There’s no better way to bask in the beauty of Oregon than to take a hike in the woods, and during the dog days of summer, if you can throw in a swimming hole or two along the way, even better! Here’s a beautiful trail that takes you right along a river, and you’ll find one of the most beautiful swimming holes in Oregon, too!

The Wilson River in Oregon is 33 miles long and runs from the heart of the Tillamook State Forest to the coast, where it empties into Tillamook Bay.
Amanda S./Alltrails
The entire Wilson River Trail is just over 20 miles long and offers several different trailheads as starting points, which makes it easy to shorten if you aren't up for the full trek.
No matter which trailhead you choose, you'll find a beautiful, shady path that takes you through a lush, green forest. Some parts of the trail are fairly flat and easy; other parts are steeper.
Ei Rene/Alltrails
This beautiful trail includes a waterfall...
Christopher Cardinal/Alltrails
...several footbridges, both small and large...
Ei Rene/Alltrails
...and plenty of jaw-dropping river and forest views.
Jaime Logan/Alltrails
All along the river, you'll find spots that are perfect for splashing and playing on a hot, summer day.
Finetooth/Wikimedia Commons
Some of the spots along the river are popular swimming holes, and you might encounter crowds, especially on weekends.
Christopher Cardinal/Alltrails
Other spots are more secluded and less crowded. If you can take this hike on a weekday afternoon, you'll also likely find quiet secret swimming holes that are all your own.
Ei Rene/Alltrails
Of course, even when your favorite swimming hole along the Wilson River in Oregon is full of people, you can't beat this setting!
Edward Sandovall/Alltrails
Check out this video by @OregonDiscovery:

Have you hiked the Wilson River Trail and splashed around in the natural swimming holes? What are your picks for the best swimming holes in Oregon — are there other swimming hole hikes in Oregon that you absolutely love? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for another great way to cool off on a hot, summer day in the PNW? Take this road trip that will give you the best beach day you’ve ever had!

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Best Swimming Holes in Oregon

Sarah M. | July 18, 2022

Are there any waterfall swimming holes in Oregon?

Yes, there are plenty of waterfall swimming holes in Oregon including:

  • Punchbowl Falls
  • Toketee Falls
  • Cavitt Creek Falls
  • Youngs River Falls
  • White River Falls
  • Steelhead Falls

 

Oregon is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, so it only makes sense that the state would be home to some of the best waterfall swimming holes.

What's the most pristine lake in Oregon?

The most pristine, clear-blue lake in Oregon might just be Crater Lake. Known as the deepest lake in the country, Crater Lakes is also considered the clearest and cleanest body of water in the U.S., too. It's highly regarded as the most beautiful place in Oregon, and once you visit, you'll understand why. The lake’s history is as deep as its waters, tracing back more than 7,700 years to when a powerful eruption collapsed an ancient volcano, forming what we know today as Crater Lake. At 1,949 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, and it's hailed as the purest and most pristine, too. While there are many ways to experience this brilliant blue body of water, what some people don't realize is that you can, in fact, swim in Crater Lake.

Park visitors are allowed to swim at designated areas, and there are even several rocks for adventurous souls who are ready to jump in, feet first. This is a bucket-list moment you should seize if conditions allow. (Bring a warm change of clothes, however, as the water here is very cold!)

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North Fork Wilson River Road, N Fork Wilson River Rd, Oregon, USA