The Natural Swimming Hole At Emerald Pools In Northern California Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

Before the rise of water parks and public pools, the best way to cool off on a hot summer day involved visiting the nearest river or lake. In fact, the act of finding those precious natural swimming holes was all part of the experience! Relive the good ole days when you seek out this one particular swimming hole located along the South Fork of the Yuba River. Known as the Emerald Pools in Northern California, this gorgeous swimming spot will take you back to the good, old days!

When the summer heat descends upon the Golden State, taking a soak in the great outdoors is something you'll definitely want to experience. Northern California is home to dozens of great swimming holes, but few are as picturesque as Emerald Pools along the South Fork of the Yuba River.

This dramatic stretch of the river is loaded with bright blue-green pools of water, many of which can be found in the nooks and crannies of the river's granite outcroppings. Finding these precious swimming pools is an awesome summertime adventure!

Although these pools will certainly make you feel a million miles away from it all, they are actually pretty easy to find. To find the trailhead from Nevada City, take State Hwy 20 E for 23 miles before turning left onto Forest Rte 18. Drive for 1.5 miles and you'll arrive at the hiking area.

From here, it's just a short half-mile hike down to the river. Be careful if visiting during springtime/early summer, since water levels can be especially high and dangerous during this time of year. Emerald Pools are best visited in late summer and early fall.

Once you get down to the riverbank, you'll be treated to a view of multiple brilliant pools where you can soak and swim to your heart's content. You could spend the entire day exploring the area's slot canyons, waterfalls, and hidden pools.

Both the bright emerald-hued water and bizarre rock formations give this section of the river an otherworldly appearance. Be sure to check out the miniature gorge that's taken shape over centuries worth of erosion. This place is a true geologic wonder and a great reminder of the Yuba River's spectacular power.

There is an abundance of places to cool off on those hot summer days in NorCal, but Emerald Pools is a standout for many reasons. As the temperatures heat up, make it your mission to seek out this gorgeous natural swimming hole.

Take a look at this video of the Emerald Pools by @johnmichaelenerio8143:

Have you been to the Emerald Pools in Northern California before? What are some other natural swimming holes in NorCal you enjoy going to? Tell us and share your photos in the comments below!