In the summer months, when the sun is beating down, I personally think there is nothing more cooling and relaxing than swimming in cool fresh water. Lucky for the residents of Portland, there is an abundance of nearby rivers and lakes to stay cool, and many are located only a short drive from the intense heat of the city center. Check out these outdoor swimming safety tips, and then consider heading to one of my favorite swimming holes near Portland, Oregon…
Our Top 3 Best Swimming Holes Near Portland
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Best For High Cliffs
High Rocks Park
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Opal Creek Pool
I love this popular spot which is located near Portland, and although it can take up to 2 hours to drive depending on traffic, I honestly think it’s well worth it. Located at the base of Opal Creek, this 25-foot deep blue swimming hole is ideal for just taking a relaxing swim or jumping from the rock ledges above (just remember to be careful, accidents do happen!)
You will need to park up and walk just over 3 miles down a dirt track, which only makes you want to get into the water even quicker. I think, like many others its up there as being the state’s most picturesque natural place to swim.
Pros
25-foot deep swimming pool with emerald water
Breathtaking scenery with a small waterfall
Small (pebbled) beach
Hiking through the largest old-forest
Cons
Parking spaces are a little compact
2 hours drive from Portland to reach the trail
Nearby Attractions
Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area
Three Pools Day Use Area
Shady Cove Campground
Must Do Things
Walk around the Opal Creek forest and see beautiful 1000-year-old trees
Explore the two beautiful scenic peaks namely Whetstone and Henline at the Western portion
Hiking on any of the eight adventurous trails to watch some unforgettable scenery
Facilities
Camping
Room rentals
Horse riding
High Rocks Park
Located on the Clackamas River, High Rocks is an adventure playground for children and adults. Easy to find due to its proximity to Interstate 205, it can become crowded in the summer months, but still worth a visit to swim and for the more adventurous jumping from the rocky cliffs.
I also recommend picnicking and sunbathing here as well as it’s such a tranquil spot. Open all year round and only 17 miles from Portland City, it is a favorite among city dwellers; ample parking, picnic sites, drinking water, and restrooms are all provided, and the park is free of charge.
Note: Please be careful if you are going to jump from the cliffs, they are often slippery, and there have been accidents in the past; there is now a lifeguard presence, but only during the summer months.
Pros
Mesmerizing scenic views
Located in a public park with lifeguards at peak seasons
Popular with cliff jumping and picnics
Only 17 miles away from Portland
Cons
Can get crowded during the summer
Lifeguards only at certain times
Nearby Attractions
Spa valley railway
UK owl and raptor centre
Tunbridge Wells Forum
Must Do Things
Sit on the high rocks and sunbathe
Gaze at the breathtaking from the rocky Clackamas river bank
Spot birds and wildlife
Facilities
Restrooms
Drinking water
Picnic sites
Garbage service
Naked Falls
Naked Falls has numerous points for swimming and cliff jumping on summer days; the crisp freshwater will cool you down the instant you get in.
Nobody is really sure why it’s called Naked Falls; it just is. With shaded picnic areas, it is a family getaway for the day. The flat rocks are also perfect for sunbathing and topping up that tan.
A short walk from the parking area, although short, it can be a bit steep for some; the area is beautiful and relaxing, although at the height of summer can be a bit busy for some.
Pros
Clean fresh swimming hole
Popular with families and pets
Serene-shaded picnic area
Picturesque dry rocks
Pretty waterfall
Cons
Costly parking pass
Steep access to the waterfall
Nearby Attractions
Dougan falls
Hardy falls
Sunset falls campground
Must Do Things
Some have fun by jumping off the 30-foot cliff into the river (just remember to keep safe and cautious!)
Enjoy swimming in the pristine slow-moving water
Have fun on the two rope swings near the river bridge
Facilities
Dog friendly
Camping
Biking
Waterfall slides
Cliff jumping
Sauvie Island
Sauvie Island is huge, approximately the same size as Manhattan. It is one of the biggest river islands in the United States and has so much to offer for children and adults alike.
Sitting beside the Columbia River and the Willamette River and only 10 miles from downtown Portland it is a perfect place to swim on a hot summer’s day.
I suggest hiking and casual walks along the beach as a few alternatives to swimming, but that’s the main reason people come here. The water is nice and even in the summer.
With the island being so big, you can always find a secluded spot for swimming with kids and enjoying a picnic. Picturesque, safe, and very child-friendly, Sauvie Island is the perfect place to cool off and relax.
Pros
Scenic sandy beach
Cool and clear water
Family-friendly picnic spot
Walton beach has shallow water
Cons
Limited restrooms
Dogs must be leashed
No lifeguards
Nearby Attractions
Oak island
Waterways
Sauvie island wildlife area
Must Do Things
Boating and kayaking
Picnicking on the cool sandy beach and watching the birds
Wildlife watching or hiking and cycling in the nearby areas
Facilities
Convenience store and cafe
Wedding reception areas
Island roadmap
Henry Hagg Lake
The lake is a favourite for many people wishing to take a refreshing dip in its cool, deep waters, but many people do not know it was man-made in the 70s.
The lake is split into two sections, one for swimming and one for motorized vessels. In the latter part, you can really open up the boat and have no fear of swimmers.
The area around the lake is not just popular with swimmers and boating enthusiasts, and bird watching is very popular, cycling, and hiking. Unfortunately, overnight camping is prohibited to preserve the local ecology.
Picnic areas are provided for the family to quench their hunger and thirst after a day of adventure. Very much a place for the entire family to spend the day.
Pros
Refreshing cool and deep pool
Separate sections for swimming and motorboats
Cycling and hiking are allowed
Family-friendly
Cons
Overnight camping is not allowed
Portaloos as restrooms
Nearby Attractions
ELK cove vineyards
Tillamook state forest
Plum hill vineyards
Must Do Things
The inviting Oneonta Gorge River is perfect for boating on warm summer days
Just relaxing and taking in all the beautiful scenery
Go for a scenic picnic on the banks
Facilities
Fishing
Boat launchers
Observation desk
Moulton Falls
Moulton Falls is the big dog for swimming holes. This Regional Park is 387 acres and boasts many attractions for all abilities and ages.
Many people come here for hiking or simply sunbathing out in the beautiful natural setting.
One of its main attractions is its many swimming holes and in the summer months it can get quite crowded. Only 1-hour drive from Portland, it is ideal for city dwellers to escape the heat.
Pros
Cool and crystalline waterfall and swimming hole
Surrounded by green trees
Flat hiking trail perfect for all ages
Less than an hours drive away from the city
Cons
Little crowded during summers
Dogs allowed on leash only
Nearby Attractions
Backroad food and spirits
Barrel mountain brewing
Must Do Things
Enjoy the beautiful falls
Go hiking and take a rest in the shadows of the Cedar
fir and big-leaf maple trees
Bring a picnic and watch the swimmers and jumpers
Facilities
Toilets
Snackshops
Wilson River at Keenig Creek
Often billed as the calmest part of any river in the Pacific Northwest, it is ideal for swimming and cooling off from the summer heat.
If like-minded people have the same idea as you, head further downstream to the mile 15 marker, which is rarely crowded.
For a bit more adventure, head to the Footbridge area, where there are jumps of 10 feet into the fresh water. This is definitely a place to bring the kids and feel safe with them in the water; cool, calm, and fairly shallow. You can relax in the shade knowing the daily is fine.
Pros
Popular swimming locations are around Keenig Creek Campground
Areas of shallow water perfect for all ages
Various deep pools
Great for kayaking
hiking
or tubing
Cons
Can get busy at peak times
No sandy beach
Nearby Attractions
Must Do Things
Dive into the cool river and enjoy swimming in one of the most scenic swimming holes in the state
Go tubing
hiking
canoeing
and kayaking
Enjoy a scenic picnic on the two beautiful picnic sites and then camp overnight
Facilities
None
Lewisville Park
This 154-acre park is an excellent place to escape from the city, only a 45-drive it is truly a stunning area, family-friendly, with large grassy areas for the kids to play and to have a picnic by the river.
The park also boasts many swimming holes to keep you fresh on a summer’s day. The Larch area of the park has a small beach and a fantastic swimming spot.
It’s not too deep, which is great for children and adults alike. The Ponderosa area of the park also has an incredible place to swim but is deeper and faster flowing, not ideal for children but fine for adults.
Pros
Cool grassy areas perfect for a picnic
Beautiful scenery around pools
45-minute drive from Portland
Shallow waters and deeper waters
Cons
Pets must be leashed
Limited parking
Nearby Attractions
Lake Park Golf Club
Eagle gun range
Steve Schiele Professional Guide Service
Must Do Things
Hike or go on a nature walk and take in the rich
green and breathtaking scenery of Lewisville park
Go for a family-friendly picnic on the shady and peaceful river bank
The biking trail is perfect for adventurous nature-loving types
Facilities
Wheelchair accessible paths
Picnic shelters
Tennis and basketball courts
Restrooms
Hood River Waterfront Park
A favourite with kids, this large open space with access to the cool waters of the Hood is constantly changing. This is a community-funded project, and every year, it just gets better and better.
And with the new changes come new amenities, including picnic tables, drinking fountains, improved restrooms, a children’s play area, and a viewing platform where you can relax and just watch the river slowly go by.
Certainly not just a favourite spot for locals, people come from miles around to swim in a secure environment.
Pros
Small sandy swimming beach
Children’s play area
Lots of picnic amenities are offered
Watercraft launch
Cons
Parking is a little expensive
No lifeguards
Nearby Attractions
Solstice Wood Fire Pizza - Cafe & Bar
pFriem Family Brewers
Full Sail Brew Pub
Must Do Things
Admire the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River while walking on the well-kept pathways in the park
Take your kids to play in the fun play area
Take your kite when it’s windy!
Facilities
Tennis court
Playground
Rooster Rock State Park
With 3 miles of accessible shoreline, even on a busy summer day, you can always find a peaceful spot to cool off. Just don’t go too far east. It has one of Oregon’s 2 clothing-optional beaches; it is hidden away, though.
Before or after a swim, you can take a flat hike through the shading of the trees, which are teeming with Blacktail deer and plant life, which grows very high and very fast.
It is also a bird lover’s paradise, and the oak trees are home to hundreds of species. A very tranquil place. Dogs are not allowed, but everybody else is. Bring the family for a pleasant, safe day out.
Pros
Truly breathtaking scenery
Two clothing optional beaches (in the eastern portion)
Home to different types of birds
Cons
Entrance fee
Not a friendly-family place
Nearby Attractions
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls Lodge Restaurant
HomeGoods
Must Do Things
Enjoy the mesmerizing scenery of the Roster Rock State Park
The adventurous should try windsurfing
At the west end of the park
there’s a peaceful place for paddling
Facilities
Two golf courses
Three covered picnic shelters
Off-leased areas for dogs
Salmon River
Salmon River is a naturally stunning area and only about one hour’s drive from Portland City, perfect for a hot summer’s day.
Swimming here should be mandatory, the water is fresh and cool, and the river meanders through the valley with the trees lining each, which also gives you a break from the heat.
Other than swimming, there are hiking trails amongst the tall trees, and kayaking is also a perfect way to enjoy the river. There are also several campsites in the area if you wish to stay longer in this amazing setting.
Pros
Several deep swimming holes along the creek
Adventurous kayaking and hiking trials
Only one hour drive from Portland
Popular with jumpers (just be cautious and safe!)
Cons
A permit is required to float in the river
No lifeguards
Nearby Attractions
Sunbeam cafe
Stanley museum
Yankee fork gold dredge
Must Do Things
Walk around the breathtaking Salmon River and enjoy the beauty of the free-flowing water
Enjoy adventurous activities
including boating
kayaking
tubing
and rafting
Spot birds and other wildlife
Facilities
Canyon guides
Accommodation
Pictorial history guide
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Michael Cowley – writer and photographer
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine – he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter.
Hotel Reviewing Experience –Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Discover Greece, Barcelo Hotels, and Rickshaw Travel. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos. Also mentioned as a top UK travel journalist.
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