Best Swimming Holes in Oregon: 13 Spots Worth Getting Wet
Oregon is a dream state for outdoor lovers, and while most people come for the hikes and the coast, there’s another side of Oregon that deserves way more attention — the swimming holes.
We’re talking crystal-clear rivers, emerald green pools fed by waterfalls, hidden alpine lakes, and spots so gorgeous you’ll question if you’re still in the US. Whether you want a chill float spot or a dramatic plunge pool, Oregon delivers.
Here are 13 of the best swimming holes in Oregon to add to your summer bucket list.
Table of Contents
- 1. Tamolitch Blue Pool — McKenzie River, Central Oregon
- 2. Proxy Falls Area — Willamette National Forest
- 4. Drift Creek — Lincoln County, Oregon Coast Range
- 5. Sahalie & Koosah Falls — McKenzie River
- 6. Umpqua Hot Springs — Umpqua National Forest
- 7. Elk Lake — Cascade Lakes, Central Oregon
- 8. Eagle Creek — Columbia River Gorge
- 9. Oneonta Gorge — Columbia River Gorge
- 10. Willow Creek Hot Springs — Malheur County, Eastern Oregon
- 11. Abiqua Falls Pool — Scotts Mills Area
- 12. Alsea Falls — Benton County
- 13. Sweet Creek Falls — Siuslaw National Forest
- Tips for Swimming in Oregon
- Ready to Go Swimming in Oregon?
1. Tamolitch Blue Pool — McKenzie River, Central Oregon
This one is legendary, and for good reason. The Tamolitch Blue Pool is one of the most stunning natural swimming holes in the entire Pacific Northwest. A 4-mile round trip hike along the McKenzie River leads you to this surreal electric-blue pool that’s fed by underground volcanic springs.
Fair warning — the water is cold. Like, shockingly cold. But that’s part of the experience, and brave swimmers come from all over to take the plunge.
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2. Proxy Falls Area — Willamette National Forest
Proxy Falls is one of Oregon’s most iconic waterfall hikes, and the pools and swimming spots along the route are underrated gems. The lush greenery, mossy rocks, and turquoise water make it feel like something out of a fairy tale.
Water levels and access vary by season, so summer is your best bet.
4. Drift Creek — Lincoln County, Oregon Coast Range
Drift Creek Falls is already on people’s radar for the suspension bridge hike, but the swimming hole at the base of the falls is seriously underrated. Cold, clear water, stunning forest surroundings, and not nearly as crowded as you’d expect.
This one is a coastal range gem — cool even in the heat of summer.
5. Sahalie & Koosah Falls — McKenzie River
The McKenzie River near Sahalie and Koosah Falls is dotted with incredible swimming spots. The falls themselves are thundering and powerful, but further downstream the river calms into clearer, swimmable stretches with gorgeous turquoise water rushing through old-growth forest.
A perfect combo: hike the loop, then cool off in the river.
6. Umpqua Hot Springs — Umpqua National Forest
Okay, technically a hot spring — but absolutely worth including. Umpqua Hot Springs has tiered soaking pools perched on a hillside above the North Umpqua River. You can alternate between the hot pools and jumping in the river below for a full hot-cold experience.
One of Oregon’s most magical natural spots, full stop.
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7. Elk Lake — Cascade Lakes, Central Oregon
Elk Lake in the Cascade Lakes region is a stunning alpine lake with a sandy beach, calm water, and incredible mountain views — including South Sister in the background. It’s one of the more accessible alpine swim spots in Central Oregon.
There’s a resort here too, so you can grab food and rentals without much fuss.
8. Eagle Creek — Columbia River Gorge
Eagle Creek Trail is one of the most epic hikes in Oregon, and it delivers swimming hole after swimming hole along the way. The Punchbowl Falls pool is the showstopper — a gorgeous green plunge pool that’s been drawing swimmers for over a century.
Check trail conditions before you go, as access has been impacted in recent years due to fire damage.
9. Oneonta Gorge — Columbia River Gorge
This one is a full-on adventure. Getting to Oneonta Gorge involves wading through a cold creek, squeezing through a narrow canyon slot, and climbing over a massive logjam. At the end? A stunning waterfall hidden in one of the coolest gorges in the state.
It’s not a typical “show up and swim” spot — but that’s exactly why it’s so good.
10. Willow Creek Hot Springs — Malheur County, Eastern Oregon
Way out in Eastern Oregon, Willow Creek Hot Springs is a free, undeveloped hot spring on BLM land. The soaking pool sits right alongside the creek, making it easy to cool off between soaks. Remote and raw — this is for people who don’t mind the drive.
Sunrise and sunset out here are absolutely insane. Bring a tent.
11. Abiqua Falls Pool — Scotts Mills Area
Abiqua Falls is one of Oregon’s most dramatic hidden waterfalls, plunging into a horseshoe-shaped volcanic basin. The pool at the base is swimmable and utterly surreal — like swimming inside a volcano caldera.
The hike in is rough (steep, slippery, unmaintained trail), but it weeds out the crowds and keeps this place special.
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12. Alsea Falls — Benton County
Alsea Falls is a local favorite tucked into the Coast Range that flies under the radar compared to the Gorge spots. The falls drop into a gorgeous swimming hole surrounded by forest, and the campground right there makes it a perfect overnight trip.
Low crowds, beautiful setting, easy access. A hidden gem.
13. Sweet Creek Falls — Siuslaw National Forest
Sweet Creek Falls is a short, gorgeous trail that passes a series of waterfalls and swimming holes along Sweet Creek. The water is clear and green, the trail is relatively easy, and the whole area feels tucked away from the world.
This one is near the coast, making it a great add-on to a Oregon Coast road trip.
Tips for Swimming in Oregon
A few things to keep in mind before you go:
Water temperatures are cold. Even in peak summer, Oregon’s rivers and mountain pools are glacier and spring fed. Come prepared — you’ll want to ease in.
Check conditions before you go. Water levels fluctuate a lot between spring runoff and late summer. Some spots are better in July–August, others are best in June.
Leave No Trace. Oregon’s swimming holes are loved hard. Pack out everything, don’t use soap in the water, and respect the access areas so these places stay open.
Some spots require permits or passes. Many trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass. Grab one before you go — it’s worth it.
Ready to Go Swimming in Oregon?
Oregon’s swimming holes are some of the most beautiful in the country — and most of them are surprisingly uncrowded once you get off the beaten path. Whether you’re after a quick dip near Portland or an epic backcountry plunge in Eastern Oregon, there’s something on this list for you.
For more Oregon adventures, check out our best hikes in Oregon, our Oregon waterfall hikes guide, and our full rundown of the best things to do in Oregon.
Happy swimming, friend!
