falls called Dawson Falls and the trail seems to end. To get to the punch bowls, follow a trail that goes up steeply to the right then follows the creek again and is soon at the punchbowls.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/29/2007 | |
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TOWNS | TACOMA, OLYMPIA, CHEHALIS, DOTY |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=46.63117, lon=-123.23431(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | WA |
WATER | Chehalis River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Small waterfall but with a nice swimming hole at the bottom. I think this is an official swimming place in the state park. RAINBOW FALLS S. P. .
|
AREA | Rainbow Falls S.P. |
SANCTION | Official? |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | (360) 291-3767 |
CAMPING | At site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | from Tacoma/Olympia, take I-5 south to Chehalis. Take exit 77 onto RT 6. Head west in the direction of Raymond for 16 miles - follow signs to park.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/6/2005 | |
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TOWNS | RENO, VERDI |
STATE | NV |
WATER | Truckee River |
TYPE | Truckee River |
DESCRIPTION | In-town swimming (and tubing) places in the Truckee River. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREA | None |
SANCTION | Unknown |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Tubing |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Reno: | WINGFIELD PARK [WING]: Swimming holes in the Truckee River right in LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=39.523947, lon=-119.817481 (source: Topozone-p) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/16/2007. RIVER BEND [RIVE]: Not scenic, not deep - but a beach and a convenient swimming hole the Truckee River just west of Reno in Verdi. To get here from Reno: take I-80 west and get off at exit 5 and go about 1 mile toward Verdi. You will see on the right some bluffs and on the left a parking area and River Bend swimming hole. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=39.521228 , lon=-119.961444 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate). LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/16/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/16/2007 | |
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TOWNS | TUCSON, SAFFORD | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=32.75586, lon=-109.70314(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Varies |
TYPE | Hot Springs/Lake |
DESCRIPTION | The poor man's Palm Springs! At Roper Lake S.P., for a $10.00
fee (1998), you can camp, hike desert trails, swim in a cool, clear lake with a mountain view and then warm up in a compact man-made rock hot tub fed constantly with natural, non-sulphurous, hot water. There is even a wildlife refuge on the grounds, with a spring-fed fountain and snakes and critters galore.
|
AREA | Roper Lake S.P. |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | $10.00 to camp overnight |
FACILITIES |
Picnic tables, Toilets, Hot Tub |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Tubbing, Swimming |
PHONE | (602)428-6760 |
CAMPING | Camping at site, covered tables, hook-ups, lots of RVs. No reservations.
|
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Safford, go south on RT 191 a short distance to signs for
Roper Lake S.P.. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 1/4/2000 | |
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TOWNS | SANTA ROSA, WINDSOR, GUERNEVILLE |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Russian River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | The Russian River is a popular canoeing, swimming and tubing area. There are a number of swimming holes, for details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREA | Varies - see below |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Varies - see below |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, canoeing, tubing |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Walk-in primitive camping at Willow Creek Environmental Campground |
BATHING SUITS | Varies - see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Santa Rosa on RT 101, go north on RT 101 about 6 exits then take River Rd. west toward Guerneville, then: | SUNSET [SUNT]: Sunset is a very well known swimming hole in the Russian River in Sonoma County Sunset Park near Guerneville. This has traditionally been a clothing optional place, with a primarily gay crowd, but the county has been opposing the clothing optional aspect and the crowd seems pretty diverse now. PHOTO . To get here from River Road going west, after you pass Steelhead Beach Regional Park and after you cross the bridge over the Russian River, but before you get to Guerneville, see on the south (left) side of the road "Sunset Rd." sign. DO NOT TURN INTO SUNSET RD. - there is no parking on Sunset Rd.. Instead, park in a large pull-out on the north (right) side on River Rd.. Walk across River Rd. (carefully!) and down Sunset Rd. then turn right at the sign for the Sonoma County Park and walk downstream. There are several swimming beaches you can walk to along this part of the Russian River. Find your special place and enjoy. Be aware that, if you go au naturel, the county may bother you as may the boy scout troops canoeing by! LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=38.50409, lon=-122.93080(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/08. WILLOW CREEK BEACH [WICB]: Near the coast, where the Russian River empties into the Pacific, is the Sonoma Coast State Beach and its Willow Creek Environmental Campground (1/4 mile walk-in sites, hidden among trees along the river). Hangout, swim and enjoy the river. To get here, continue west on River Road (RT 116) from Guerneville. When you get to RT 1, turn south (left) and cross the bridge then turn east (left) on Willow Creek Rd., then turn left when you see the Willow Creek Camp sign. Drive past the house and along the dirt road until you reach the camp parking lot. No better directions. LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=38.43106, lon=-123.06983(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/08.
CONFIDENCE | See above |
VERIFIED | See above |
DATE UPDATED | 12/2008 | |
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TOWNS | LAS CRUCES, SILVER CITY, GLENWOOD
|
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=33.244, lon=-108.88(source: web site) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NM |
WATER | Unknown |
TYPE | Hot Spring |
DESCRIPTION | A huge hot spring, you can swim laps in this pool, and the setting is
very scenic as well. It is about a 45 minute hike to this gem; bring a lunch and stay a while. It
used to be easier to get to and attracted a sometimes messy crowd; now it is quite pristine and not
very populated. |
AREA | Gila N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Soaking and Swimming |
PHONE | (505)539-2481 (Glenwood Ranger Station) |
CAMPING | No camping at site, primitive camping elsewhere in N.F. Established
camping at Cottonwood campground, furthernorthon RT 180. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional (very) |
DIRECTIONS | From Silver City, take RT 180 NW. As you approach Glenwood,
see the Glenwood Ranger Station on the left (west) side of road. STOP AT THE RANGER
STATION and ask about access to San Francisco Hot Spring. They will tell you where to park
and how to hike to the hot spring. Access sometimes changes so it is best always to ask.
|
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 1/4/2000 | |
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TOWNS | SANTA BARBARA |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies- see below |
TYPE | Varies- see below |
DESCRIPTION | Popular swimmingholes in the Los Padres N.F. near Santa Barbara. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREA | Los Padres N. F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping (make sure of the depth first), Sliding |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Nearby in the National Forest |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | Directions are from Santa Barbara: | SEVEN FALLS [SEVE]: Series of deep, narrow tubs in Mission Creek in the Los Padres N.F.. Small falls and chutes connecting them. Close to Santa Barbara, popular and with lots of people on a warm weekend day, but worth it. Water levels may be low late in the season. NEWS ARTICLE WITH PHOTOS . To get here, in Santa Barbara take Los Olivos Rd. east to Foothills Rd. (RT 192). Go right a short way on Foothills then left on Mission Canyon Rd.. Follow Mission Canyon Rd. then bear left onto Tunnel Rd. and follow it to the locked gate. (Be sure to park legally here!) The total hike is about 1.5 miles: Walk on the paved road past the locked gate. In about 3/4 mile you come to the bridge across Mission Creek. Continue on the road, which is shortly no longer paved, past the turnoff to Tunnel Trail then turn left onto Jesusita Trail. Where this trail descends to the creek, turn right and hike ustream. For the next 1/4 mile the trail is in and out of the creek until you reach the narrows at the beginning of Seven Falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=34.4732, lon=-119.70799(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/08. RED ROCKS [REDR]: Popular swimming place near Gibralter Dam in the Los Padres N. F.. Can be pretty crowded on weekends. Litter too. Sandy beach and low rock to jump from. Here is a report from a dissapointed visitor in 2005: "The place was wholly disappointing. Low water, lot's of trash and graffiti, and general evidence of abuse and over use. I was surprised since it is very remote and to get there you must travel a long, seemingly endless road. Maybe this place would be better earlier in the year during higher water, but it was rather unappealing. I didn't even go in the water!" Be forewarned! From Santa Barbara, go west on RT 101 then northwest on RT 154 (San Marcos Rd.) past the San Marcos Pass into the Los Padres N. F.. Turn east (right) on Paradise Rd. and take that road until it ends (you will have to ford the river several times). Park and hike on the lower trail near the Santa Ynez River for about .25 miles to the swimming hole. There may be more secluded swimming holes upstream from this one. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=34.53932, lon=-119.70625(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/08.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/16/2008 | |
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TOWNS | ALBUQUERQUE, TUCUMCARI, SANTA ROSA |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=34.94058, lon=-104.67878(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | NM |
WATER | Spring |
TYPE | Spring/pond |
DESCRIPTION | Santa Rosa is known as the city of lakes, clear lakes and scuba diving. There is a beautiful spring fed pond in middle of Santa Rosa town in a public (free!) municipal park, complete with a diving board. It is absolutely lovely and very clean. Definitely a highlight. SANTA ROSA WEB SITE.
|
AREA | None |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Diving |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Albuquerque, take I-40 east to Santa Rosa (Exit 275). Take RT 54 toward town, turn left at the Motel 6 and drive all the way to the back of the park. |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 10/6/2004 | |
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TOWNS | CHEYENNE, LARAMIE, RAWLINS, WALCOTT, SARATOGA |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=41.45076, lon=-106.804(web site) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | WY |
WATER | Hobo Hot Springs/South Platte River |
TYPE | Hot springs/river |
DESCRIPTION | Known as the "Saratoga Natural Hot SPrings" or "Hobo Pool", on the east end of Walnut Ave. in Saratoga, WY is Hobo Pool, where a sandy bottom (concrete and covered) pool is fed by the 117-128 degree water of Saratoga Hot Springs. It's a city park, open 24 hours a day and there's no charge. Visitors will find heated changing rooms with showers. The hot springs is right by the North Platte River into which it empties. It is said to be possible also to swim here in the river, which is in places heated by the discharge of the hot springs. BE VERY CAREFUL if you do this, the water is in some places and at some times SCALDING HOT!
WEB SITE WITH PHOTO.
|
AREA | None |
SANCTION | Official in the hot spring, unoffical in the river |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Changing rooms and showers |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot soaking, Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Not at site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Rawlins, take I-80 east to Walcott then RT 130 south to Saratoga. The hot pool is on the east end of Walnut Ave in Saratoga. THIS PLACE IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- A RARE TREAT - PLEASE RESPECT IT!
|
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/6/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | FRESNO, BAKERSFIELD, VISALIA, THREE RIVERS, SEQUOIA N.P., SEQUOIA N. F. |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies-see below |
TYPE | Varies-see below |
DESCRIPTION | Great swiming places near and in Sequoia National Park. See DIRECTIONS below for details. |
AREA | Sequoia N. P. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Varies-see below |
FACILITIES |
Varies-see below |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | In National Park |
BATHING SUITS | Customary |
DIRECTIONS | From Visalia (between Fresno and Bakersfield) take RT 198 east to the town of Three Rivers then: | SLICKY [SLIC]: A great, huge swimming place in the Kaweah River in the town of Three Rivers near the Sequoia National Park entrance on RT 198. Unofficial, unknown facilities. A virtual waterpark of natural pools created by huge boulders that span two football fields. Directions are a bit fuzzy: Access is either from RT 198 (Sierra Dr.) in Three Rivers, near the intersection with Eggers Dr., or from North Fork Dr which parallels Sierra Dr but is along the west side of the river. There are many "No Parking" signs on North Fork Drive so you may have to park a distance away and walk to the swimming hole. No better directions. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=36.444097, lon=-118.903838(source: Google Maps) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Partially verified 4/08. Updated 4/24/08.
TOKOPAH FALLS [TOKO]: Continue on RT 198 to Lodgepole Village and campground. In the campground, go past the market/nature center then turn left toward campsites 151 to 214 - the trail to the falls begins on the right just after you make this turn. Take the trail for the easy hike to Tokopah Falls. You will find nice swimming holes and flat rocks (for sunning) 1.25 miles in. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=36.6085, lon=-118.6909(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Partially verified 4/08. Updated 4/24/08. STONY CREEK [STON]: Continue on RT 198 to Stony Creek Village. Behind the lodge hike downstream about .5 miles on Stony Creek for several popular swimming holes and a natural water slide. (Watch the locals on the slide to avoid hurting your butt!). LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=36.665693, lon=-118.834486(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Partially verified 4/08. Updated 4/24/08.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, partially |
DATE UPDATED | 4/24/08 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SEATTLE, EVERETT, SKYKOMISH
|
STATE | WA |
WATER | Varies -see below |
TYPE | River/Hot Spring |
DESCRIPTION | East of Seattle, as you approach Stevens Pass on RT 2, there are swimming places in the Snoqualmie River and a hot springs. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREA | Wenatchee N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, hot srpings |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | There is a N.F. campground called "Money Creek" on RT 2 west of Skykomish. |
BATHING SUITS | Varies -see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Everett, take US 2 (Stevens Pass Hwy) east. Then: | GOLD BAR [GOLB]: A short distance east of Gold Bar on RT 2, the road crosses a bridge over the Skykomish River (if you get to Index you have gone too far). On one end of this bridge or the other (don't know which) there is a pull off and a gravel roundabout. There is plenty of parking - perhaps it is a boat launch area - and a $5 day use fee in the summer. It's never very crowded for swimmers, but lots of people launch their kayaks and rafts there. There are picnic tables and a few fire pits. The swimming hole is here. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=47.83753, lon=-121.65894(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain on location. Not verified. Updated 11/24/05. SCENIC HOT SPRINGS [SCEN]: As of 1/2007 and for the indefinite future, Scenic is dismantled and in the process of being renovated for possible use in the future. There is a group of Scenic supporters (Friends of Scenic Hot Springs) who are working with the current owner and others on this. PLEASE DO NOT GO THERE WHILE THIS PROCESS IS UNDERWAY. The property is private, and there are signs posted indicating No Trespass is allowed by the public until further notice. Progress is being made toward reopening this outstanding and beautiful natural hot spring - you can learn more about this at Scenic Hot Springs Blog .
CONFIDENCE | Varies - see above |
VERIFIED | Varies - see above |
DATE UPDATED | 1/22/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | CRESCENT CITY (CA), GRANTS PASS(OR) |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Middle Fork and South Fork of the Smith River |
TYPE | Varies-see below |
DESCRIPTION | East of Crescent City, which is on the extreme northern coast of California, among the giant redwoods are lots of swimming holes in the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Smith River. Some are in Jedediah Smith S. P. and the rest are in the Six Rivers N. F.. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
|
AREA | Jedediah Smith S. P. and Six Rivers N. F. |
SANCTION | Unoffical |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
All facilities in the S. P. |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, tubing |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | In Jedediah Smith S. P. |
BATHING SUITS | Varies-see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Crescent City, which is on the extreme northern coast of California, take RT 199 east, then: | MIDDLE FORK SMITH RIVER [MIDS]: After you pass the Jedediah Smith S. P. on scenic route 199, the road begins to parallel the Middle Fork Smith River for about 33 miles, eventually going into Oregon. There are many swimming holes along here, said to be deep, clear and clean. No specific directions - look for parked cars and folks enjoying the water (ona warm day, there may be many!). (There may also be an unofficial sandy beach on the river right in the State Park too.) For more info see: Jedediah Smith S. P. , The scenic byway - RT 199 , Link to picture of swimming hole on Middle Fork . LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=41.8182, lon=-124.0383(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/4/2006. SOUTH FORK SMITH RIVER [SOUS]: If you want a little more solitude and some hiking, the South Fork Smith River may be for you. To get here, after you pass the Jedediah Smith S. P. on RT 199, continue to milepost 7.2 on RT 199, turn right (south) onto South Fork road (RT 427) and continue 13.7 miles to the G-O Road (Forest Service Route 15). Turn right onto the G-O Road and travel 3.5 miles to FS road 15N39 on the left - turn left. Follow this gravel road 2 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. TRAILHEAD: LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=41.65347, lon=-123.86478(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Park and follow the trail down to the river and walk upstream along the river about 1 mile to where Buck Creek comes in from the south - the Buck Creek campsite and a large swimming hole are here. FIRST HOLE: LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=41.6505, lon=-123.8461(source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. If you continue to hike upstream about another 2.75 miles to where Eightmile Creek comes in, there is another large swimming hole here. SECOND HOLE: LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=41.6433, lon=-123.8097 (source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/4/2006.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/4/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SEATTLE, NORTH BEND, FALL CITY |
STATE | WA |
WATER | Snoqualmie River |
TYPE | Falls/River |
DESCRIPTION | Popular unoffical swimming areas in Snoqualmie River. BE CAREFUL OF CURRENTS HERE - DO NOT GO IN IF CURRENT IS STRONG! PEOPLE HAVE DROWNED IN THESE PLACES RECENTLY. WHEN CURRENTS ARE LOW IN LATE SUMMER IS THE TIME TO SWIM HERE. |
AREA | None |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Seattle, take I-90 east to North Bend, then: | BLUE HOLE SNOQUALMIE [BLUS]: Popular swimming hole in the "Little Si Natural Area" at the foot of the Little Si mountain in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. BE CAREFUL OF CURRENTS HERE - DO NOT GO IN IF CURRENT IS STRONG! PEOPLE HAVE DROWNED IN THIS PLACE RECENTLY. THE SHERIFF HAS CLOSED THIS LOCATION WHEN THE CURRENTS ARE STRONG. WHEN CURRENTS ARE LOW IN LATE SUMMER IS THE TIME TO SWIM HERE. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=47.49852, lon=-121.76154(source: Geocaching site) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here, get off I-90 at exit 31 in North Bend and take RT 202 north then go right on W 4th and continue onto E 4th then left on Ballarat Ave then right on NE 6th and continue onto SE 114 to end and hike down to river. No better directions. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/28/2007. SNOQUALMIE FALLS [SNOQ]: Popular falls for viewing with unoffical swimming and jumping from rocks in pool at the bottom. BE CAREFUL OF CURRENTS HERE - DO NOT GO IN IF CURRENT IS STRONG! WHEN CURRENTS ARE LOW LATE SUMMER IS THE TIME TO SWIM HERE. LINK TO PHOTOS AND MAPS. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=47.54528, lon=-121.8411(source: USGS) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here continue north on RT 202 through North Bend and before you get to Fall City, at Spring Glen, go left on Southeast Fish Hatchery Road. Follow that down to the river. About 200 yards before the bridge over Tokul Creek, find a parking spot to the right. A rocky outcropping here on the riverbank provides a prime spot to view the falls. To swim, at the falls pool, continue to the road's end, to a gravel parking area. Go around the gate and walk a paved road down to one of Puget Sound Energy's powerhouses. The trail to the pool goes behind the powerhouse. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/28/2007. TWIN FALLS [TWIN]: Great falls for swimming and some jumping too in the Snoqualmie River. This is a 1 mile hike in Olallie State Park through old growth trees and waterfalls. BE CAREFUL OF CURRENTS HERE - DO NOT GO IN IF CURRENT IS STRONG! WHEN CURRENTS ARE LOW LATE SUMMER IS THE TIME TO SWIM HERE. STATE PARK WEB SITE , MAP STATE PARK AND TWIN FALLS TRAILS . PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=47.44503, lon=-121.69636(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here, stay on I-90 past North Bend for about another 4 miles and take Exit 34. Take 468th Ave SE south (you will have to turn to keep on 468th Ave) then turn left on SE 159th ST and continue to the parking area for Olallie State Park and the Twin Falls area. These directions from a local visitor:" Park and follow the MAIN TRAIL (it's obvious) for about 15 minutes until you reach the BIG TREE. You'll know it when you see it, it even has a wooden fence around it with a protection sign. Turn RIGHT at the BIG TREE. This is the SECRET TRAIL. It will take you off the MAIN TRAIL and lead you to another tree with long sagging branches. Use these branches to climb down the path onto the riverbed (safe and easy). Stay LEFT. You must now walk to the WATERFALL/Swimming hole by jumping across the river rocks and walking alongside the river (still safe and easy). This is where the REAL ADVENTURE begins! BE SAFE! BUDDY SYSTEM! When you start to hear and see the WATERFALL, keep on going, you're almost there! Below the waterfall is a huge Swimming Hole. (If you make it to the river and want to take a RIGHT instead of a left... go ahead. This is where I have found THREE more waterholes (one with even more sunlight). But these are much harder to get to, and take a long time too (20-30 minutes). But its SOOO WORTH IT!)"
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SACRAMENTO, YUBA CITY, NEVADA CITY, CISCO GROVE |
STATE | CA |
WATER | South Yuba River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes upstream and down on the river, near Nevada City. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREA | Tahoe National Forest |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Nearby - see below |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Sacramento, take I-80 northeast to Exit 140 at Colfax, then: | EDWARDS CROSSING [EDWC]: Apparently a very popular (ie, crowded) spot on the South Yuba but quieter places are nearby. To get here from Colfax on I-80, take RT 174 north to Nevada City then North Bloomfield Rd. north until you cross the South Yuba River at Edwards Crossing. This place is right here under the bridge. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.330197, lon=-120.984125 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 12/12/2005. SPRING CREEK [SPRC]: Where Spring Creek comes into the South Yuba, there is a small falls and nice swimming hole - bathing suits optional. Park at Edwards Crossing (above), but avoid the crowds by hiking downstream on a trail along the north side of the river about a mile to the side creek and falls. Here, and a bit further downstream, are the swimming places. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.332161, lon=-120.989622(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/12/2005. NORTH CANYON [NORC]: A bunch of swimming places in the South Yuba River upstream of Edwards Crossing near Malakoff Diggins S.P.. To get here, from Edwards Crossing (above) continue on North Bloomfield Rd to Malikoff Diggins S.P. (has camping). In the State Park, take the Humbug Trail then the SOuth Yuba Trail down to the river and the swimming holes. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.34225, lon=-120.94914(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/12/2005. SHANGRI-LA [SHAN]: A very popular (i.e. - crowded) swimming place under the RT 49 bridge over the South Yuba River but a much quieter place a short way upstream. The place at the bridge is has boulders and swimming tunnels and slides that are absolutely exceptional and worth putting up with the crowd. Hike about 1/3 mile upstream to a much quieter place which is the best spot for swimming and high jumping into emerald green water with only a few others around. To get here from Nevada City, take RT 49 northwest to where it crosses over the South Yuba River. The main swimming hole is right here at the bridge with the other upstream. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.29799, lon=-121.08922(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2008. SOUTH YUBA RIVER S. P. [SOUP]: A linear, discontinuous state park along the South Yuba River with several swimming places along the way. To get here from SHANGRI-LA (above), continue on RT 49 northwest about 5 miles then turn west (left) on Pleasant Valley Rd. and go 7.5 miles to the South Yuba River S. P. Bridgeport Visitors Center near Bridgeport. There is a wooden truss bridge here and several trails up and down the river begin near this bridge. The short "River Overlook/Bridgeport trail goes below the visitors center and downstream a short distance to a family beach for swimming. Another trail, the Kneebone Beach Trail, goes upstream on the south side of the river .4 miles to a scenic swimming hole outlined by granite rocks. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.29222, lon=-121.19381(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/12/2005. INDIAN SPRINGS [INDI]: Another location in the South Yuba River with clear water and waterfalls to sit under and plenty of flat warm granite rocks to lie on and sunbathe. To get here from Colfax on I-80, continue on I-80 east towards Reno. Exit at Eagle Lakes road near Donner Summit (Exit 164). Go north under the freeway and follow the road around to the west and you will come to Indian Springs campground. The swimming hole is here in the river. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.33419, lon=-120.58503(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/12/2005. LAKES BASIN CAMPGROUND [LAKE]: Not really in the South Yuba Area, but not too far away either. Near BLAIRSDEN, SIERRAVILLE and GRAEAGLE. At the Lakes Basin Campground in the Plumas N.F. there is a swimming hole in an unnamed creek. To get here from I-80 (above), continue on I-80 east to exit 196 (Truckee area) and take RT 89 north through Sierraville (Stay on RT 89) through Clio to Graeagle (before Blairsden). In Graeagle look for the intersection of RT 89 and Forest Rd. 24 (Gold Lake road or Gold Lake Forest Rd.) and turn west (left) on RT 24 and go about 7 miles to the campground sign. The swimming hole is in a creek in or near the campground. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=39.70064, lon=-120.65908(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/28/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Varies -see above |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/13/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | EUREKA,LEGGETT,GARBERVILLE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.87931, lon=-123.73806(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | South Eel River |
TYPE | RIVER |
DESCRIPTION | A short downhill hike (uphill returning!) to a popular swimming place in the South Eel River in the Standish Hickey S. P. . See DIRECTIONS below. |
AREA | Standish Hickey State Rec. Area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Day use fee |
FACILITIES |
All facilites in S.P. |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | 707-925-6482 |
CAMPING | Camping at site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Leggett, on RT 101 south of Eureka, go north on RT 101 about 1.5 miles to the Standish Hickey State Park. Best swimming hole in the South Eel River here is accessed from the Day Use Area. Park in the Day Use Area and walk past the campfire area then follow a path downhill about .3 miles to the river far below. Here there is a rock outcrop and sandy beach area and deep pool (and no shade!). |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 8/08 |
DATE UPDATED | 8/28/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | DENVER, GEORGETOWN, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS |
STATE | CO |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming holes and commercial hot springs northwest of Denver in a popular ski area town. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREA | Routt National FOrest |
SANCTION | Varies - see below |
FEE | Varies - see below |
FACILITIES |
Varies - see below |
ACTIVITIES |
Varies - see below |
PHONE | Varies - see below |
CAMPING | Varies - see below |
BATHING SUITS | Varies - see below |
DIRECTIONS | From Denver, take I-70 west to Georgetown then RT 40 northwest through Hot Sulphur Springs to Steamboat Springs. Then: | YAMPA RIVER CORE TRAIL [YAMP]: Beginning at Rotary Park in Steamboat, this seven mile, cottonwood -lined scenic multi-use trail follows the meandering Yampa River. There are several swimming holes in the Yampa River along here - the best spots are said to be between miles 2 and 4 (uncertain which direction on trail). LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.48981, lon=-106.84258(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty uncertain. Not verified. Updated 11/28/2007 STRAWBERRY PARK HOT SPRINGS:A luxurious, commercial hot springs with lodging and everything else. For all information, see STRAWBERRY PARK HOT SPRINGS. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.52833, lon=-106.76575(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 12/1/2005
CONFIDENCE | Varies -see above |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/27/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PHOENIX, CAMP VERDE, CLARKDALE |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=34.8805, lon=-112.0699(source: Topozone) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | AZ |
WATER | Sycamore Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | A very pleasant 3.5 mile round trip hike down into a canyon and along a perennial stream to several swimming holes. |
AREA | Coconino N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES | None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping nearby at Dead Horse Ranch S.P. or near Jerome at Potato Patch N.F. campground. |
BATHING SUITS | May be optional at farther swimming hole |
DIRECTIONS | From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Exit 287 (RT 260) near Camp Verde. Go west on RT 260 then turn left at RT 89a then continue straight onto N. Main St. through Cottonwood. Past Cottonwood, follow the signs toward Tuzigoot National Monument (well worth a visit) - you will turn right and, after you cross the Verde River bridge, turn left on Sycamore Canyon Rd.. Go about 11 miles down this dirt road (along the Verde River), which is rough at places and seems to require a high clearance vehicle except there was a Toyota Camry up there upon a visit in 2007. In any case, it is slow going in parts and may be difficult in a sedan. | Park at the end of the road where the Sycamore Cayon trailhead sign is. Hike down this trail, steeply down at first then upstream along the creek. After about 1.4 miles from the trailhead, you will come to a large rock cairn (rocks in a wire basket) which marks Summers Spring - here you cross the stream and resume the trail on the other side at another rock cairn. Continue .3 miles more and you will cross the stream again and come to a large pool - this is the first swimming hole. There is said to be another swimming hole upstream at Parsons Spring.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 10/17/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | GRAND JUNCTION, NATURITA | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.35800, lon=-108.62911(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CO |
WATER | Tabeguache Creek |
TYPE | Creek |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming hole in creek in very remote area of Southwestern Colorado. The directions given here are how one would get there by road but we do not know how good or passable the roads are. You can also backpack to here and information about this it at the BLM Web Site . |
AREA | BLM land |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Optional (very remote) |
DIRECTIONS | From I-70 at Grand Junction, go south on RT 50 through Delta and Montrose to Ridgeway. In Ridgeway, go southwest on RT 62 to Placerville then northwest on RT 145 to Naturita. In Naturita, go north on RT 97 to Nucla. In Nucla, find 27 RD and work your way north to Z Rd then west to Z26 Rd. Follow Z26 Rd west and north (may become a rough, unpaved road) until you come to a bridge over Tabeguache Creek. The swimming hole is said to be just upstream of this bridge. (If oyu find this one, please tell us). |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty uncertain (of route) |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/4/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | TRUCKEE, TAHOE CITY, SQUAW VALLEY |
LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=39.139, lon=-120.244(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies - see below |
TYPE | Varies - see below |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming holes in California, west and south of Lake Tahoe - including the Eldorado N. F. and Desolation Wilderness. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
|
AREA | Varies - see below |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS |
SHIRLEY CANYON [SHIR]: The waterfall pools along the Shirley Canyon trail in Squaw Valley offer the perfect chance to cool off. It is a great, beautiful hike up Shirley Canyon any time of year but this is a very seasonal swimming place. The flow may be too strong in spring and too little late in the summer - so be careful. Along the trail, there are several pools large enough to take a dip or to swim, depending on the flow level. | To get here: From exit 194 on I-80 (near Truckee), go south on RT 89 to the signs on the right for "Squaw Valley". Turn west (right) on Squaw Valley Rd., follow the main road to the west through the entire Squaw Valley development area until you come to the westernmost end of the road where there are condominium buildings. The trailhead is rather apparent in between the condo buildings. Park here, but be careful NOT to park in the private condo parking areas - there is public parking along the road right at the trailhead for the Shirley Canyon trail. Hike up this beautiful trail along Squaw Creek and you will find pools of various sizes. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=39.203892, lon=-120.251241(source: google maps) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified. Very confident. Updated 12/6/06. SHIRLEY LAKE [SHIL]: If you continue up this canyon (about 2.5 miles one way from the parking area), you will come to the pristine, beautiful Shirley Lake, which is described by a visitor:"The real gem here is Shirley Lake. It's a small alpine pond filled with crystal clear, snowmelt offering an arctic dip in the hottest heat of summer. Edged with snow even in July, the beauty of Shirley Lake is beyond description." PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . Polar bear swimming! SHIRLEY LAKE: LAT, LON [N83/W84]lat=39.20217, lon=-120.27053(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified. Very confident. Updated 12/6/06. TRUCKEE RIVER [TRUC]: Continue south on RT 89 (from above) and the road continues to parallel the Truckee River. There are ample opportunities to swim in the river, however, there is a very deep, very large swimming hole here: after you pass Alpine Meadows road on your right go approximately 2 miles more and look for a small dirt pull off on the right side of the road near the rather obvious swimming hole. RT 89 is rather featureless and it is difficult to give meaningful points of reference. However, if you keep an eye to the river as you are traveling south on RT 89, you will easily spot this large swimming area.in the Truckee River offers one of the best places to swim. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . There is a commercial tubing rafting operation near Lake Tahoe that rents tubes and rafts to travel up the Truckee River. The flow along the river is controlled by a dam release, so water levels can vary dramatically but even when the water is very low and many people have to walk their tubes and rafts through the water this swimming hole remains nice and cool and deep. There are several campgrounds on RT 28 and RT 89 circling Lake Tahoe. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=39.16503, lon=-120.17415(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Verified. Very confident. Updated 12/5/06. THE POTHOLES ON SILVER FORK [POTH]: The Silver Fork of the American River begins at Silver Lake and forms some potholes on a granite rock surface which are great for swimming. See the web site ABOUT LAKE TAHOE for photos and details. To get here from Tahoe, continue south on RT 89 to Picketts Junction then turn east (right) on RT 88 and continue past Kirkwood toward Silver Lake. Just past the Silver Lake West Campground (on the north side) is a road on the south side to Kit Carson lodge. Park here on the south side, cross the road and walk through the campground (or, if you are camping here, no need to park!) Follow the trail that goes along the river and walk (easy hike) about 20 minutes to the potholes. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=38.67906, lon=-120.13127(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 1/10/2005. MOORE CREEK [MOOR]: Swimming hole in the North Fork Mokelumne River at a national forest campground. To get here from Siler Lake (above) continue west on RT 88 about 15 miles then turn south (left) on Ellis Rd. (FR 92) at the signs for Lumberyard Campground. Go about 8.5 miles south on Ellis Rd. then turn east (left) on Salt Springs Rd. (FR 8N50) and go about 2.5 miles then turn east on FR 7N08 and go about .5 miles to the Moore Creek campground, The swimming hole is very near here. See the web site MOORE CREEK . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=38.47883, lon=-120.26864(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/4/2006. GROVER HOT SPRINGS S. P.[GROV]: Grover has hot and cold both. Naturally hot water is led into a concrete swimming pool (next to a cool swimming pool) and, with a short hike of about 1.5 miles each way, a waterfall with a cool place to swim in the pool below. Camping and all facilities are at the State Park. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=38.7008, lon=-119.8392(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Tahoe or Picketts Junction, continue south on RT 89 to Markleeville. Follow signs to Grover Hot Springs S. P.. The hot and cool pools are well signed once you are in the State Park - there is a $5.00 per person/per use fee (in 2004) to use the hot/cold pools. To get to the swiming hole at the falls, hike about 1.5 miles each way and cool off in a swimming hole in the Hot Springs Creek. See the web site WATERFALLSWEST for details. Here is a quote from this web site: "The trail starts at the end of the campground on a dirt road ($3.00 per vehicle parking fee.) This is the Burnside Lake Trail. There are a couple junctions to look for. Shortly after starting the hike, you will come to a junction with a single track trail to the left. Follow this trail. Then at about 1 mile, you reach another trail junction. Go left to follow Hot Springs Creek (the Burnside Lake Trail continues right). When you come to a boulder-filled area, you need to climb straight up and over the boulders (do not go down to the creek here). After you climb over the boulders, pick up the trail again. The waterfall is only a few minutes away." LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=38.69819, lon=-119.86321(source: above web site) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident, Verified 9/04. Updated 9/24/2004.
CONFIDENCE | Varies-see above |
VERIFIED | Varies-see above |
DATE UPDATED | 1/10/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | SANTA FE, TAOS, ARROYO HONDO |
STATE | NM |
WATER | Hot Springs/Rio Grande River |
TYPE | Hot Springs/Rio Grande River |
DESCRIPTION | West of Taos and Southwest of Arroyo Hondo is the Rio Grande River canyon. At the bottom of this beautiful desert canyon is the Rio Grande River also some great hot springs to soak in right on the banks of the river. (At high river flows, these may be under water.) You can soak in the springs and cool off in the river (if the river flow is low enough for this to be SAFE) See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREA | BLM area |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot soaking, Bathing |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | No developed camping at site. Primitive camping may be allowed. |
BATHING SUITS | Optional |
DIRECTIONS | (SEE LOCAL AREA MAP ABOVE) From Taos head north on RT 64, then follow the map and the directions below. | BLACK ROCK HOT SPRINGS[BLAC]: Hot springs with rugged rocks all around but nice sand bottom and 97 degree water. Some algae in the spring, but no sulphurous smell and clear water. Right by the banks of the Rio Grande at the bottom of a spectacular canyon. Scenic beauty worth the drive down here even if you don't take a dip. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 . May be flooded at high water; otherwise can cool off in the river. There is a sandy beach on the river on the east side of the bridge (before you cross.) LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=36.5283, lon= -105.7126(source: Soak.net files) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. In 2008 we received this cautionary note from a local:" I heard more than a few stories about some not so desirable type people who hung out, harrassed and threatened others. I don't remember the exact incidents, but this is an area actually considered dangerous, at times, because of the low lifes, who would go there with the potential for violence to occur. I would recomend going in groups of at least two or more." May be best to go over to Manby (below) instead? To get here: Best way to get here is from town of Arroyo Hondo (SEE LOCAL AREA MAP ABOVE.) From Taos go north on RT 64 then north on RT 522 to Arroyo Hondo. In Arroyo Hondo, at the bottom of the hill, turn go southwest (left) on CR B005 (signed) (also named Camino Del Medio but not signed with this name). Follow this partially paved road as it winds around for 1.4 miles. Then turn west (right) on the unsigned, unpaved CR B007. Follow this road about 1.1 miles to a bridge crossing the Rio Grande River. After crossing the river, there is a small parking area at the end of the first switchback as you go up the west side of the canyon. Park here and follow the trail for about 10 minutes downstream to the hot spring. (Drive back the same way you came- do not try to continue on the road on the west side of the canyon- it is very long and sometimes very rough). Verified 4/2003. Very confident. MANBY HOT SPRINGS[MANB]: Hot springs with two pools and nice sand bottom. (One pool is obvious when you get there, a smaller but perhaps warmer one is behind the stone wall of an old building that used to be there.) Right on the banks of the Rio Grande at the bottom of the canyon at an old stagecoach crossing. Nice hike down on gradual grade where old stagecoach road used to be. May be flooded at high water; otherwise can cool off in the river. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 . LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=36.5072, lon= -105.7229(source: Soak.net files) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here: From Taos go north on RT 64 (SEE LOCAL AREA MAP ABOVE) and continue on RT 64 to the Taos Airport. Roughly across RT 64 from the airport see the signed "Tune Rd.". Take Tune Rd. north (right) and don't take any turn offs until about 4.2 miles where the road forks, keep left here. Continue about .5 miles more to the parking area at edge of canyon and walk about .5 miles down the old wagon road the leaves from the left side of the parking area. (see local area map.) Verified, 9/02. Very confident.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 4/13/2003 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | BAKERSFIELD, PORTERVILLE |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies-see below |
TYPE | Varies-see below |
DESCRIPTION | Swimming places in Sequoia National Forest. See DIRECTIONS below for details. |
AREA | Sequoia N. F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Varies-see below |
FACILITIES |
Varies-see below |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | At Camp Wishon or Hidden Falls or several others |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Bakersfield take RT 99 north to RT 65 north to Porterville. In Porterville, take RT 190 east past Lake Success and Springville into the Sequoia N. F., then: | HIDDEN FALLS [HIDD]: Easy access from the Hidden Falls N. F. Campground to a beautiful falls and shallow pool below (not really deep enough to swim) in the Middle Fork Tule River. To get here from Springville, go east on RT 190 a short way and turn north (left) on Balach Park Rd and go 3.4 miles then turn east (right) on Bear Creek Mtn. Rd.. Continue up this narrow, winding road, keeping right at the Mountain Home Conservation Camp (a correctional facility). Follow signs to Hidden Falls Campground. The falls is an easy hike from the campground. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=36.2569, lon=-118.6625 (source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. (There are also said to be swimming holes to be found by driving to Moses Gulch Campground, which is a short way south of Hidden Falls Campground, and hiking downstream from there.) Pretty confident. Partially verified 4/08. Updated 4/24/08.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 4/08 |
DATE UPDATED | 4/24/08 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | OKLAHOMA CITY, ARDMORE, DAVIS | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=34.425, lon=-97.148(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | OK |
WATER | Honey Creek |
TYPE | Falls/Creek/Springs |
DESCRIPTION | In Turner Falls Park many springs from the world famous Arbuckle Mountains form Honey Creek which cascades down a seventy-seven foot fall to a natural swimming pool making the majestic Turner Falls the largest waterfall in Oklahoma. Features: jumping off a rock in the pool, swimming behind the falls and enjoying a shower from the falls. The park is accented with beautiful picnic areas, nature trails, caves, geological wonders, and two natural swimming areas very unique in nature. TURNER FALLS PARK WEB SITE . |
AREA | Turner Falls County Park |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see web site link |
FACILITIES |
All facilites |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, jumping |
PHONE | 580-369-2917 or 580-369-2988 |
CAMPING | At site. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Oklahoma City, go south on I-35 about 60 miles to Exit 51 at RT 77 (near Davis). Follow signs to Turner Falls Park. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/19/2003 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PUEBLO, CANYON CITY, VILLA GROVE | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=38.191, lon=-105.816(source: web site) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | CO |
WATER | Valley Vierw Hot Springs |
TYPE | Hot Springs |
DESCRIPTION | A part of the "Orient Land Trust". Valley View is a well-established, nicely developed commercial hot springs with multiple pools (some primitive, some concrete), overnight facilities (cabins and camping) meals and a friendly, mostly nudist crowd. Beautiful views down the valley. Fees apply, reservations suggested for sure. (Used to be a membership facility but no longer requires membership.) WEB SITE . DIRECTIONS AND MAP . LOTS OF PHOTOS.
|
AREA | Orient Land Trust |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Yes, see web site |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot Tubbing |
PHONE | 719-256-4315
|
CAMPING | Camping at site - fee |
BATHING SUITS | Optional (nudist, mostly) |
DIRECTIONS | From Pueblo, go west on RT 50 to Poncha Springs then south on RT 285 to Villa Grove. Cotninue on RT 285 for 4.5 miles then (at the intersection of RT 285 and RT 17) turn east (left) on Saguache County Road GG and go 7 miles on this gravel road to Valley View Hot Springs. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 1/6/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | EUREKA, FORTUNA |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Van Duzen River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Many family-friendly swimming places in the Van Duzen River. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
|
AREA | near Grizzly Creek Redwoods S. P. |
SANCTION | Varies - see below |
FEE | Varies - see below |
FACILITIES |
Varies - see below |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | none |
CAMPING | Camping at Van Duzen County Park and Grizzly Creek Redwoods S. P. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Eureka, go 20 miles southeast on RT 101 to Fortuna, then turn east on RT 36 (set odometer) and drive about 10 miles. Then: | PAMPLIN GROVE [PAMP]: Just past 10 miles, slow down and on the right see a suddenly-appearing small driveway between trees with a very small sign that says "Pamplin Grove" (a detached part of Van Duzen County Park). This place is sometimes closed, but if it is open pay the fee and go to the day use area. Walk down to the river and here is a great swimming hole. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.49955, lon=-123.98236(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. VAN DUZEN COUNTY PARK [VAND]: Continue east on RT 36 another couple of miles and come to the main part of Van Duzen County Park. There is camping and picnicing here and toilet facilities. There are two swimming places: First: After you pay the fee, turn immediately left and park in the gravel lot. Walk down the short path to the dry gravel river bed then turn left and walk over the gravel to the water. PHOTO . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.48748, lon=-123.97184(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. Second: "Swimmmers Delight" - After you pay the fee, go straight and keep right to the day use area by the river. This is a great swimming place and very popular BUT it was closed in 8/2008 because of rocks that fall from the bluffs above. Don't know when it might re-open. PHOTO . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.48913, lon=-123.97874(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. CHEATHAM GROVE [CHEA]: A short way past the Van Duzen County Park on RT 36 you will cross a bridge over the Van Duzen River. Turn left and park at Cheatham (redwood) Grove just past the bridge. No fee, no facilities. The swimming hole is under the bridge. PHOTO . But the real stars here are the spectacular redwoods, so take a stroll through the grove for sure! REDWOODS PHOTO . LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.48326, lon=-123.96289(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. GRIZZLY REDWOODS S. P. [GRIZ]: A really cool, family-type swimming hole! PHOTO . Camping at the site, all facilities. Day use fee about $6. PARK WEB SITE . To get here: Go about 5 miles more east on RT 36 and see signs for the state park. Enter, pay fee and go to the day use area on the right. Walk past the ouotdoor ampitheater down to the river and enjoy! LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.48684, lon=-123.90512 (source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 8/08 |
DATE UPDATED | 8/9/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | REDDING, HELENA, WILLOW CREEK |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies-see below |
TYPE | Varies-see below |
DESCRIPTION | Very scenic RT 299 runs west from Redding on I-5 to the Eureka area, mostly along the Trinity River. There are a number of fine swimming holes along here in the Trinity River and tributaries. See "DIRECTIONS" below for details. |
AREA | Shasta-Trinity N.F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Varies-see below |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, tubing |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Camping at a number of N.F. campgrounds along this route. |
BATHING SUITS | Varies-see below |
DIRECTIONS | Directions below are from east to west. From Redding, take RT 299 west to Helena, then: | PARADISE POOLS [PARA]: Very clear water pools below rocky bluffs in the North Fork Trinity River. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . To get here, in Helena, go north on East Fork Rd about 1 mile and cross the bridge over the river then park in a clearing on the left just past the bridge. Walk on a path (sometimes narrow and high above the river) about .25 miles upstream from here to a series of pools in the river below. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.78722, lon=-123.135(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. BIG FLAT [BIGF]: Climb down a path to a scenic swimming place in the Trinity River west of Helena. Cool rock formations. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2. To get here, continue west on RT 299 from Helena. Just past the town of "Big Flat", see on the right a sign that says "Turn out to allow passing". Park here in a large area on the south (left) side of the road and take a path that descends to the river to a sandy beach by a large rock. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.73628, lon=-123.19359 (source: Measured) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008.
TISH TANG [TISH]: Swim in a big sweep af the Trinity River at an established Hoopa Indian Reservation campground and park. Pay $3 day use fee, unknown fee for camping. There is an expansive gravel bar here along the river - park and walk along the gravel to the river unless you are sure your vehicle will not get bogged down. PHOTO . To get here, continue west from Skunk Point (above) on RT 299 to Willow Creek then turn north on RT 96 and go about 8 miles to the signs for the Tish Tang Park on the right. Drive down the dirt road to the gravel then park and walk over the gravel to the river. There is a rock to jump from at the south end of the gravel bar. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=41.023, lon=-123.638(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008. BIG BAR [BIGB]: Another big sweep af the Trinity River to swim at. No fee. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . To get here from Tish Tang (above), continue north on RT 96 through Weitchpec then go about another 10 miles to signs for the Big Bar area on the right. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=41.25210, lon=-123.63610(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008.
FISH HATCHERY [FISH]: Not the greatest swimming hole but a really nice walk along the Mad River under the cottonwoods to a traditionally-clothing-optional remote swimming area in the river. Water may be shallow in the heat of summer. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 . This is a long way west on RT 299 from Willow Creek (or east of Arcata) in the town of Blue Lake. Take the Blue Lake exit from RT 299 and drive a short way to Chartin Rd. where you go right then in a short distance go left on South Railroad St.. Go to the end of South Railroad St. then go right on Hatchery Rd. and go a couple of miles to the Mad River Fish Hatchery at the end of Hatchery Rd.. Keep to the right and drive to the far end of the parking area at the fish hatchery where there is a picnic table and rest room. Park here and walk through the fence opening past the sign that says "Fishing Access for Handicapped". Walk to the right alongside and parallel to the tanks on an asphalt path. When the asphalt ends, continue straight on a dirt path. In a short way this path will end where there is a short rocky descent to the river. GO down the rocks (easy path) and ford the river if currents permit - it may be waist deep or deeper at the far side here so be ready for this and don't try to cross if it is too deep or too swift. There is no bridge. On the far side, walk in the upstream direction (there is an old road you can walk on) for about .5 miles until you come past the first river bend and find clothing-optional swimming places and small beachy areas. LAT, LON [N83/W84]: lat=40.84594 lon=-123.98465(source: Measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP . Very confident. Verified 8/08. Updated 8/9/2008.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 8/2008 |
DATE UPDATED | 8/9/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | PORTLAND (OR), VANCOUVER (WA), WASHOUGAL, CARSON |
STATE | WA |
WATER | Hot Springs/Dry Creek |
TYPE | Hot Springs/Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Here's another "two-fer" hot springs/cold falls combination not too far from each other in southern Washington in the Columbia River Gorge area. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
|
AREA | Gifford Pinchot N.F./Private land |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Hot soaking, Swimming |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | There are several N.F. campgrounds on RT 14 north of Carson in the Pinchot N.F. |
BATHING SUITS | Probably Optional |
DIRECTIONS | From Vancouver take RT 14 east to Carson, then: | DRY CREEK FALLS [DRYC]: Also known as Puff Falls. High falls into pool at bottom for swimming. Cold water! To get here from RT 14 near Carson, go north on Wind River Rd (along the Wind River) into the Gifford Pinchot N.F. (this road becomes FR 30 in the N.F.). At about 17 miles from Carson, go northwest (left turn) onto FR 64 which goes along the Dry River. Go about 2.1 miles on FR 64 to the place where this road crosses the creek and park. Walk upstream just under 1 mile (some slow going) to the falls - the swimming hole is in the pool at the bottom of the falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=45.92628, lon= -121.97917(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not verified. Pretty confident. Updated 12/5/2005. WIND RIVER HOT SPRINGS [WINH]: Also known as "St. Martins on the Wind". THIS IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY AND IS NOW POSTED - PLEASE OBEY PRIVATE PROPERTY NOTICES. We received this email in 7/2008:"It is definitely on Private Property and now has a locked gate with no trespassing signs due to the fact that the local family that owns the land was tired of people leaving trash behind (teenagers as they said). There is a phone number on the gate where you can ask for permission, but no guarantees. Can’t stress enough to clean up after yourself, otherwise a few many ruin it for everyone, as in this case." See web sites below for updates. This is a primitive hot springs about a 1 mile hike on a primitive trail, but said to be well worth the hike. INFO AND PHOTOS , MORE INFO AND PHOTOS . To get here from RT 14 near Carson, stay on RT 14 east, past the turn for Carson (this is not the commercial hot spring at Carson) and cross the high bridge over the Wind River on RT 14. (Don't turn left at Hot Springs Rd. before this bridge.) After the bridge, go north (left turn) on Berge Rd.. (Do not mistake this for Bergen Rd.) Drive for about .75 mile and turn left on Indian Cabin Road, which is winding and rough. In about .75 miles, you will come to some large power lines where the road goes down to a parking area near the river. Not verified. Very confident (that it is closed to the public now) . Updated 7/12/2008. The trail to the hot springs is aproximately 1 mile long and starts out as a decent trail but soon becomes poor - from here follow the river bank. You must climb over many bouldersd along here - be careful - this is a difficult route. LAT, LON [N83/W84]:lat=45.72875, lon=-121.79547(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 7/12/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | COUER D'ALENE (ID), KALISPELL (MT), TROY | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=48.6414, lon=-115.8891(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | MT |
WATER | Yaak River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | National Forest campground with nice swimming hole in river. |
AREA | Kootenai National Forest |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Toilets |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | At site, small campground, 7 sites |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Kalispell (in northern MT) take RT 2 west through Libby and Troy. Trom Troy, continue west on RT 2 for approximately 10 miles to the junction with RT 508 (approximately 4 miles from the Montana/Idaho border). Turn right here and follow for 6 miles to the campground. The swimming hole is near the campground. |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 11/29/2007 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | YELLOWSTONE N.P. |
STATE | WY |
WATER | Varies -see below |
TYPE | River/Hot Springs |
DESCRIPTION | There are several hot/cold spots in Yellowstone N. P. where visitors may legally warm up or cool down as required. See "DIRECTIONS" below for details. | THERE ARE MANY OTHER HOT SPOTS THAT ARE ILLEGAL FOR SWIMMING AND ARE VERY DANGEROUS - PEOPLE REGULARLY DIE HERE FROM GOING INTO SCALDING WATERS!
AREA | Yellowstone N.P. |
SANCTION | Legal |
FEE | Must pay fee to enter Yellowstone N.P. |
FACILITIES |
Varies- see below |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Hot Tubbing |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | Varies- see below. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | Enter Yellowstone N. P. via the entrances described in the text below: | FIREHOLE [FIRE]: Firehole River Canyon in Yellowstone N.P. is a great place to spend a few hours and get a respite from the desert sun. It includes rapids emptying into a deep pool as well as shallow sections outside the current (all should be careful to keep out of the main current - A GIRL DIED HERE IN 2003 JUMPING INTO THE CURRRENT AND GETTING TRAPPED UNDER AN OVERHANGING ROCK - DON'T DO IT.) PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3. The water is warm for this elevation because the river contains the runoff from many thermal features, including Old Faithful. Portable toilets are available (as of summer 2001). Camp at Madison campground near Madison Junction near the West Yellowstone entrance in order to be near the swimming. To get here: (Distances are rough approximations) From Madison Junction near the West entrance to Yellowstone N.P., go south toward Old Faithful. After about a mile, go right onto the scenic side road at the sign "Firehole River Canyon" (a one-way road). The swimming hole is about 1.5 miles ahead on the right. There is parking further on past (south of) the swimming place. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=44.6375, lon=-110.8675(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified. BOILING RIVER [BOIL]: A short walk (.5 miles each way) along the Gardner River to a wonderfully fun place where a stream of 140 degree water called Boiling River comes mysteriously out of the ground (thought to be the outflow of Mammoth Hot Springs) and pours over ledges into the very cold Gardiner River. Numerous visitors take the short walk to a section of the Gardner River where thermally heated streams feed into the Gardner River. The combination of the boiling water with the cold river create a warm swimming hole. The area is closed early in the season when the Gardner River is above a safe level for swimming. BE CAREFUL- DO NOT WALK OR OTHERWISE GET INTO THE BOILING RIVER STREAM- IT IS SCALDING HOT! PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2. To get here: A short distance north of Mammouth Hot Springs on RT 89 (near the Yellowstone North entrance at Gardiner, MT.) there is a sign indicating the 45th parallel of latitude. The entrance to the large Boiling River parking area is immediately north of this sign (there is no Boiling River sign on the road.) Park here and walk along the well-worn path about .5 miles to the place in the river where there are rock pools all along the bank. Try out the various pools until you find one that not too hot nor too cool but just right for you! Great family fun place. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=44.98503, lon=-110.68922 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.Very confident. Verified. KELLY WARM SPRINGS [KELL]: OK, these are not the greatest hot springs in the west (the temp is only "warm" and it has a marshy shoreline) BUT the view is fantastic (the Grand Tetons in all their glory - SEE PHOTO ), they are big enough to actually swim in, easy to access and shallow enough for the kids. It is south of Yellowstone and east of the Grand Tetons in the Jackson Hole area of Wyoming. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=43.63950, lon=-110.61631(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified. To get here from Yellowstone, take RT 89/287 south out of the park. At Moran Junction, take RT 191/26/89 south. Go about 17 miles and turn east (left) on Antelope Flats Rd. (before you get to Moose Junction). Proceed approximately 3.25 miles to the second right hand turn (also Antelope Flats Road). Make the right turn and proceed approximately 2.4 miles and turn left onto Gros Ventre Road. Proceed less than .5 mile. Pond is located on the south side of the road. Parking area is located on the North side of the road. Park service maintained rest room located in the parking area. To get here from Jackson: Take RT 191/26/89 north about 7 miles then turn east onto Gros Ventre Rd.. Proceed approximately 7 miles to the little town of Kelly and follow Gros Ventre Road to the north approximately 1 mile from the turn in town. Turn Right (continuing on Gros Ventre Road) and proceed less that .5 mile. Pond is located on the south side of the road. Parking area is located on the North side of the road. Park service maintained rest room located in the parking area.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 8/03 |
DATE UPDATED | 12/13/2006 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | MERCED, YOSEMITE VILLAGE |
STATE | CA |
WATER | Varies -see below |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | There are many swimming holes in Yosemite - here are a few where visitors may pretty-much legally swim. See "DIRECTIONS" below for details.
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AREA | Yosemite N. P. |
SANCTION | Unknown |
FEE | Must pay fee to enter Yosemite N.P. |
FACILITIES |
All facilities at the park. |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | At the Park - get reservations if you want to stay in the valley. There are tents and cabins in Curry Village in the Valley. There is a campground at Wawona as well - probably less crowded because it isn't in the Valley. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | | Along RT 140 from Mariposa/southwest entrance and Yosemite valley area: BRYCEBURG RECREATION AREA [BRYC]: Camping, rafting and swimming in a BLM Recreation Area along the Merced River. BLM INFO . From Mariposa, take RT 140 12 miles to Bryceburg. At Bryceburg, cross the bridge over the Merced River and drive downstream on an old railroad grade that is now a road (appears to be a dead end). There are several campgrounds and swimming holes along here. No better directions. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.59589, lon=-119.98450(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2008. HITES COVE [HITE]: A place to swim in the South Fork Merced River, a hike off of RT 140. Take Rt 140 (past Bryceburg, above) to where the Merced River and South Fork Merced Rivers come together at a large bridge. Park at a turnout on the north side of the bridge and cross the road and go toward the river (there are some chalets here). Find the trail along the South Fork and follow it toward the Hites Cove area. There will be some side trails off to the river and swimming holes. No better directions. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.64972, lon=-119.88503(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 5/2007. MERCED RIVER [MERC]: A favorite spot to swim in Yosemite Valley off RT 140. Continue east on RT 140 and swim in the Merced River at the sandy bars between Clark's Bridge and Sentinel Beach near Housekeeping Camp beach. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.74178, lon=-119.58331(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 5/2007. Along RT 41 from Oakhurst/south entrance to Yosemite: WAWONA [WAWO]: Another favorite spot to swim in Yosemite but not in the Valley - it is in the South Fork Merced River near the Wawona Hotel on RT 41 near the south border of the park. Maybe not as crowded as places in the Valley. Enter the park near the south side on RT 41 and go to Wawona. To get here from the Wawona Hotel, walk the path from the hotel to the old barn (for square dances) and follow the road beside the barn to the end of the road and walk down the path there to the swinging bridge to the river on the left. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.53869, lon=-119.65583(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 5/2007. CHILNUALNA CREEK [CHIL]: Near the one above, but an uphill hike of about 1 mile to get there. Enter the park near the south side on RT 41 and go to Wawona (see above also). Drive east about 2 miles on Chilnualna Falls Rd. to the trailhead for Chilnualna Falls Trail. Hike about 1 mile up this trail and, where the trail goes off to the left, keep to the right and go another .25 miles upstream. Here there is a beautifully contoured rock basin and a great swimming hole. (If you go back and continue up the main trail another 3 miles you will get to Chilnualna Falls which is another water-play place,) TRAIL INFO . LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.55544, lon=-119.62722(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 5/2007. Along RT 120 from Groveland/northwest entrance to Yosemite: RAINBOW POOLS [RAIP]: The Rainbow Pools are popular swimming hole on the south fork of the Tuolumne river. You can swim, jump from low ledges or watch courageous kids jump from the very high ones. To get here from Groveland (western side of Yosemite) go about 15 miles east on RT 120 then turn south (right) just before a big bridge. If you get to RT 17 north to Cherry Lake, you have missed it. Link to pictures and history , link to a youtube video of jumping . LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.82156, lon=-120.01236(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/2008. TUOLUMNE/WATERWHEEL [TUOW]: Here's a several-day backpacking hike featuring spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes along the Tuolumne River - at least 20 miles roundtrip to the swimming areas, 40 miles roundtrip if you do the entire trail. The trailhead is north of the valley, on RT 120 (Tioga Road) near Lembert Dome, which is well signed. Park at the trailhead and take the Waterwheel Falls/Pate Valley trail to the westalong the Tuolumne River. You will pass California Falls and shortly after Waterwheel Falls Return Creek will come in from the north. From here to Pate Valley there are said to be numerous swimming holes along this trail. No better directions. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.93172, lon=-119.46569(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 5/2007.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 12/14/2005 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ST. GEORGE, VIRGIN, SPRINGDALE |
STATE | UT |
WATER | Varies -see below |
TYPE | River/Creek/Falls |
DESCRIPTION | There are a number of swimming holes in Zion and nearby - here are a few but you might discover your own too! ZION WEB SITE . See DIRECTIONS" below for details.
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AREA | Zion N. P. |
SANCTION | Unoffical |
FEE | Must pay fee to enter Zion N.P. - you must leave your car and use their free shuttle bus service if you plan to go up the canyon north of Canyon Junction. |
FACILITIES |
All facilities at the park. |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping, Tubing |
PHONE | See web site |
CAMPING | At the Park ther are 2 campgrounds, Watchman and South, both near the Springdale entrance - only Watchman has reservations. See web site AND get reservations if you want to stay in the canyon. |
BATHING SUITS | Varies-see below |
DIRECTIONS |
CAMPGROUNDS [CAMP]: The Virgin River goes right by both the Zion campgrounds - Watchman and the South Campgrounds (both near the Springdale entrance to the park). There are some fine wading and swimming places right here in the river - very convenient if you are camping! If you are not camping, you can access these swimming holes via the PA'RUS trail (a short walk from the Visitor Center), which skirts the campgrounds along the Virgin River. An outstanding swimming hole is right behind Site 87 in the South Campground, PHOTO 1, PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3, but there are others too. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.2007, lon=-112.9871(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 5/2007. Updated 5/2007. | CANYON JUNCTION [CANY]: A popular swimming place in the Virgin River at Canyon Junction, which is also near where Pine Creek joins the Virgin River (see PINE CREEK below). The shuttle bus stops here (and some of the shuttle bus operators even announce the swimming hole!). This is north of the Visitors Center (south of the lodge), where RT 9 turns right to go up the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway (see the valley map on the web site above). After you get off the shuttle bus at Canyon Junction, walk north short way to the "river access" sign and down to the river to the swimming places. The main swimming hole is just at the bottom of the small falls. PHOTO . LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.2189, lon=-112.9729(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 5/2007. Updated 5/2007. LOWER PINE CREEK [LOWP]: An easy hike along Pine Creek (which empties into the Virgin River at Canyon Junction, above) with a couple of swimming holes along the way. LINK TO MORE INFO . To get here by car from Canyon Junction go up (east) on the Zion-Mt Carmel highway a very short distance to the first switchback and park just before the stone bridge over Pine Creek on the left (or, if by shuttle, walk up the road to here from the shuttle stop at Canyon Junction.). To get here, follow a very apparent trail east and into the Pine Creek area for about .5 miles. You will need to cross the creek at least once. At about .5 miles, you will come to a bunch of large boulders blocking the creek - climb over these and the first swimming hole is just on the other side - a nice little falls and deep, narrow, green swimming hole below. You can jump off the rocks on the right into the deepest part of the hole. PHOTO 1, PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.21737 , lon=-112.96039(source: measured) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. If you keep going upstream a very short distance, you come to Lower Pine Creek Falls, about 10 feet high, but the pool at the bottom tends to be shallow and not as good a swimming place as the first place. It is a bit of a difficult rock clamber to go up to the falls - from the first place climb up the rocks face on the right (looking upstream) using the apparent "steps" in the rock. Clamber over a few boulders and you will see the falls. See link to photos above for the larger falls. Very confident. Verified 5/2007. Updated 5/2007. MIDDLE PINE CREEK [MIDP]: A more strenuous 4 hour hike into beautiful slot canyon areas of Pine Creek with swimming holes also. This hike requires a permit from the NPS (get yours early, it is popular with the more serious "canyoneering" crowd) and, depending on how far you go, requires rapelling as well. To get here, continue up the Zion- Mt. Carmel highway through the tunnels and stop at the small Canyon Overlook parking lot (at the upper entrance of the tunnel). Enter the creek canyon just behind the parking area and follow the creek. The whole length requires about ten rappels, hiking and bouldering down the creek to join up with Route 9 (past Lower Pine Creek above). There are some good swimming holes along the way. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.21289, lon=-112.94042(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 5/2007. THE NARROWS [NARR]: At the north end of the valley in Zion is "The Narrows" - where the Virgin River comes out of a deep, narrow canyon. You can get a permit (and a shuttle) and hike the entire Narrows from north to south (usually done as an over night trip). Information about the hike , Photo1 of hiking in the Narrows , Photo 2 of hiking in the Narrows. You can also take a shorter hike up into the Narrows - take shuttle to the north end of the valley (The Temple of Sinawava)and walk the "Riverside Trail" north. For the first mile, it is paved and there are numerous swimming holes clearly visible as you walk this paved trail. Then walk north in the Virgin River canyon (sometimes in the water - wear shoes that can get wet); there are also several places deep enough to be swimming holes along here also. After about 1.5 miles of walking in the river, you come to where the Narrows really begin. Here, on the right, Orderville Canyon comes in. Hike up this canyon about .5 mile and you will come to small falls with several swimmable pools. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.3067, lon=-112.945(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Partially verified. Updated 6/2007. VIRGIN RIVER FALLS PARK [VIRG]: This one is not in Zion N.P. but is close by and a lot of fun! Near the town of Virgin, there is a town park where the Virgin River goes through a narrow slickrock slot - great for a swim or a short tubing trip (vault toilets). Photo 1 , Photo 2 , Photo 3 . To get here from Zion N.P., take RT 9 west to the town of Virgin. Go about .25 miles past (east of) the Fort Zion Restaurant (stop in - very hospitable folks) and turn south (left) on Sheep Bridge Rd. Cross the bridge over the Virgin River and turn immediately left where there is a sign for the Virgin River Falls Park and a gate. Park and walk to the river. Take an inner tube (and sun screen - no shade) and enjoy! LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=37.1975, lon=-113.2083 (source: DeLorme-p) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Verified 5/2007. Updated 5/2007.
CONFIDENCE | See above |
VERIFIED | Mostly - see above |
DATE UPDATED | 6/2007 | |
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