French Cabin Creek Recreation Area
Campground
4.3 (33)
Washington 98816
Public restroomRestroomTent sites
CreekWA
French Cabin Creek
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
French Cabin Creek recreation area and road 4308 are under a fire closure. Confirm reopening with the Forest Service before planning a visit.
Swimming temporarily closed
Checked 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 The order runs September 18 through October 31, 2026 unless rescinded sooner.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.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Creek
Access
Swimming temporarily closed
Fee
Current pass requirements not verified; a pass does not authorize entry to a closed area.
Best season
Do not visit during the closure. Confirm reopening and current conditions
Nearby towns
Ellensburg, Cle Elum
Water body
French Cabin Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Ellensburg, Cle Elum
Access location not verified
CLE ELUM, WA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of French Cabin Creek
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
French Cabin Creek: current access closure
Checked 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 The order runs September 18 through October 31, 2026 unless rescinded sooner.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 official Forest Service closure order before travel. This is a temporary access closure, not a finding that swimming is permanently prohibited.
Older directions and future visits
Older visitor reports describe creek pools near a bridge off Forest Road 4308. The current pool approach, bridge condition, water depth and swimming suitability have not been verified. Do not follow those directions into closed land. A reopening notice would not by itself verify an individual pool for swimming.
Camping and facilities
Cle Elum River Campground is also named in the closure order. Confirm its reopening before planning an overnight stay. Current restroom availability and parking pass requirements for a future creek visit remain unverified.
Planning ahead
Contact Cle Elum Ranger District at 509-852-1100 for current access information. Browse other Washington listings and check each destination's own rules before choosing an alternative.
Getting There
Do not enter Forest Road 4308 or French Cabin Creek Recreation Area while the fire closure applies. Contact Cle Elum Ranger District at 509-852-1100 to confirm reopening and permitted access. The historical pool route and bridge condition have not been verified.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Checked 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.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Checked 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. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Cle Elum River Campground
Campground
4.4 (41)
Cle Elum, WA 98922
Cle Elum Ranger Station
Forestry office
3 (2)
803 W 2nd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Coal Mines Trail
Hiking area
4.6 (9)
402 W 2nd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
3 (4)
221 E 1st St, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail
State park
4.5 (212)
241 Trailside Dr, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Palouse to Cascades State Park - South Cle Elum Trail Head
Hiking area
5 (2)
Cle Elum, WA 98922
Whispering Pines RV Park
Campground
4.3 (232)
100 Whispering Pines Dr, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Frequently Asked Questions About French Cabin Creek
Is French Cabin Creek free to visit?
Reported fee information: Current pass requirements not verified; a pass does not authorize entry to a closed area. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at French Cabin Creek?
Checked 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.
What type of swimming spot is French Cabin Creek?
French Cabin Creek is a creek on French Cabin Creek located in Washington, near Ellensburg. French Cabin Creek recreation area and road 4308 are under a fire closure. Confirm reopening with the Forest Service before planning a visit.
When is the best time to visit French Cabin Creek?
Seasonal planning notes: Do not visit during the closure. Confirm reopening and current conditions. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at French Cabin Creek?
Reported facilities at French Cabin Creek include: Historical reports of toilets near the river bridge have not been verified. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near French Cabin Creek?
Cle Elum River Campground is also listed in the fire closure. Confirm reopening before planning a stay.
Highlights
Official fire closure information
Cle Elum Ranger District contact for current access
Unique Features
Creek recreation area near Cle Elum Lake
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not use historical directions to enter closed land
- Pool depth and swimming suitability have not been verified
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Do not enter closed land for photography.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid disturbing wildlife, and carry out all trash to protect the fragile ecosystem.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Do not visit during the closure. Confirm reopening and current conditions.
Difficulty Level
Individual pool approach and bridge condition unverified.
Fee
Current pass requirements not verified; a pass does not authorize entry to a closed area.
Facilities
Historical reports of toilets near the river bridge have not been verified.
Activities
Swimming
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.
Camping Information
Cle Elum River Campground is also listed in the fire closure. Confirm reopening before planning a stay.
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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.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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