When the sun is high and the trails are calling, there’s nothing quite like taking a refreshing dip in the great outdoors. Wild swimming is more than a way to cool off—it’s a return to nature and a chance to create unforgettable summer memories. In two of the West’s most iconic landscapes, Yosemite National Park and the Columbia River Gorge, crystal-clear rivers, hidden pools, and alpine lakes are waiting to be explored. Here’s how to splish, splash, and wade your way to a wild summer—then retreat to upscale, safari-inspired accommodations that blend comfort with nature.
Where to Swim in the Columbia River Gorge
Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is known for its stunning waterfalls, basalt cliffs, and lush forest hikes—but it also offers incredible wild swimming. While the Forest Service doesn’t maintain official swim areas, the Gorge is full of creeks, hidden pools, and riverside beaches where you can dip your feet or take the plunge.
Hood River Waterfront Park
With sweeping river views and easy walking access to restaurants and shops, this spot blends outdoor fun with urban convenience. Its protected swimming areas, open grassy lawn, and dog-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite for families, paddleboarders, and anyone looking to dip their toes (or paws).
Rooster Rock State Park
Set along the Columbia River, this scenic state park boasts a three-mile stretch of beach with calm, slow-moving currents, perfect for lazy summer afternoons. It’s also a favorite for boating, fishing, paddling, and picnicking. The eastern end of the beach is clothing-optional, tucked away and separate from the main, clothing-required area.
Dog Creek Falls
A hidden treasure tucked just off the Historic Columbia River Highway, Dog Creek Falls offers a refreshing pool at the base of the waterfall framed by mossy rocks and ferns. It’s a short 0.1-mile hike to get there, and the payoff is a peaceful, almost enchanted dipping spot.
Viento State Park
Located between Hood River and Cascade Locks, Viento offers direct river access with fewer crowds. Calm coves and a pebble beach make it a solid stop for cooling down after hiking or relaxing in between water activities. There’s also a 2-mile paved hiking trail leading to Starvation Creek Falls, a series of four waterfalls.
Horsetail Falls
Just off the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway, Horsetail Falls is an easy-to-reach waterfall with a shallow pool at its base. Stand under the falls for a natural shower or lounge on the nearby rocks. It’s one of the most photogenic swims in the Gorge.
Where to Swim in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is full of places where you can trade your boots for a bathing suit. Swimming is permitted in most of Yosemite’s rivers and lakes. Just be sure to follow park guidelines and steer clear of areas marked off-limits for your safety and the ecosystem’s preservation.
Merced River
Winding through Yosemite Valley, the Merced River is a welcome retreat from the summer sun. Popular beaches like Sentinel Beach and Cathedral Beach offer soft sandbanks, gentle flows, and jaw-dropping views of El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. Follow Highway 140 or Highway 49 outside the park to discover lesser-known access points and quiet pullouts. The Bagby Recreation Area is a local favorite, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply lying out under the California sky.
Tenaya Lake
Tucked into the high country along Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake is a sparkling gem surrounded by granite peaks and pine forests. The water is cold, clear, and invigorating for brave plunges followed by sunbathing on the smooth boulders or sandy shorelines.
Pothole Dome Cascades
For a family-friendly swim in the high country, head to Pothole Dome in Tuolumne Meadows, where the Tuolumne River gently cascades over smooth granite. Warmer and shallower than many alpine rivers, it’s a perfect place for wading, lounging, and picnicking on sun-soaked rocks.
Swinging Bridge (Wawona)
Not to be confused with the bridge in Yosemite Valley, the Swinging Bridge in Wawona is its slice of paradise. Located near a historic covered bridge and close to the Wawona Meadow Loop, this spot offers calm pools ideal for splashing around with the kids or floating peacefully beneath the trees.
South Fork Merced River (Chilnualna Falls Road)
A favorite among locals, this secret swim spot is just 0.8 miles up Chilnualna Falls Road from Highway 41. Park across from the Wawona Community Center and follow the footpaths to the South Fork of the Merced River. Here, you’ll find a deep pool with a large jump rock and flat areas for towels and snacks. It’s summer swimming at its wildest and best.
Safety Tips for Wild Swimming
- Know Before You Go: Check for park regulations, water levels, and weather conditions.
- Watch for Currents: Even calm-looking rivers can have strong undercurrents or slippery rocks.
- Avoid Prohibited Areas: Certain pools, reservoirs, and fast-moving rivers are off-limits for safety reasons.
- Respect Nature: Use designated paths, avoid fragile habitats, and leave no trace.
What to Pack for Wild Swimming
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Water shoes for rocky or slippery bottoms
- Eco-friendly sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Camera
- Snacks and water
- Dry bag or backpack
A Wild Summer Awaits
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with upscale, safari-inspired accommodations. Experience starry night skies, extraordinary landscapes, healthy café-style dining, and unforgettable memories at our award-winning resorts. Our comfortable, custom-designed canvas tents feature en-suite bathrooms, king-size beds, West Elm furnishings, and wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. Nightly s’mores by the campfire, daily camp programming, and curated adventures all serve to provide an unparalleled experience in nature.