12 Scenic Swimming Holes In National Parks and National Forests
By Courtney Johnson
“Water was something he loved, something he respected. He understood its beauty and its dangers. He talked about swimming as if it were a way of life.” ― Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.
Within national parks, monuments, and forests, there are plenty of natural swimming holes offering striking and idyllic scenery and an opportunity for off-the-trail fun. Cool down in the summer heat or soak your tired muscles at these twelve gorgeous swimming holes, some of which are part of the National Park Service, and some part of the U.S. Forest Service.
Boiling River and Firehole Canyon Swimming Area- Yellowstone National Park
Off the Grand Loop on Firehole Canyon Drive at Yellowstone National Park is Mammoth Hot Springs and the Boiling River. After the swift snowmelt flow ends at the beginning of July, visitors can enjoy a dip right where the Boiling River and Gardner River meet. The river is open through the fall, winter, and the spring, before runoff begins. There are two parking lots, and it’s about a half-mile walk to safe water access.
While most of the spring-fed geyser pools should only be admired from afar (including Mammoth), Firehole Canyon is a natural swimming hole fed by the Boiling River and located two miles south of Madison Junction on Firehole Canyon Drive. Contrary to its name, the temperature of the water compares to the temperature of an unheated swimming pool. The swimming area is a short hike down wooden stairs from the road, where you can park and use changing facilities. Water shoes (think Chacos) are recommended.
Buffalo River National Park- Buffalo River Swimming Holes
Arkansas is known for long, hot summer days and pristine swimming holes. The Buffalo River, the first-ever designated national rIver, has more than 20 access points to various swimming holes along its 153 miles. In the lower district, from Rush Landing, you can canoe or kayak to Buffalo Point to take a dip and access a changing area, restrooms and beach. The Steel Creek Campground offers tent and horse camping and access to the Buffalo River and Old River Trail, along with beautiful views of Roark Bluff. Other access points include the very popular points at Ponca, Pruitt, Carver and Hasty are found in the upper district of the river.
Photo by apasciuto / CC. 2.0
Ocala National Forest- Multiple Locations
There are several swimming holes throughout Ocala National Forest in north-central Florida. Silver Glen Springs is a popular swimming area off of Highway 19, with clear emerald waters surrounded by forest. There are more than 600 springs, lakes and ponds, and a scenic trail stretching 66 miles. Juniper Springs along SR 40 has many pools made from natural crevices and shaded under palm trees. The blue waters of one hundred springs hover around 72 degrees year-round, offering a comfortable cool down.
Fifth Water Hot Springs/Diamond Fork Hot Springs- UnIta National Forest
In northern Utah, about 2.5 miles into the Unita National Forest from the Three Forks Trailhead, are several pools and holes for a refreshing soak. The pools range in temperature, from a cool dip and warming as you head up the trail toward the “Honey Pot,” where one finds the perfect temperature to soothe aching muscles. The hot springs can also be accessed in the winter via fat bike, snowshoes or skis.
Photo NPS.
Great Sand Dunes National Park- Medano Creek
Fed by the snowmelt of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the seasonal flow of Medano Creek is one of the most popular features of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Based on typical snowpack, the creek runs high in May through late June, creating perfect conditions for tubing. When the spring run-off ends, pools of water create “swimming holes” mixed in with sand bars perfect for cooling off, wading and enjoying a beer or lemonade on the “beach.”
Great Smoky Mountains- Multiple Locations
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to many swimming holes. The Chimney Tops mountain offers panoramic views and a place to cool off, particularly towards the beginning of the hike on Chimney Tops Trail. The Sinks provide an awesome swimming hole under one of the best waterfalls in the park, off of the Little River and accessed via the road towards Cades Cove. The largest and easiest to access swimming hole in the Smokies is the Wye, where the Little River and the Middle Prong of the Little River meet near the Townsend Entrance to the park. The Midnight Hole is often referred to as the best swimming holes in the region. On the North Carolina side, reach this hole by hiking 1.5 miles on the Big Creek Trail.
Photo NPS.
Ely Creek Falls/Butt Dam Falls-Dinosaur National Monument
Within Dinosaur National Monument but in an area where you do not encounter an admission fee, you can find the 15-foot Ely Creek Falls and a falls-fed swimming hole about 2.25 miles from the trailhead, starting at Jones Hole Fish Hatchery. The fairly flat trail to the falls has something for everyone. Cross bridges, see beautiful fall colors, be mesmerized by the tall canyon walls, and discover petroglyphs in the Deluge Shelter. To continue hiking, follow the trail to the Green River to make an 8 mile round trip hike. Please do not attempt to swim in the Green River due to a deceptively strong current.
Photo by Joe Parks / CC 2.0
Haleakala National Park- Multiple Locations
The Pipiwai Stream forms seven pools for cooling off at Haleakala National Park in O’heo Gulch. Sometimes referred to as the “Seven Sacred Pools,” these are located just 10 miles south of Hana. These pools are very popular, so expect crowds on most days. The Pipiwai Trail is a 1.8 mile trail that takes you through the rainforest to more than seven pools and several waterfalls.
Photo by monad68 / CC 2.0
Hot Springs at Big Bend National Park
A one-mile looped hiked on the Hot Springs Trailhead takes you to the Boquillas Hot Springs, perfect for ailing aching shoulders, backs, and feet. The natural fed springs, typical at a temperature of 105 degrees, were once a bathhouse in the early 1900’s. If you get too hot, you can hop into the river adjacent to the springs. Once owned by J. O. Langford, you can still see the remnants of the store and hotel along the trail. If you are looking for a longer hike, start at the Rio Grande Campground for a three-mile total trip, passing an abundance of cacti along the desert trail.
Opal Pool- Willamette National Forest
The emerald green waters of Opal Pool near Lyons, Oregon are said to be a fairy-tale landscape. The lushly forested location is a seven-mile hike along on the Opal Creek Trail. As you head along the trailhead, you will pass the old mining town of Jawbone Flats. Opal Lake is named after Opal Elliott, the wife of early Forest Service ranger Roy Elliott.
Shenandoah National Park- Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run
Along the Whiteoak Canyon Trail at Shenandoah National Park you can experience the pools of six waterfalls and smaller cascades as well. The falls range in height from 35 to 86 feet, creating plenty of swimming holes for cooling down. There are various options for hiking to the falls, with different start points ranging in length. Take a two-mile easy hike from The Boundary to the Lower Falls or a four-mile intermediate hike from Skyline Drive to the Upper Falls. The Cedar Run Circuit is a strenuous seven-mile hike past all eight waterfalls, plus two bonus falls off Cedar Run and the natural waterslide.
Bass Lake- Point Reyes National Seashore
While most of the swimming holes in California are filled with frigid waters, Bass Lake is one of the warmer places to take a dip in the summer. A 2.7 mile hike on the Coast Trail from the Palomarin Trailhead takes you through eucalyptus groves, with striking views of the ocean. With water that averages 75 degrees in the heart of summer, its alpine-lined coves are perfect for swimming. You can also continue on the trail past the lake to Alamere Falls, where the waterfall actually crashes down a 30 foot cliff into the ocean. Round trip if you include the falls is 13 miles.
Courtney Johnson is a freelance sports and parenting writer based in Erie, Colorado. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband AJ and six-year-old daughter Emma. Follow her adventures at http://adventureswithmylittleray.com.
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