10 Hidden Gems

About the Green River Swimming Spots

Tucked into the forested mountains east of Seattle, the unofficial swimming spots along the Upper Green River offer something increasingly rare in the Pacific Northwest: a wild, unhurried place to slip into cold, clear water without a parking lot, a fee booth, or a crowd. This is the kind of swimming hole you discover, then guard like a secret. Accessed by forest service roads winding through Wenatchee National Forest, these sites reward the prepared traveler with emerald-green river water, towering conifers, and the particular quiet that only deep wilderness can offer.

The Setting and Landscape

The Upper Green River moves through a rugged, heavily forested corridor that feels worlds away from the Seattle metro area it borders. Massive Douglas firs and western red cedars crowd the riverbanks, their roots gripping mossy boulders at the water's edge. The river itself runs with a striking emerald clarity — the kind of vivid, jewel-toned green that makes you stop and stare before you even think about getting in. In late spring, the surrounding hillsides are explosively lush, carpeted in ferns and wildflowers. Come autumn, the same landscape transforms into a wash of gold, amber, and rust that makes every photograph look effortless. Seasonal wildlife — songbirds, deer, the occasional black bear moving through the tree line — keeps the experience feeling genuinely wild.

What Swimming Here Feels Like

This is river swimming in its most elemental form. The Upper Green River delivers cold, refreshing water that wakes you up instantly — the kind of chill that turns to pure relief on a hot summer afternoon. Clarity is one of the river's most striking qualities; you can watch the smooth river stones shifting and glinting beneath the surface as you swim. Currents are present, so you'll want to read the water carefully before wading in, and note that conditions vary significantly by season. Late spring runoff can make the river swift and powerful, while July and August tend to bring gentler flows and the warmest water temperatures. There are no lifeguards or staff on site, so confident swimmers who are comfortable in moving water will get the most out of the experience. Children and less experienced swimmers should exercise caution and always have a buddy.

Practical Visit Information

Access is via forest service roads, which means a vehicle with reasonable clearance is a smart choice. There are no developed facilities of any kind at the swimming spots themselves — no restrooms, no picnic tables, no trash cans — so you'll need to pack in everything and pack out everything, including your garbage. Leave No Trace principles are essential here. The sites carry no fee. The best window for a visit runs from June through September, when warm weather makes a swim genuinely inviting rather than just survivable. If you plan to make a longer trip of it, camping is available at Lake Easton State Park on I-90, a logical and convenient base camp for exploring this stretch of the Cascades.

Plan Your Visit: The Green River swimming spots are most easily reached from North Bend or Seattle. North Bend serves as a practical last-stop town for fuel, groceries, and gear before heading into the national forest. Seattle visitors can expect roughly an hour's drive east depending on conditions. Check forest road status with the Wenatchee National Forest before heading out, especially earlier in the season when roads may still be affected by winter conditions.

About the Little Naches River Swimming Spots

Tucked into the folds of the Cascade foothills within Wenatchee National Forest, the unofficial swimming spots along the Little Naches River are the kind of places you stumble upon and immediately want to keep secret. The river runs clear and cold over smooth river stones, flanked by towering conifers and carpeted banks of native ferns and wildflowers. Birdsong fills the air, and on a warm summer afternoon, the sound of moving water is about as close to perfect as it gets.

The Setting and Landscape

The Little Naches River winds through a forested canyon that feels genuinely remote, even though it's a relatively accessible drive from Yakima. Panoramic views of surrounding forested peaks frame the river corridor, and the landscape shifts beautifully with the seasons — lush and green through summer, blazing with golden and amber tones come autumn. Wildlife is a constant companion here; keep an eye out for deer, osprey, and the occasional great blue heron working the shallows. The area carries historical significance tied to the Indigenous peoples who have long called these mountains home, lending a quiet sense of depth to the natural beauty around you.

What Swimming Is Like

The river offers a rewarding mix of shallow wading pools and deeper swimming holes, making it a versatile destination for everyone from young children to confident adult swimmers. The water is characteristically cold and crystal-clear — you can watch the current shift over mossy rocks below your feet. During late June through early September, the flow mellows into a calm, inviting current that's ideal for a refreshing dip on a hot Eastern Cascades day. If you're drawn to a bit more adventure, arriving in spring means higher water levels and a more energetic river, though you'll want to exercise caution and good judgment. Because these are unofficial swimming spots, there are no lifeguards or safety staff on site — swimmers of all abilities should assess conditions carefully and never swim alone.

Practical Visit Information

Access is moderately easy — the drive in follows well-maintained roads, though some of the informal trails leading down to the best swimming spots involve uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is a smart call. The good news is that there's no entry fee to access the swimming areas. If you're planning to make a full weekend of it, camping is available at both Little Naches Campground and Longmire Meadow Campground, the latter of which offers full facilities. Stock up on supplies before you head into the forest; the nearest services are back toward Yakima. Pack in everything you need — sunscreen, water, snacks, and a dry change of clothes — and plan to stay awhile. The kind of afternoon this river offers is not one you'll want to cut short.

Plan Your Visit

The Little Naches River swimming spots are best accessed from Yakima, Washington, making them a natural destination for a day trip or a long weekend escape from the valley heat. The best window for swimming runs from late June through early September, though autumn visits reward you with stunning fall foliage and a more solitary experience on the water. Whether you're bringing the family, gathering friends for a camping trip, or simply looking for a quiet river to yourself, the Little Naches delivers something honest and unhurried — a true piece of the Pacific Northwest backcountry.

About Douglas Creek

Tucked into a remote canyon in central Washington, Douglas Creek offers something increasingly rare in the modern world: genuine solitude in a landscape shaped by forces almost incomprehensible in scale. This perennial creek winds through basalt walls carved and sculpted by the catastrophic Ice Age floods that reshaped the Columbia Basin thousands of years ago. The result is a canyon that feels ancient and alive all at once — layered rock formations towering above cool, clear water, with the sounds of birdsong and rushing current replacing the noise of everyday life.

The Setting and Landscape

The canyon walls here are the first thing that stops you in your tracks. Dark basalt columns, fractured and stacked by geological upheaval, rise dramatically on either side of the creek corridor. In spring and early summer, the surrounding terrain bursts with unexpected greenery — wildflowers clinging to rocky ledges, willows trailing into the water's edge — set against the wide, dry skies of central Washington. By late summer, those same hillsides shift to warm gold and amber, giving the canyon an almost cinematic quality at sunrise and sunset. Wildlife is a constant companion: keep your eyes open for raptors riding thermals overhead, mule deer picking through the sagebrush, and the flash of fish holding in the current below you.

Swimming and Water Character

Douglas Creek lives up to its reputation for clear, cool water. Fed by reliable perennial flows, the creek maintains swimable conditions through much of the warmer months, though water levels and character shift with the season. Spring and early summer bring more vigorous currents and the most vibrant surroundings; late summer offers calmer, warmer pools better suited for lingering. The creek's waterfalls and natural pools invite wading and swimming, and the basalt bedrock underfoot gives the water a crystalline quality you won't find in murkier lowland rivers. This is an unofficial, unmanaged site — there are no lifeguards or safety staff on hand — so swimmers should assess conditions carefully and never swim alone.

Practical Visit Information

Getting to Douglas Creek requires a moderate effort. Expect rocky trails on the way down into the canyon, and be prepared for creek crossings that may require you to park and hike in depending on water levels and conditions. Sturdy footwear is a must. The site is managed by the BLM Spokane District and carries no day-use fee, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious adventurers. Facilities on-site are unknown, so pack in everything you need — water, food, sun protection, and a first aid kit. If you want to extend your stay, primitive dispersed camping is available within the canyon itself. For a more developed overnight option, Daroga State Park north of Orondo along Route 2/97 offers established camping facilities nearby.

Plan Your Visit

Douglas Creek sits within reach of several central Washington communities. Yakima to the south and Wenatchee to the west serve as the most practical bases for a visit, with full services including lodging, groceries, and fuel. Waterville, the seat of Douglas County, is another nearby option for small-town character and supplies. Whether you're making a day trip or pairing it with a longer Columbia Basin adventure, Douglas Creek rewards those willing to earn their swim.

About Olympic Hot Springs

Tucked deep within the temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park, Olympic Hot Springs is one of Washington's most rewarding backcountry secrets. These primitive geothermal pools are not a resort or a spa — they are raw, untouched expressions of the earth's inner heat, hidden at the end of a hiking trail and surrounded by old-growth forest, mossy boulders, and the kind of silence that reminds you how small you really are. If you're looking for a chlorinated pool with a snack bar, this isn't it. If you're looking for something genuinely wild, you've found it.

The Setting and Landscape

The trail to the springs winds through a lush, green corridor of fir and hemlock, crossing streams and threading past ferns that crowd the path in every direction. Olympic National Park's signature dampness is everywhere — the air smells of earth and cedar, and the forest canopy filters light into soft, silvery columns. As you approach the springs, you'll begin to notice wisps of steam rising through the trees, and the faint mineral tang in the air signals that you've arrived somewhere truly geological. The 21 geothermal seeps are scattered across a relatively compact area, each with its own temperature and character. Some are barely warm; others will make you gasp and ease in slowly. The setting is deliberately rustic — there are no developed facilities here, no changing rooms, no signage beyond what the park provides.

The Hot Springs Experience

Soaking at Olympic Hot Springs is a completely immersive sensory experience. The water carries that characteristic mineral warmth of true geothermal springs — heavier and more enveloping than a bathtub, with a gentle sulfuric note that quickly becomes part of the atmosphere rather than a distraction. Temperatures vary from pool to pool, so you can migrate between hotter and cooler seeps to find your comfort zone. The pools themselves are shallow, naturally formed depressions — this is not a place for swimming laps, but for settling in, looking up at the forest canopy, and letting your muscles unknot. Because these springs are unsanctioned and undeveloped, visitors should approach them with a wilderness mindset: pack out everything you bring in, respect other soakers, and understand that conditions can change.

Plan Your Visit

The trail is rated moderate, with uneven terrain and potential water crossings that make sturdy footwear a smart choice. The best conditions run from late spring through early fall, when the trail is clear and the air is warm enough to make the walk back comfortable after a soak. Winter visits are possible and rewarding — there's something deeply satisfying about soaking in geothermal heat while snow dusts the surrounding forest — but require additional preparation and caution on the trail. There are no fees to access the springs, though standard Olympic National Park entry fees apply to the park itself. Primitive backpacking camping is available near the pools for those who want to linger, and developed camping can be found at Elwha Campground. The nearest major town for supplies and lodging is Port Angeles, roughly 40 miles away, which serves as the primary gateway to this part of the park. Seattle, about three hours to the east, is the closest large city for travelers flying in or planning a longer Pacific Northwest itinerary.

About Lowell Johnson Park and Florence Lake

Tucked away on Anderson Island — one of Puget Sound's most unhurried corners — Lowell Johnson Park offers something increasingly rare: a genuine escape. Reached only by ferry from the historic waterfront town of Steilacoom, this community park sits at the edge of Florence Lake, a glacially carved freshwater gem surrounded by dense Pacific Northwest forest. The moment the ferry pulls away from the mainland and the tree line of Anderson Island comes into view, you'll feel the pace of ordinary life begin to ease.

The Setting and Landscape

Florence Lake sits in a shallow basin shaped over thousands of years by glacial movement, and the landscape around it reflects that ancient drama. Towering conifers and lush understory vegetation crowd the shoreline, their reflections shimmering on the surface of the water. Bald eagles circle overhead with casual authority, and if you're patient and quiet, you may spot river otters slipping through the reeds near the bank. Wildflowers bloom along the trails in spring, and come fall, the surrounding forest ignites in amber and gold. Even in the middle of summer, there's a stillness here that feels earned — perhaps because getting to Anderson Island requires genuine intention.

Swimming in Florence Lake

The water in Florence Lake is clear and inviting, with the kind of freshwater quality you'd expect from a glacially formed lake fed by a forested watershed. On warm summer afternoons, the surface warms to a comfortable temperature, making it ideal for casual swimming, floating, and wading. The lake's natural edges mean you won't find groomed sandy beaches, but the organic shoreline — stones, soft sediment, and fringing vegetation — is part of what gives this place its wild, unmanicured character. This is an unofficial swimming site, so come prepared: there are no lifeguards on duty, and you swim at your own discretion. Children and less confident swimmers should be supervised closely.

Practical Visit Information

Lowell Johnson Park is located at the corner of 114th Avenue and Guthrie Road on Anderson Island. Access is free — there is no entry fee. The park provides restrooms and changing areas, as well as picnic tables for a post-swim lunch or a lakeside afternoon with family. Be aware that there is no food or drinking water available at the park, so pack everything you'll need before boarding the ferry. The terrain in the park is somewhat uneven, and cyclists making the trip from the ferry landing should expect a moderately steep hill. The best time to visit for swimming is June through September, when warm weather and long days make the lake most inviting.

Plan Your Visit

To reach Anderson Island, take the Pierce County ferry from Steilacoom, a charming historic town roughly 10 miles southwest of Tacoma. Nearby communities including Lakewood offer additional dining, lodging, and supply options before you make the crossing. Give yourself a full day if you can — Anderson Island rewards those who linger. Pack a picnic, bring layers for the ferry crossing, and let Florence Lake do the rest.

About the Cowlitz River Swimming Spot

Tucked deep within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, east of Packwood, Washington, this unofficial swimming hole on the Cowlitz River offers one of the Pacific Northwest's most rewarding natural escapes. The river winds through a cathedral of old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar, their towering silhouettes framing a sky that feels impossibly blue on a clear summer day. Getting here requires a half-mile hike over uneven forest terrain, so lace up proper footwear and embrace the approach — the rustling canopy, the earthy scent of damp moss, and the growing sound of rushing water all build anticipation for what lies ahead.

The Setting and Landscape

When you arrive, the Cowlitz River opens up into a generous natural swimming hole sculpted by centuries of current and stone. The water runs crystal clear, revealing smooth river rock and shifting gravel beds beneath the surface. The surrounding forest presses close on both banks, keeping the atmosphere cool and sheltered even on warm summer afternoons. Dragonflies skim the water's edge, and if you're patient and quiet, you may spot osprey or great blue herons working the river upstream. The Cowlitz River holds deep cultural significance — it is the lifeblood of the Cowlitz people, who have called this watershed home for thousands of years, and that history lends the place a quiet, grounding reverence that goes beyond its natural beauty.

Swimming the Cowlitz

The swimming hole is refreshingly cold even at the height of summer, fed by snowmelt from the flanks of Mount Rainier to the north. You'll feel that chill the moment you wade in — bracing and clean, the kind of cold that makes you gasp and then laugh. Depths vary across the hole, with shallower areas near the banks that are comfortable for wading and deeper pockets mid-channel where stronger swimmers can fully submerge. The water's clarity lets you watch your own feet on the riverbed. Because this is an unsanctioned, undeveloped site with no facilities on-site, visitors should come self-sufficient — bring your own water, pack out everything you bring in, and exercise caution when assessing current strength, which can vary with seasonal flows.

Plan Your Visit

The best time to visit is June through August, when warm temperatures make the cold water feel like a gift rather than a shock. Early September brings a spectacular bonus: the surrounding forest begins its turn toward amber and gold, making the hike in as rewarding as the swim itself. Several campgrounds operate nearby within Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park, making this an ideal stop on a multi-day wilderness trip. There is no fee to access this swimming area. The nearest towns are Packwood and Randle, both offering fuel, supplies, and a chance to pick up last-minute gear before heading into the forest. Yakima lies further afield to the east, a larger hub for restocking on longer trips. Leave no trace, respect the land's cultural history, and this wild stretch of the Cowlitz will stay beautiful for every visitor who follows.

About Wanapum Lake Swimming Hole

Tucked along the eastern shore of Wanapum Lake — a reservoir carved from the mighty Columbia River — this unofficial swimming spot rewards those willing to earn their swim. A half-mile trail winds through sagebrush and rocky terrain before delivering you to one of the most quietly dramatic coves in central Washington: a sheltered pocket of calm water pressed against towering basalt cliffs that seem to rise straight from the earth's core. This is the kind of place that feels discovered rather than visited.

The Setting and Landscape

The landscape here is unmistakably Columbia Basin — wide skies, volcanic rock sculpted over millennia, and a hush that makes the outside world feel very far away. The basalt cliffs surrounding the cove glow amber and rust in the late afternoon sun, and at sunrise or sunset, the reflections on the water turn the scene into something almost surreal. The reservoir itself stretches wide and blue, bordered by the kind of arid, open terrain that defines eastern Washington. In spring, the surrounding hillsides soften with wildflowers and a fleeting green that photographers chase from miles away. By summer, the landscape turns golden and spare — the perfect backdrop for an afternoon in the water. This land carries deep meaning: the Wanapum people have called this stretch of the Columbia home for generations, and their cultural presence is woven into the identity of this place.

The Swimming Experience

Once you reach the cove, the water greets you with a refreshing chill — this is a Columbia River reservoir, and even in the height of summer it carries a cool edge that feels earned and welcome after the hike in. The sheltered nature of the cove keeps the water noticeably calmer than the open river channel, making it a more manageable swim than you might expect. The basalt walls block the wind and create a natural amphitheater of sound — water lapping stone, the occasional bird call, your own breath. There are no lifeguards or safety staff on site, and the swimming is entirely unofficial, so confident swimmers and those comfortable in natural water will feel most at ease here.

Plan Your Visit

The site sits within the Sand Hollow County Recreation Site, and there is no fee to visit. Facilities are nonexistent — pack everything in and pack everything out. Sturdy footwear is essential for the half-mile hike, as the trail runs uneven and rocky in places. If you'd like to extend your stay, primitive walk-in camping is available right at the site, while more developed camping with amenities can be found at Wanapum State Park across the lake. Summer — particularly June through August — offers the best conditions for swimming, though each season brings its own reward. The nearest towns are Ellensburg to the north and Yakima to the south, both offering food, fuel, and lodging for those making a longer trip of it. Come prepared, come respectful, and come ready for a swim that feels genuinely off the beaten path.

About Swimming at Banks Lake

Stretching across the high desert of central Washington, Banks Lake is one of the Columbia Plateau's most dramatic and rewarding places to cool off on a summer afternoon. This massive reservoir — formed by the Grand Coulee Dam system — sits cradled between towering basalt cliffs and sagebrush-dusted benches, a landscape sculpted over thousands of years by the cataclysmic Ice Age Floods. The result is something rare: a place where geological grandeur and genuine swimming pleasure exist in the same afternoon.

The Setting: Basalt, Sagebrush, and Open Sky

The Banks Lake region rewards those who slow down and look around. Sheer columns of dark basalt rise from the water's edge, their surfaces streaked with mineral shadows and lichen. On the surrounding slopes, sagebrush perfumes the air with a sharp, earthy scent that becomes almost intoxicating in the summer heat. Osprey and great blue herons patrol the shoreline, while mule deer appear at dusk along the water's edge. Steamboat Rock — the park's defining landmark — looms like a grounded vessel above the coulee, its flat-topped mesa offering a reminder of just how powerful the ancient floods that carved this place truly were. The scenery isn't a backdrop here; it's the whole point.

What Swimming Here Feels Like

The swimming spots around Banks Lake are unofficial, which means you won't find roped-off lanes or a lifeguard's whistle — just open water, warm summer temperatures, and a horizon full of cliffs. By June, the lake warms to genuinely inviting temperatures, and by midsummer, slipping into the clear water feels like the most logical response to the high desert sun beating down on your shoulders. The reservoir is deep in many areas, so confident swimmers will feel most at home, though shallower entry points near the shoreline work well for families with children. The water tends to be clear, giving it a blue-green quality that photographs beautifully and feels refreshing against your skin. There are no crowds jostling for space — just the sound of water lapping against basalt and the occasional hawk riding a thermal overhead.

Plan Your Visit

Camping and full facilities are available at Steamboat Rock State Park, making this an easy destination for an overnight or multi-day trip. The park serves as your base of operations: use it for restrooms, picnic areas, and a launching point for exploring the surrounding coulee. No fee is charged for swimming at the unofficial spots along the lake. The towns of Coulee City and Electric City are both within easy reach and can handle basic supply runs before you settle in. Spring visits bring wildflowers and quiet solitude, while fall trading in summer crowds for crisp air and amber light on the canyon walls. Come in summer if warm water is your priority; come in May if you want the place almost entirely to yourself. Either way, Banks Lake delivers a kind of wide-open, unhurried beauty that's increasingly hard to find.