lat=44.9356776, lon=-122.1736904 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Bagby Hot Springs
TYPE
Hot Springs
DESCRIPTION
Very well known, 1.5 mile one-way scenic hike to a very well known hot springs. Natural hot water is led in to a series of volunteer-built tubs of various sizes, some with shelters above. Nudity is common. PLEASE, RESPECT THIS UNIQUE, BEAUTIFUL SERENE PLACE.
AREA
Mount Hood National Forest
SANCTION
Semi-official
FEE
Forest pass required
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
none
CAMPING
No camping at site. There are several campgrounds nearby in the National Forest.
BATHING SUITS
Optional
DIRECTIONS
From Portland, take RT 224 through Estacada then another 25 miles, into Mount Hood National Forest. Go 0.5 miles past the Ripplebrook Guard Station then turn right on FR 46. Go another 3.5 miles then keep right onto FR 63. In another 3.5 miles turn right on FR 70. Drive six miles to the trailhead parking lot on the left. Northwest Forest Pass required. Park and hike the trail to Bagby (trail number 544) for 1.5 miles to the springs. The trail is well-maintained and easy.
lat=42.955555, lon=-124.10555(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Coquille River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
Swimming place near coast of Oregon at state picnic area in bend of
Coquille River. Secluded swimming hole has a shaded myrtlewood grove
near the parking area and a sandy beach along the Coquille River just a
short way down the hill. Bring your innertube and float along with the
river's gentle current. No drinking water at site.
AREA
Coquille-Myrtle Grove S. P.
SANCTION
Official
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Picnic Tables, Toilets
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
1-800-551-6949
CAMPING
No camping at site. There are several campgrounds nearby on the coast.
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Roseburg, go south a short way on I-5 to Exit 120 then west on RT
42. Near Myrtle Point, go south on Powers Highway about 10 miles to the
state park. Easy walk down to river swiming place.
Swimming holes south and west of Corvallis. See directions below for details.
AREA
Varies - see below
SANCTION
Varies - see below
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Varies - see below
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Varies - see below
BATHING SUITS
Varies - see below
DIRECTIONS
All directions are from Corvallis:
PHILOMATH [PHIL]: Local town swimming hole in Marys River. Situated on a bend in the Marys River. Good shallow area for kids. There is a small beach. No camping at site. Bathing suits required. LAT, LON lat=44.53482, lon=-123.3741(source: map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Corvallis, take RT 20/34 (SW Philomath Blvd.) west to Philomath. In Philomath, take 9th St. south to the end of the street. Park in the field. Take the trail to the river. Not Verified. Pretty confident. Updated 3/2011.
ALSEA FALLS [ALSE]: Beautiful cascade-type falls in Alsea River with pool to swim in at bottom. This is a BLM
recreation area with camping, picnicing and toilets. No fee to go to falls. Camping at the site. Bathing suits unknown. LAT, LON lat=44.32958, lon=-123.49986(source: map) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Corvallis, take RT 20/34 (SW Philomath Blvd.) west through Philomath (see above) then continue on RT 20/34 (now the Alsea Hwy) about 20 miles to Alsea. In Alsea, take S 2nd St. south (becomes Alsea-Deadwood Hwy) for about 1 mile then turn left at S Fork Rd. Follow S Fork Rd. as it winds along for about 8 miles to the Alsea Falls Recreation Area. Not Verified. Pretty confident. Updated 3/2011.
TRIANGLE FALLS [TRIA]: Water slide over rocks in Pontius Creek in Triangle Lake County Park area. DO NOT STAND UP ON SLIDE! No camping at site. Bathing suits required. LAT, LON lat=44.17654, lon=-123.58383(source: map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from Corvallis, take 99W south about 17 miles to Monroe then take Territorial Hwy south about 9 miles to Cheshire at the junction with RT 36. Take RT 36 west about 20 miles to Triangle Lake County Park just north of Triangle Lake. The sliding place is very near here in the creek. No better directions. Not Verified. Pretty confident. Updated 3/2011.
lat=44.08169, lon=-122.24094(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Varies
TYPE
Hot Springs/Reservoir
DESCRIPTION
Cougar has it all! A world-class hot spring and a nearby swimming hole.
(The hot spring is actually named "Terwilliger" but often called
Cougar.) See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA
Willamette N.F.
SANCTION
Official
FEE
$3.00 per person
FACILITIES
Toilets
ACTIVITIES
Hot Tubbing, Swimming
PHONE
None
CAMPING
No camping at site. There are 3 N.F. campgrounds nearby on Cougar
Reservoir.
BATHING SUITS
Optional (very)
DIRECTIONS
From Eugene, go east on RT 126 (McKenzie Pass Hwy.) for about 50
miles to signs for Cougar Reservoir. Take Forest Rd 19 south (right)
for about 8 miles along the reservoir to a sign for Terwilliger Hot
Springs at a path on the right side of road. Continue past this sign a
short distance to the large parking area on the left side of the road.
Park here, buy a permit from the self service kiosk (yes, they really
do enforce this permit-ever get a ticket while standing naked in the
woods?) and walk TO the path (at the sign). Then:
COUGAR HOT SPRINGS [COUH]: Walk about .25
miles up this path to the hot spring. Multiple hot pools cascade down a
luxuriant forested hillside. The Forest Service has taken this
sometimes troubled spot under its wing and, by charging $5.00 to get
in, now assures clean pools, a clean and sober crowd (no alcohol) and
sanitary toilet facilities. To their credit, though, they don't have a
rule about attire and most afficionados wear nothing. It is a shame it
closes at dusk now, daytime use only. PHOTO
COUGAR RESERVOIR [COUR]: Cool off in a
swimming hole in the Rider Creek arm of the Cougar Reservoir. It will
be on your left, down a steep slope, along the path as you walk to the
hot spring. There is a very small sand beach and a gradual slope into
the reservoir here. There is a picturesque waterfall at the far side of
the reservior. PHOTO
lat=43.036, lon=-122.8096(source: Campground website) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
South Umpqua River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
Creek swimming hole at National Forest Campground.
AREA
Umpqua N. F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Picnic tables and toilets at campground
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Camping at site, 5 sites, no drinking water
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
From I-5, Exit 98 (south of Roseburg) take RT 227 west about 16.1 mi then turn left at S Umpqua Rdand go 4.8 mi then turn right to stay on S Umpqua Rd and the campground will be on the right at about 6.9 mi. The swimming hole is at the upstream end of the campground.
lat=42.142, lon=-123.461(source: map) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Sucker Creek or Cave Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Swimming hole in creek near CCC National Forest campground. No further information. STATE PARK WEB SITE .
AREA
Siskiyou N. F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
none
FACILITIES
All facilities at campground
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Camping at Grayback Campground
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Cave Junction, go east on RT 46 for 11.3 miles to the Grayback Campground. The swimming hole is 1/8 mile from the campground. No better directions.
CONFIDENCE
lat=42.15041, lon=-123.652769(source: State Park Web Site) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Illinois River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
River swimming hole with sandy beach at state park picnic area
(unoffical swimming). This is where the east and west forks of the
Illinois River join. STATE PARK WEB SITE .
AREA
Illinois River Forks S. P.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Picnic tables and toilets
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
No camping at site - day use only
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
From Cave Junction, go south 1 mile on RT 199 (between Grants Pass, Oregon, and Crescent City, California).
lat=45.69583, lon=-121.45472(source: web site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Columbia River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
Sandy beach on Columbia River with huge rock that can be jumped from at various heights.
AREA
Koberg Beach S. P.
SANCTION
Official
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Picnic tables, toilets
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Jumping
PHONE
1-800-551-6949
CAMPING
None at site.
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
From Portland, take I-205 north to I-84 at exit 22. Go east on I-84
toward The Dalles. Continue about 3 miles past The Dalles to the Mosier
exit. Take a left at stop sign, toward Hood River.Follow signs to
Koberg Beach State Park.
lat=44.157046, lon=-123.5792(source: website) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Lake Creek
TYPE
Water slide
DESCRIPTION
Easy walk to a fun, family water slide, 100 feet long but not too steep. LINK TO WEB SITE
AREA
Unknown
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Toilets
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, sliding
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
No camping at site
BATHING SUITS
Customary - family place
DIRECTIONS
From Eugene, go north on RT 99 for about 25 miles to Junction City. Go west on RT 36 for about 28 miles to the Lake Creek Falls trail parking area (about 1 miles past Triangle Lake). Cross the street, following the trail along the road until it reaches stairs. Go down stairs a sign at the middle section of the falls. The slide is here. It is about a 1/4 mile walk.
RT 126 east of Springfield follows the McKenzie river for many miles
through the Willamette N.F.. There are many swimming holes along here.
See DIRECTIONS below for a few of these. (See also COUGAR hot
spring/swimming hole which is also out RT 126, past this area)
AREA
Willamette N.F.
SANCTION
Varies - see below
FEE
Varies - see below
FACILITIES
Varies - see below
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
There are several campgrounds on RT 126 east of this area.
BATHING SUITS
Varies - see below
DIRECTIONS
From Eugene and Springfield OR, (set odometer here) go east on RT 126, Then:
HENDRICKS WAYSIDE [HEND]: Official
McKenzie River swimming place with grass beach. State Park. Roped off
kids area with deeper swimming places across river and upstream a bit. PHOTO . Picnic tables and toilets, Fee. LAT, LON lat=44.0559, lon=-122.8296(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
To get here, take RT 126 about 6.5 miles (to where the divided highway
ends). Go left (north) on Main St., still on RT 126, and go another
(about) 5 miles to the turnoff for the park, on the right. Verified.
Very confident. Updated 11/29/2005.
FINN ROCK [FINN]: Some of the best swimming
holes on the McKenzie are around Finn Rock, about 30 miles east of
Springfield on RT 126. One is at a boat launch you get to by crossing
the river at Quartz Creek Road just before Finn Rock. LAT, LON lat=44.1270, lon=-122.3827(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not Verified. Pretty confident. Updated 11/29/2005.
TAMOLITCH POOL [TAMO]: For real cold water,
go 55 miles on RT 126 east from Springfield (past the turn off for
COUGAR, see elsewhere) to the northern end of Trailbridge Reservoir
then turn left and park for the McKenzie River Trail. Hike north
(upstream) on the McKenzie River Trail for about 4 miles. Here the
river flows underground for 3 miles then comes out in the Tamolitch
Pool. There are several streams of water emerging into the pool from an
underwater lava rock wall. Very cold. LAT, LON lat=44.31181, lon=-122.02733(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Not Verified. Pretty confident. Updated 11/29/2005.
lat=42.2675, lon=-122.4192(source: Google Earth) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Quarry
TYPE
Quarry
DESCRIPTION
This from a visitor:"An old rock quarry where natruists hang out during the summer. It has a decent sized spring fed pond in the middle, with gravel beaches, surrounded by camping nooks in the trees. The hole is hardly 200 feet off the Keno Access Road, but is fully hidden from view by the rock shelf. A rock bluff where people jump off into the pool, about a 20-30 foot drop."
This report from a visitor in 2010:"I just visited The Quarry in Southern Oregon. We had a great time. I would like to call this site verified, and to say there are several people that camp there in tents, campers, motor homes, trailers, etc. It is family friendly from what I could tell as there were several families on the west side beach area but the entire quarry is clothing optional."
AREA
Rogue River National Forest
SANCTION
unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
none
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Jumping
PHONE
none
CAMPING
None at site.
BATHING SUITS
Optional
DIRECTIONS
From Ashland, take E. Main Street or Ashland St. to the east a short distance then turn northeast (left) on Dead Indian Memorial Rd.. Go about 18.5 miles on Dead Indian then go east (right) on the Keno Access Rd.. You will promptly drive out of the trees onto a narrow clearing, over a small stream, then over a water canal, then you will be back in the trees, and will start going up the rise. Near the top of the rise, about 1/4 mile from Dead Indian Rd, is the rock sides, and right as you crest the top, leveling out, you should be making a right turn, directly across from a gravel turn out area. The road weaves through the trees, around the quarry a lot like an @ sign, with camp sites all around the perimeter, with the swimming hole in the middle. (This is NOT the Howard Prarie Lake but is very nearby it.)
lat=43.6958, lon=-122.8313(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Varies - see below
TYPE
Varies - see below
DESCRIPTION
Southeast
of Cottage Grove, near the Row River in the Umpqua N. F. are several
outstanding swimming holes. For details, see DIRECTIONS below.
AREA
Umpqua N. F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
There are numerous N. F. camping areas near here
BATHING SUITS
May be optional in some places (some are pretty remote)
DIRECTIONS
From I-5 south of Eugene, take Exit 174 at Cottage Grove. Get off here
and go east a short distance then east (left) onto Row River Rd.. Go
about 17 miles on Row River Rd. (along Dorena Lake) past the small town
of Culp Creek. Then:
SHARPS CREEK R. A. [SHAR]: Nice swimming place
in Sharp's Creek with small rocky beach and a shallow swimming area for
kids. Deeper place as well with high rock for jumping. Camping site
just across the road. To get here: From the point above (17 miles east
on Row River Rd.) turn right on Sharp's Creek Road and drive 3.3 miles
to Sharp's Creek Recreation Site. LAT, LON : lat=43.66489, lon=-122.80669(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/16/2007.
WILDWOOD FALLS PARK [WILD]: Magnificent
swimming hole at the foot of a small falls. Picnic tables, restrooms.
Jump off 25 foot cliffs into 20 foot+ deep water. Underwater cave. LINK TO WEB PAGE/PHOTO.
CAUTION Be careful climbing down to
the pool. To get here: At Sharp's Creek Rd. turnoff, continue straight
on Row River Rd. about .5 miles to a parking area on the right for the
falls.LAT, LON : lat=43.69433, lon=-122.83175(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident. Not verified. Updated 12/16/2007.
LASELLS STEWART PARK [LASE]: A small falls
fills a lava and boulder-surrounded pool. Some sandy beach areas. To
get here: From Wildwood Falls (above) continue east on Row Rover Rd.
about .75 miles more and turn left into the park on a dirt road. CAUTION Watch out for poison oak!LAT, LON : lat=43.69861 , lon=-122.82361(source: web site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/19/2007.
Numerous swimming places accessed of RT 58 southeast of Eugene. Some on
Fall Creek (near Lowell) and some on the North Fork of the Middle Fork
of the Willamette River (near Westfir/Oakridge). See DIRECTIONS below
for details.
AREA
Willamette N.F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Toilets and picnic tables at some places-see below
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Several N.F. campgrounds along these roads - see below
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From
Eugene, take I-5 south then take Exit 188A to RT 58 south/east [SET
ODOMETER HERE]. Go about 13 miles from I-5 on RT 58 to just past Dexter
along the Dexter Reservoir, then:
FALL CREEK: The first group of places below
are on Fall Creek. At about 13 miles from I-5 on RT 58, turn north
(left) on the Jasper-Lowell Rd.. Go about 3 miles (through the town of
Lowell) and turn east (right) on Big Fall Creek Rd.. [RESET ODOMETER
HERE.] Then:
DOLLY VARDEN [DOLL]: Wide, deep swimming hole
with sandy beach and some current - rapids downstream. Camping at site.
To get here: Go about 10 miles from the turn onto on Big Fall Creek Rd
to the sign for Dolly Varden campground. The swimming hole is here.
LAT, LON : lat=43.9631, lon=-122.6171(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/24/05.
BIG POOL [BIGP]: Swimming hole with very clear
water and moderate current. Camping nearby at Big Pool campground. To
get here: go about 11 miles from the turn onto on Big Fall Creek Rd and
park at a small wide spot between mileposts 11 and 12. Walk to creek.
LAT, LON : lat=43.9661, lon=-122.5984(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/24/05.
CLARK CREEK [CLAR]: Swimming hole with group
campsite nearby. To get here: Go about 13 miles from the turn onto on
Big Fall Creek Rd to the sign for Clark Creek Group Camp and park
between mileposts 12 and 13. Cross the road and walk to the swimming
hole. , LON : lat=43.97278, lon=-122.58186(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/24/05.
BEDROCK [BEDR]: A large, 6 foot-deep swimming
hole by a N.F. campground. To get here: go about 14.5 miles from the
turn onto on Big Fall Creek Rd.. Park near here and find a trail
(downstream from the bridge) to the swimming place. LAT, LON : lat=43.97189, lon=-122.54508(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/24/05.
WILLAMETTE NORTH FORK [WINF]: To get to
second group of places, go about 33 miles from I-5 on RT 58 and turn
left on the Westfir-Oakridge road, (this is the second Westfir turn -
between mileposts 33 and 34.) This road name changes to the North Fork
Road (FR 19) at the bridge. [RESET ODOMETER HERE]. LAT, LON : lat=43.7938, lon=-122.4569(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/24/05.
There are swimming holes along this road:
FIRST: At about 1.5 miles past the bridge see a gravel parking area on the left and path to the river.
SECOND: At about 3.5 miles past the bridge see a gravel parking area on the left and path to the river.
THIRD: At about 5.3 miles past the bridge see a gravel parking area on the left and path to the river.
FOURTH: At about 11 miles past the bridge see a gravel parking area on the left and path to the river.
SALMON CREEK [SALM]: To get to the third area,
continue on RT 58 to Oakridge then take FS 24 east (left on Crestview
Street, right on 1st Street). In 3 miles, see the sign for Salmon Creek
Falls Campground. Here a small falls makes a deep blue frothy pool
swimming hole. See also the nearby "Salmon Creek Trail" for
hiking/biking. LAT, LON : lat=43.76108, lon=-122.37675(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 11/24/05.
Official swimming places in Sandy River. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA
Varies - see below
SANCTION
Official
FEE
Yes
FACILITIES
All facilities at state park
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
No camping at site
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
From
Portland, take I-84 east toward the COlumbia River Gorge, then take
Exit 18 (set odometer). Take NE. Jordan Rd. south then follow the
Historic Columbia River Gorge Hwy. south, then:
GLEN OTTO PARK [GLEN]: Troutdale city park
with a swimming beach on the Sandy River. Lifeguards sometimes.
Restrooms, picnic area, playground. Address is: 1102 E. Historic
Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060. WEB SITE . LAT, LON : lat=45.5375, lon=-122.37694(source: web site) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
To get here, go south on Historic Columbia River Gorge Hwy about .5
miles from I-84 and turn right (west) on E. Historic Columbia River Rd.
(may be called Glen Otto Park Rd.) to park. Very confident. Not
verified. Updated 12/28/2007.
DABNEY S. R. A. [DABN]: Swimming place in Sandy River in state park with picnic facilities. Official, we think. Fee. STATE PARK WEB SITE LAT, LON : lat=45.51728, lon=-122.35353(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
To get here, from I-84 continue south then east on Historic Columbia
River Gorge Hwy. In about 3.5 miles from I-84, you should see the state
park. Enter the state park and follow an asphalt pathway down to the
Sandy River where there is a beach area. Very confident. Not verified.
Updated 12/28/2007.
lat=44.79731, lon=-122.56564(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
North Fork Santiam River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
Just about 30 miles east of Salem lies the Little North Santiam
Recreation Area and a veritable plethora of fine swimming holes (well, 10-12, actually) on the
North Fork Santiam River.
AREA
Willamette N.F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Varies, some pit toilets
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Tubeing
PHONE
None
CAMPING
There are several National Forest campgrounds along Little North Fork
Road.
BATHING SUITS
Varies
DIRECTIONS
From Salem, go southeast on RT 22 about 22 miles and turn left
(northeast) at the signs for the Little Santiam Recreation
Area onto the Little North Fork Road (becomes FR 2207). As you drive out this road, there
are lots of swimming holes. Some of these are: (all distances are from
where you turn off RT 22 onto Little North Fork Rd):
SANTIAM RIVER [SANR]:
Little North Fork Park - about 2 miles
Unknown Name - about 3.2 miles
Canyon Creek - about 7.2 miles
Bear Creek Park - about 7.6 miles
Salmon Falls - about 14 miles
Unknown Name - about 15.3 miles
Three Pools - about 17.5 miles - Three different swimming holes, each
slightly above the other and separated by short waterfalls. The water
was translucent, even in the deepest portions and the sunlight
reflected off the rocks below. Lower pools have wide rock beach and
shallow water - good for kids. Upper pools have jumping rocks for older
folks.
Opal Pool - 7 mile rountrip hike - Continue east on Little North Fork Rd (FR 2207) and take FR 2209 to the left at the fork. Continue to the end of FR 2209 (may be rough) and park where there is a gate and trailhead. Hike on a very scenic old gravel road about 2 miles then follow the signs another 1 mile to Jawbone Flats; an old mining town that still has residents. In Jawbone Flats, make a right turn at a building where you can hear a water powered generator and follow this trail a short way to a short side trail down to Opal Pool. LINK TO PHOTO AND DESCRIPTION . 44.8454,-122.2089,DeLorme,approximate
If you continue on FR 2207 to FR 2209 and Spur 211, there are more swimming holes on all of
these roads too.
There is also a 4.2 mile easy trail called the "Little North Fork
Trail" along the river here that accesses many swimming holes. To
access the trail at the first trailhead, follow FR 2209 to Elkhorn.
Turn right onto FR 201 and follow to trailhead. To access the second
trailhead, stay on FR 2209 to fork in road. Veer right onto FR 2207.
Follow FR 2207 to western end of the closed Shady Cove Bridge. Park and
walk across bridge to trailhead.
ABIQUA CREEK [ABIQ]: Not on the North Fork
Santiam, but in the same general area, there is a popular local
swimming hole on Abiqua Creek near Silverton and Scott's Mills. TO get
here from Salem, take RT 213 northeast. Go about 3 miles past Silverton
then turn east (right) on on Abiqua Rd. NE and go about 7 miles.
(These directions are very uncertain.) IN this vicinity are several
swimming holes. No better directions. LAT, LON : lat=44.96844, lon=-122.64100(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very uncertain. Not verified. Updated 12/28/07.
Buy the book, "Oregon's Swimming Holes" by Relan Colley (see our books section on WESTERN WATER HOLE INFO) for more information on all these holes and a couple of hundred others in Oregon.
lat=43.379724, lon=-122.7603(source: map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Canton Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Swimming hole in creek near (or in) BLM campground.
AREA
Scaredman Creek Rec Area/Umpqua N. F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
unknown
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Camping at site
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Roseburg, take RT 138 (North Umpqua Hwy) east through Glide, a total of about 40 miles from Roseburg, then keep left on CR 249 (Steamboat Creek Rd.) and, in a short distance, go left on Canton Creek Rd (BLM Rd. 31) to the Scaredman Creek Campground. The swimming hole is within 1/4 mile of the campground. No better directions.
CONFIDENCE
lat=44.876667, lon=-122.64805 (source: Web Site) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Silver Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Developed swimming place in Silver Creek with sand beach, no lifguards but a fun family place.
AREA
Silver Falls S. P.
SANCTION
Semi-official
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Camping at site in State Park
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
From Salem, go east on State St toward 13th St NE for 1.3 mi then turn right at Airport Rd SE for
0.6 mi then turn left at Mission St SE/OR-22/OR-99e Bus and continue to follow OR-22 for 5.9 mi. Take exit 7 for OR-214 and go 0.2 mi then turn left at Lofty Loop SE/OR-214 (signs for Shaw)and continue to follow OR-214 for 4.2 mi. Turn left at OR-214/Silver Falls Hwy SE and go 12.4 mi to Silver Falls State Park. The swimming hole is in the creek (not the falls) in the State Park.
lat=43.05483, lon=-122.68569(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
South Umpqua River
TYPE
Falls
DESCRIPTION
Broad, low waterfall with swimming, diving and sliding opportunities - very popular with local families.
AREA
Umpqua N. F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
No
FACILITIES
Pincic tables, toilets
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Jumping, Sliding
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
No camping at site - much camping nearby in Umpqua N. F.
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From
I-5, Exit 98, at Canyonville (between Eugene and Medford) take RT 227
east to Tiller (Ranger Station is here). From Tiller, continue east on
RT 46 then FR 28 for about 20 miles to South Umpqua Falls recreation
area.
lat=44.232, lon=-119.806(source: campground Web Site) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Sugar Creek
TYPE
Creek
DESCRIPTION
Easy 1.25 mile (each way) hike from National Forest campground leads to swimming hole in Sugar Creek. (Suzi Dow looked for this in 2008 and didn't see it, but we think it is there.)
AREA
Ochoco N. F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Toilets in campground
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Camping at site in N. F. campgguound
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Paulina, take RT 112 east about 3.6 miles to the Sugar Creek campground sign. Turn left after the sign onto Beaver Creek Rd and Forest Rt. 58 and go 7.3 miles to "Y" intersection and campground sign. Bear
right, staying on Rt 58, and go 1.3 miles to campground on right. The swimming hole is on Sugar Creek Trail #824 about 1.25 miles from the campground.
Several swimming holes east and south of Sweet Home in the Santiam
River and Calapooia River. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREA
Willamette N.F.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From I-5 at Albany take Exit 233 then RT 20 east through Lebanon to Sweet Home. Then:
CALAPOOIA RIVER [CALA]: Numerous swimming
holes along a road paralleling the Calapooia River southeast of Sweet
Home. Two very popular spots (before the pavement ends) are
unofficially dubbed "Swiss Cheese" PHOTO and "The Jumping Rocks" PHOTO
You can go past the point where the road becomes gravel and find
numerous other holes, although the river is generally quite shallow PHOTO
. There is a lot of variety, all swimming holes sharing one main
quality in common save for beauty: they are all frigid. Although this
is very popular for those from the Corvallis/Albany/Lebanon area, it is
not for the cold sensitive. LAT, LON : lat=44.3266, lon=-122.7391(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
TO get here from Sweet Home, take RT 228 south to Holley then turn east
(left) on the Upper Calapooia Drive. This road follows the Calapooia
River more or less closely, but for several miles all of the property
along the river is private. You will drive out of the countryside and
into the forest on this relatively windy, hilly road. Before too long,
given the weather is good, you will notice cars pulled off at various
points on the right side of the road. Where they are parked is most
likely at a trail down to a swimming hole. Pretty confident. Not
verified. Updated 12/1/2005
MILEPOST 34 [MI34]: From Sweet Home, going
east on RT 20, there are mileposts. Just after Mile Post 34, on a bend
in the road, there is said to be a swimming hole. No better information
or directions. LAT, LON : lat=44.4061, lon=-122.5927(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Uncertain. Not verified. Updated 12/1/2005
CASCADIA S. P. [CASC]: From Sweet Home, go
east on RT 20 about 14 miles (past Milepost 34 above) to Cascadia and
Cascadia S.P. which has unoffical swimming in the river (called "High
Rocks"). This place was closed for a while but is now re-opened (summer
2007) with a special appeal to HELP KEEP IT CLEAN - PLEASE! LINK TO WEB SITE AND PHOTOS. LAT, LON : lat=44.39731, lon=-122.481099(source: State Park Web Site) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 12/1/2005.
lat=42.27538, lon=-118.2656(source: measured) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
OR
WATER
Whitehorse Hot Springs
TYPE
Hot Springs
DESCRIPTION
Situated
on a low butte, from here you can see 100 miles in all directions and
there is nothing anywhere but sky and sage! Whitehorse Hot Spring (also
known as Willow Hot Spring) is 30 miles down a dirt road from nowhere
to a very special place. The photo (above) tells it all. The upper pool
is very clear, sandy bottom, about 105 degrees, the lower cloudier and
cooler. No sulphur smell. No fees, no rules. Informal camping at the
site, no facilities except a vault toilet by the BLM. No drinking
water, no food, no trash disposal - take it all with you. No shade
either. Camp at the site and spend the late evenings in the pool
looking at the Milky Way - in the morning warm up before breakfast. IF
YOU GO HERE, RESPECT THIS SPECIAL PLACE, OR DONT BOTHER GOING!
AREA
BLM land
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Toilet
ACTIVITIES
Hot Tubbing
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Informal camping at site.
BATHING SUITS
Optional (very)
DIRECTIONS
From I-80 at Winnemucca, NV, go north on RT 95 and enter Oregon at
McDermitt. From McDermitt, continue about 35 miles to Whitehorse Rd, a
gravel road on the west (left) side - it is signed to Whitehorse Ranch.
Travel down this gravel road and, in about 22 miles, you will pass the
Whitehorse Ranch buildings, very visible on the north (right) side.
Continue on this road a few more miles and you will see the telephone
poles cross from the north side (right) to the south side (left) of the
road. When this happens, begin looking on the south side poles for one
that has several orange survey-type ribbons on it. (If you have a GPS,
you will come ot this pole at NAD LAT=42.2997, LON=-118.269.) Turn
south (left) on the dirt road at this pole and go about 3 miles to
where you see a road going off to the east (right) up onto a low butte.
(You may see vehicles parked up on this butte - this is Whitehorse Hot
Spring.) Turn right on this road and go a short way to the hot spring.
(Whitehorse Ranch Rd goes on through to the west to meet RT 205 north
of Denio. If you come in from the RT 205/Denio direction, it is about
24 miles on Whitehorse Ranch Rd. to the pole on the south side with the
ribbons where you turn south. Use the LAT LON above to help find the
turn if you have a GPS.)
A Family-Friendly 
