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.
Katharina Gerber/AllTrails
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!
Val Phillips/AllTrails
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.
Janice Shilling/Google

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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.
Joshua Lagaaia/AllTrails
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.
B-Rye/Google
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.
B-Rye/Google
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.
Brianna Macedo/AllTrails


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!

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Emerald Pools in Northern California

Sarah M. | July 26, 2022

What are some other beautiful swimming holes in Northern California?

Another beautiful swimming hole in Northern California is located in the Phillip Burton Wilderness Area of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Bass Lake is a popular swimming hole. Getting there is part of the adventure: after arriving at the wilderness area, it is an approximately 2.8-mile hike before the lake first comes into view. From the main trail, you will find a spur trail that leads down to the lakeshore. Refreshing and cool, Bass Lake is popular with swimmers and nature lovers who want to get away from it all! And since the lake meanders in and out of little coves and inlets, you'll find plenty of secluded spots to enjoy without a lot of people right around you. 

What are some waterfall hikes in Northern California?

The following are some waterfall hikes in Northern California:

  • Faery Falls
  • McCloud Falls
  • Mossbrae Falls.
  • If you're looking for a waterfall swimming hole in NorCal, check out Beale Falls (also known as Shingle or Fairy Falls). At just over five miles, this loop trail leads hikers through some seriously gorgeous scenery before you even see the waterfall. While traversing this easygoing trail, you'll meander through lush pastureland dotted by groves of oak trees. From here, you'll cross over a footbridge and follow the trail as it leads you through the area's rolling hills. Spread across three separate tiers, the 100-foot falls are truly a sight to see. Just be careful as you get closer to the falls as the terrain is rocky and slippery!

 

Check out our Northern California Waterfall Day Trip that clocks in at around four hours, and takes to you some of the most incredible waterfalls in the state.

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Featured Addresses
Emerald Pools, Emerald Pools Trail, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA