Here Are 11 Northern California Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer Epic
By Joanne Kraft|Updated on June 02, 2023(Originally published May 30, 2023)
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Joanne Kraft
Author
Joanne is a fourth-generation Northern Californian. She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles.
Can I let you in on a little secret? The rest of the country hates us because of our weather. Parts of lovely Northern California can easily climb into triple digits, but with our low humidity and clear skies, we can understand why so many are jealous of us. And even better, we know about the best swimming holes in Northern California, where you can cool off when the weather gets hot!
When it comes to taking a dip on a hot day, there are a few swimming holes you may not even know about. While the rest of Northern California goes to the same beach again every year, here are a few places you can go to impress your family and friends. Put these on your to-do list for when the temperatures start heating up!
1. Bass Lake, Point Reyes
Bass Lake, Point Reyes Seashore, 12245 Annie Oak Dr, Bolinas, CA 94924, USA
Behold the Northern California coast: rugged, inspirational, and freakin’ freezing! Where can you enjoy a shoreside swim without risking hypothermia? Try Bass Lake in Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s a scenic 2.7-mile coastal hike up from the parking lot, and the water’s warm (warmer than the Pacific, at least) and clean. Keep your eyes open for poison oak and nettles, but other than that enjoy! Follow this map to get right where you need to go to one of the best swimming spots in Northern California.
2. Russian River (Secret Spot!), Healdsburg
Russian River Adventures, 20 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448, USA
Sometimes the crowds at the Russian River can be kind of spring break-y, which can be fun, but if you want a little more quiet, check out this hidden spot. There’s a little island you can float to and make your own, too. A public entrance is at the far eastside of Redwood Drive. Parking can be a slight challenge but worth it once you spread out your blanket on this secluded beach. If you’re looking for more places to play in Sonoma County, check out this list of beaches in Sonoma County put out by Sonoma County Regional Parks (of course).
Although you can’t dive here, this beautiful little swimming hole has some circulating water that makes you feel like you’re in a natural hot tub. It’s about 6-8 feet deep, so don’t try to dive in, as several injuries have occurred here. Please note: Clothing is optional. This river offers more than just swimming; there’s hiking, camping, and even those that float the river in Northern California. This is one of the best things to do in summer in Northern California!
The Mad River in Kneeland is only about an hour east of the 101 north right off the Indianola Cutoff. The water is a clear turquoise and does look like it could be in Hawaii. One of the best features of the river is the rope swing that swimmers can reach by treading towards the rocks. It's been said this spot looks like Humboldt and Hawaii had a baby, and this is it. Follow these directions to get there, and spend the day enjoying once of the best things to do outside in Northern California.
When you discover a swimming hole like this one on the Tuoumne River you've struck gold for sure. Can you guess which one this is? The Tuolumne River is actually one of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers, and it deserves this stunning designation! Put this fun spot on your bucket list for the next hot day in Northern California.
You’ll find this hidden gem off of the Middle Fork of the Yuba River. It’s a short walk from the main road and it’s peaceful here because most people don’t know about this spot. The water here is pretty shallow, so diving is not safe and shouldn’t be attempted. You’ll find several large rocks along the river that are perfect for picnicking, reading or just soaking up the sun. The Oregon Creek Day Use Area is the perfect place to park when you’re spending the day in this area.
This swimming hole is beneath Yankee Jims Bridge. Named after a miner from 1850 who found gold a few miles away from this spot, he was run out of town by miners for stealing. Yankee Jim fled for Southern California and continued his life of crime. He was hanged as a horse thief. Oh, and the swimming hole is pretty awesome, too. In fact, you can even raft the American River if you’re in need of a little adventure!
8. Golden Quartz, South Fork Yuba River
Golden Quartz Picnic Area, 23717 Maybert Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
Located off the South Fork of the Yuba River, this little-known swimming hole has a small sandy beach and picnic area that’s perfect for a day with the family. The water current here isn’t very strong, which also makes it an ideal spot for families with children. It’s secluded, safe and peaceful here. The Golden Quartz Picnic Site also offers a primitive toilet on site, and is maintained by the National Forest Service.
Not sure you're up for taking little ones on a hike to a waterfall? Load up the car and take them to your local swimming pool, or better yet, purchase a cheap kiddie pool and splash and play as long as you want. Little ones won't know the difference!
10. Cleo's Bath, Pinecrest
Cleo's Bath, Unnamed Road, Pinecrest, CA 95364, USA
The infamous "Cleo’s Bath" swimming hole is one of Northern California’s most sought after secret aquatic adventures. You hike around the lake for about one mile, then you hike up into the hills for about three miles with gorgeous panoramic scenery of mountains and forests below. If you don’t enjoy the water, the hike will definitely make this journey worthwhile. It’s a gorgeous loop trail in Northern California that rewards you with the perfect swimming hole at the end!
11. Carlon Falls, Groveland
Carlon Falls, Old Big Oak Flat Rd, Groveland, CA 95321, USA
With a trail entrance just outside the Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite National Park, Carlon Falls stays full -- and cold -- well into September and October. The falls themselves, about 15 feet tall, cascade in a thick sheet of white. Expect to hike a couple of miles in along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, with lots of chances to take a dip en route. As one of the most beautiful hikes in Yosemite, make sure to hit the trail early in the morning from late May through September to avoid the crowds.
Now, there’s just one thing you need to do before grabbing your inner tube and hopping in the car. Remember that the water at some of these spots may be a little lower, depending on the time of year and the amount of precipitation Northern California has received. Mother Nature isn’t always generous with our rain and snow, so be sure to check the levels, be safe out there, and don’t go diving off of any rocks. Okay, we’re done telling you what to do. Go have some fun!
Have you been to any of the best swimming holes in Northern California? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re making a list of the best places to cool off, make sure you visit Emerald Pools In Northern California; it’ll take you back to the good ol’ days!
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More to Explore
Best Swimming Holes In Northern California
Megan McDonald|April 09, 2021
Where are the best places to swim in Northern California?
The water tends to be a little warmer in the rivers and lakes that you find than in the ocean. But all the beaches in Northern California are free to access, publicly accessible, and usually equipped with free parking! Here are some of our favorite beaches in Northern California, all of which are great places to swim!
What month is best to go swimming in Northern California?
The best months for enjoying Northern California if you’d like to see warm weather, and possibly some swimming, are May through September. But plenty of folks enjoy swimming in the cooler months, too!
