5 Fantastic Oregon Swimming Spots
As heat intensifies and the need to cool down increases, knowing where to take a dip with your family is essential. While a pool or theme park can be an effective way to cool down, natural swimming spots such as rivers, lakes, and waterfalls are just more satisfying. Fortunately, Oregon is full of them!
Throughout this unique state, there are plenty of gorgeously natural swimming spots worth exploring on hot and cool days. Today, we’ll look at some of the best spots in Oregon where you can splash about with your family.
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1. North Fork Park
This hidden gem is one of the prettiest swim-friendly paradises in Oregon. With its great swimming hole, shallow waters, and large, smooth rock ledges, every age group can enjoy the peaceful nature of this park. The riverbank also covers 11.98 acres, so there is plenty of place for your kids to play and run around on the sandy and pebble beach.
Famed for its sparkling turquoise waters and gentle hiking trails, North Fork Park is a spot you won’t want to miss the next time the heat of summer calls.
How to get there: Close to the Little North Santiam River, North Fork Park is about 23 miles outside of Salem. Follow the Elkhorn trailhead until you see the sign.
2. Scott Mills Falls
If you are looking for a swimming paradise with a little more adventure, Scott Mills Falls is a great place to visit on a warm summer’s day. Found close to Butte Creek, the Falls offer expansive waters, warm temperatures, and a range of jumping spots that older, more experienced swimmers can plunge off of at their own risk.
The waterfalls are 10 feet tall and 40 feet wide, so there’s plenty of space for everyone to splash about.
How to get there: Scott Mills Falls is about 22 miles northeast of Salem. Follow Highway 213 and aim for Mount Angels Scott Mills Road NE. The signage will show you the way.
3. Spong’s Landing County Park
Many people have fond memories of swimming down by Spong’s Landing, and once you’ve been there, it is easy to see why. Perfect for a land-based “beach” day, this lush expanse of water is lined up right next to a string of warm-weather activities such as climbing trees, BBQ stations, benches, and sweeping natural vistas.
While it might be more established than some of the more rugged natural swim spots on this list, Spong’s Landing County Park is still a paradisiacal place to visit on a hot summer’s day.
How to get there: You’ll find Spong’s Landing just 7 miles outside of Salem. Once you get to Windsor Island Road, turn left onto Naples Street and follow the signage.
4. Clackamas River
Clackamas might be a fair distance from all the fun of Salem, but it is worth the drive for gorgeous mountain views and shimmering waters. It is a popular place to toss out a swimming tube and settle down for a good old sunbathing session that will heat your body up after a cool dip.
Just be aware that there are sections of the river that have tumbling class III-IV rapids, so if you have your kids in tow (or you’re not an adventurous adult!), you need to steer clear.
How to get there: Follow Highway 24 from Portland in the direction of Estacada. It’s a well-signed road that will lead you to the lovely, shaded river area.
5. Cascadia State Park
You know a waterfall is going to be good when it has the word “cascade” in it! The Cascadia State Park is a campground that offers a beautiful mossy forest, a large camping area, several multi-level hiking trails, sandy beaches, and some exquisite swimming spots, one of which features a waterfall.
The waterfall is fed by the Santiam River, which has both kid-friendly shallows and deeper swimming holes that are great for older, more experienced swimmers who need a bit of alone time. With such a range of outdoor experiences to offer, Cascadia State Park is a good whole-day excursion to make when you need a break from reality.
How to get there: Follow Highway 20 for roughly 14 miles past Sweet Home. The signs will guide you left. Once you arrive, simply follow the short trail to the swimming hole beach.
Why Reconnecting With Nature Is Good For Your Health
Swimming in natural bodies of water is proven to be good for your health—both mentally and physically. Part of what makes splashing about in these refreshing waters is the fact that you are spending time outdoors and experiencing the beauty of nature.
This is what science says swimming in natural rivers, seas, and lakes can do for your health:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: There’s a reason cold water therapy has grown so popular recently. The cool freshness of swimming in a lake or river decreases stress and anxiety levels, giving you a boost of feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin.
- Provides bonding opportunities and social connection: Swimming with people you love (kids, siblings, friends, a partner) can help people feel a greater sense of social well-being and belonging, making it an excellent bonding opportunity with loved ones.
- Helps you connect to nature: Spending time in nature is crucial for everyone’s mental health. It helps you see life from a new perspective and let go (even if momentarily) of the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Disconnect from social media and technology: Unplugging from the world has loads of benefits for both kids and adults. Put the phone away and enjoy the simple joy of swimming in some of Oregon’s most paradisiacal natural pools.
No matter who or how old you are, swimming in open, natural waters is likely to make you feel good. Take some snacks, bring a book, and make a day of it—your body and mind will thank you!
Soak Up The Benefits Of Swimming In Oregon
Oregon is typically known for its lush forests and mountains, but it also has plenty to offer in the way of natural swimming spots. And it’s not just filled with spots to cool down, there are plenty of natural hot springs in the state, too!
Whether you are looking for a fun way to get the kids outside into nature or hoping for a bit of you-time in the great outdoors, these beautiful Oregon-based natural swim spots are the perfect place to start. Swim safe and stay cool!
