This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Oklahoma Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List
By Ashley|Published May 19, 2022
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Ashley
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Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 25 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't exploring Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beaches of California.
This summer, be sure and put it on your bucket list to visit Bluestem Falls in Pawhuska. This tiered waterfall and swimming hole is one of the best places to cool off on a hot, summer day. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and it’s free to visit, so you can enjoy all this beauty without spending a penny. The hike to this hidden gem is just under a mile, so pack up your swimming suit and towel and discover this bucket-list-worthy swimming hole in Oklahoma.
Bluestem Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Sooner State. There is a 0.7-mile loop trail right by it if you want to hike or you can park in the free parking lot and walk about two minutes to the falls.
There are hiking trails around Bluestem Lake and there is a short trail near the falls. If you hike in the middle of summer be sure and wear your tennis shoes, as the area can get overgrown.
Swimming is allowed in the pool area below the waterfall. In fact, people bring rafts and flotation devices and will relax in the water all day long. Be sure and bring all the supplies you need...there are no vendors.
The flow of the waterfall varies based on how much water is spilling out of the lake. Be cautious if there has been significant rain in the area, the water flow can get very heavy.
The water continues into Middle Bird Creek so there's plenty of space to enjoy more swimming. The rock formations in the area are so beautiful, just be careful they can get slippery.
