Discover 9 amazing natural swimming destinations across Washington. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.
Smallwood Park has official river access, but the sources checked do not establish swimming permission or a designated swim area. The historical Tilton River bridge location in Morton remains unverified. This is uncertainty, not a finding that swimming is prohibited. Ask the relevant town about permitted water access before entering.
Read the correction and official sourcesChecked October 4, 2026: Forest Service Order 06-17-03-2026-44 lists French Cabin Creek Recreation Area and Forest Road 4308 in the Three Queens Fire closure. The order runs September 18 through October 31, 2026 unless rescinded sooner. Do not enter the closed area. Confirm reopening with the Cle Elum Ranger District at 509-852-1100; the end date is not a guarantee of reopening.
Read the correction and official sourcesThe three historical swimming locations have not been identified from the surviving directions. Tacoma Water describes controlled access within the municipal watershed. This does not establish a river-wide swimming prohibition, but it means public access cannot be assumed.
Read the correction and official sourcesChecked October 4, 2026: the park district reports the swimming hole closed for well-system construction and permitting, with no confirmed reopening date. Public bathrooms and parking are closed. Do not enter the construction area or use the adjoining Guthrie Center's private parking. Confirm reopening with the park district before making a ferry trip.
Read the correction and official sourcesNPS identifies these as unmaintained wilderness pools. Water is not tested or treated and may contain harmful bacteria. Use is at your own risk. Vehicles cannot continue beyond Madison Falls; bicycles and pets are not permitted on the hot springs trail.
Read the correction and official sourcesSwimming is subject to the city's seasonal opening, lifeguard instructions and admission rules. Visitors under 18 must pass the current year's swim test to enter the big quarry pool area or beach. The deep quarry is not a learner pool.
Read the correction and official sourcesWashington State Parks lists swimming in the Chehalis River, but there is no designated swimming area or lifeguards. Follow current signs and staff guidance; this is not a supervised beach or a verified beginner swimming site.
Read the correction and official sourcesThis historic regional listing does not identify its four claimed swimming locations. Current water-entry points and swimming permission have not been verified. Campground access is not confirmation of a designated swim site.
Read the correction and official sourcesThe official source confirms Rock Island Campground on Icicle Creek, but does not establish a designated swimming area, permitted water-entry route or supervised swimming. Confirm current rules and access with the operator.
Read the correction and official sourcesNewcastle has a city-listed swim area with seasonal lifeguards. The schedule reviewed October 4, 2026 ended September 7. Check current city closure notices, staffing and linked water-quality results before swimming. Details do not apply to all regional beaches.
Read the correction and official sourcesOriginal three swimming locations and hot spring are not verified. Big Eddy has documented river access, but this does not establish a safe swim route or confirm the unnamed historic location. Check current manager notices.
Read the correction and official sourcesBlue Hole access needs confirmation. North Bend's September 2026 notice describes flood-repair work that may disrupt access between SE 114th Street and Blue Hole. Planned completion is not confirmation that work has finished. Check current notices and lawful access before visiting.
Read the correction and official sourcesThe county confirms creek access, not a designated swimming area or safe wading conditions. Check posted restrictions and current conditions; no safe swimming route is verified here.
Read the correction and official sourcesThe historical pool location, access and swimming suitability need confirmation. Do not cross or enter log jams, jump or dive based on an old depth estimate. Nearby campground access does not verify this swimming location.
Read the correction and official sourcesCurrent public approach and swimming suitability at the historical Dickey Creek pools need confirmation. No safe-swimming season, clothing-optional permission or completed access facilities are established here.
Read the correction and official sourcesThe five historical swimming destinations are not identified in this record. Palouse Falls is a viewing destination, not a swimming location; follow State Parks guidance. Other regional swimming access needs destination-specific confirmation.
Read the correction and official sourcesThe historic cove's identity and current access remain unverified. Sand Hollow and Wanapum Recreation Area are separate managed alternatives, not confirmed matches to the old route.
Read the correction and official sourcesThe city identifies Sandy as an at-your-own-risk swimming area without lifeguards. Three Mile is a separate WDFW access site; its swimming conditions and historical approach are not verified here.
Read the correction and official sourcesCurrent swimming rules and the precise Whirlpool Falls water entry have not been confirmed. This is not a finding that swimming is prohibited. Check with Bellingham Parks and follow posted restrictions.
Read the correction and official sourcesCurrent lawful access to the historical natural sites remains unverified. Do not cross posted private land without permission. The commercial resort is a separate option.
Read the correction and official sources
Plan a Banks Lake swim at Steamboat Rock State Park. Check day-use parking passes, campground reservations and conditions at your chosen lake access.
Compare Lewisville and Moulton Falls access, parking and river precautions near Battle Ground. Lucia Falls is not open for swimming.
Plan a Dash Point State Park beach visit in Federal Way with parking guidance, cold-water cautions and the correct entrance, distinct from Tacoma's Dash Point Park.
Plan a Douglas Creek canyon visit with BLM access information, dispersed camping details and important limits on pool and road-condition verification.
Plan Olympic Hot Springs access from Madison Falls: approximately 21 miles round trip, road washout restrictions, untreated pools and wilderness permits.
Plan a visit to Tenino Quarry Pool with the correct entrance address, seasonal access information, separate wading area and deep-water swim-test rules.
Plan Rainbow Falls State Park with main-entrance directions, camping information and river precautions. No designated swimming area or lifeguards.
Plan a Newcastle Beach Park visit in Bellevue with parking directions, seasonal lifeguard information and official beach closure links.
Plan a Washougal River visit with Sandy Swimming Hole Park details, seasonal facilities and separate Three Mile access guidance.
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Washington features 9 natural swimming spots across 7 water types. Expect varying access and conditions by season; arrive early on weekends, pack out trash, and always verify current rules and water levels before you go.
Looking for the best swimming holes in Washington? The standouts span clear Cascade creeks, deep river pools, hike-in hot springs, and reservoir beaches. Notable spots include Snoqualmie River Swimming Spots east of Seattle, Olympic Hot Springs in Olympic National Park, Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham, and the clear central-Cascade water at Taneum Creek and Douglas Creek.
Swimming holes in Washington range from icy mountain water to developed state-park beaches, so the right choice depends on how far you want to drive, whether you want facilities, and how cold a dip you can handle. This guide covers where to go by region, when to visit, safety, and access, with links to nearby city pages and planning guides. Most of these waters are cold year-round, so read the safety section before you go.
Washington offers a vast array of natural swimming holes, from icy mountain creeks to geothermal hot springs. Key considerations include: water is often very cold year-round; many sites are unofficial and lack facilities; access can require hiking or forest roads; and conditions change with seasons. Always prioritize safety, check local conditions, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Here are twelve standout natural swimming destinations across the state, chosen for their accessibility, scenery, and distinct character.
Washington's swimming holes are best explored by region, each with a distinct character.
Start your search from a nearby city to find spots within easy driving distance:
For more planning help, see our guide to Washington waterfalls you can swim near, waterfalls you can swim in, cold-water immersion in nature, and how to read river levels before a river trip.
Washington's natural waters present specific risks that require vigilance.
For a deeper look at passes, parking, and trailhead rules, see our guide to permits, parking, and access at swimming sites. Always confirm current requirements with Washington State Parks and the relevant US Forest Service ranger district before you go.
This itinerary focuses on accessible spots east of Seattle.
Q: What are the best swimming holes in Washington?
A: Popular choices include the Snoqualmie River Swimming Spots near North Bend, the hike-in Olympic Hot Springs in Olympic National Park, Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham, and clear central-Cascade water at Taneum Creek, French Cabin Creek (Swimming temporarily closed), and Douglas Creek. For developed beaches with facilities, consider Dash Point Beach or Rainbow Falls State Park. The best spot for you depends on driving distance, the facilities you need, and how cold a dip you can tolerate.
Q: Are these swimming holes safe for children?
A: It depends heavily on the specific spot and conditions. Sites with gradual entry and slower current, like some areas of Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots or Quarry Pool, may be more suitable. Always supervise children closely, use life jackets, and avoid spots with deep, cold water or strong currents.
Q: Can I bring my dog to these swimming areas?
A: Rules vary. Dogs are typically allowed in national forests (e.g., Cowlitz River) but must be leashed in many areas. They are often prohibited in designated swimming areas of state parks (e.g., Dash Point Beach). Always check specific site regulations and clean up after your pet.
Q: Is the water clean to swim in?
A: Water quality in flowing rivers and creeks is generally good, but it can be affected by upstream activity, algae blooms (in lakes), or wildlife. Avoid swallowing water. For hot springs like Olympic Hot Springs, note that the water is not treated or tested regularly.
Q: What should I bring for a day at a swimming hole?
A: Essentials include water, food, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, a trash bag, a towel, and dry clothes. For remote spots, add a map, compass, basic tools, and a fully charged phone (though service may be absent). Water shoes are highly recommended for rocky entries.
Q: Are there restrooms at these locations?
A: Facilities vary widely. Official parks like Rainbow Falls State Park and Dash Point Beach have restrooms. Unofficial sites like Cowlitz River or Taneum Creek typically have none. Some, like French Cabin Creek (Swimming temporarily closed), may have pit toilets nearby. Plan accordingly and be prepared to pack out all waste.
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Ready to discover more? Check out swimming holes in other states or browse our complete directory.