This Popular Swimming Hole In Washington Will Make You Feel Like A Kid On Summer Vacation

Washington’s summers are tragically short, or at least it feels that way for those of us who wait all year for sunshine and warm weather. The Pacific Northwest does experience a few heat waves every year, which can be intense… unless that is, you’ve found the perfect place to cool off. It might sound like a guy you really don't want to meet in a dark alley, but the Big Eddy swimming hole is an entirely different kind of big eddy.

If you prefer natural swimming holes to large public pools, beat the summer heat by heading to Big Eddy and cooling off with a dip at one of the most popular swimming holes in Washington.

Not Your Average Bucket List - Podcast Episode

Our travel experts and Not Your Average Bucket List podcast hosts, Sara and Marisa, discuss more about what to expect from this natural swimming hole in Washington. From how to get to Big Eddy Swimming Hole to some tips and tricks from locals, We take a deeper dive into this beloved natural swimming spot in Washington. Is audio more up your alley? Don't worry, we have you covered. Click below.

Big Eddy, part of the Skykomish River, is located about 2.5 miles from the town of Gold Bar.

You know you've found it when you spot the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad bridge.

By definition, an eddy is an area of swirling water that forms behind an obstacle like a boulder in a river.

This is a calm pool in the big river, so it's generally safe for families with children. However, eddies can have very strong river currents at times, so always be mindful and swim only at the lowest flows.

The turquoise waters of the Skykomish River are fed from the high peaks of the Cascades, so they can be very cold year-round.

But if you've ever been inside a home or business without air conditioning on a 100-degree day, you know that wading through cold water would be much better than sweltering in the heat.

This is a popular place in the area to gather, so you may spot several families ...

... and this swimming hole isn't exactly a secret, so you can expect to share it with other happy locals.

The small sandy and rocky beach makes a perfect access point.

Gather a group of strong swimmers and bring them to Big Eddy before summer officially ends.

Sometimes some fresh mountain water is just what the doctor ordered.

Have you ever experienced the cooling magic of the Big Eddy swimming hole on a hot Washington summer day? Big Eddy in Skykomish River is one of our favorite spots to cool off, but do you have a favorite place to swim in Washington? Share your secret spot with a comment.

After a day splashing around at Big Eddy, you'll probably have worked up an appetite. All the locals in Gold Bar will tell you to stop by Zeke's Drive-In - we think so, too. Come visit this historic hamburger stand in Gold Bar, WA. You can't miss it, just look for the big red Great Northern Railroad railcar outside!

To learn even more about the Big Eddy swimming hole, you can also watch our Not Your Average Bucket List podcast episode on YouTube!