"Beaver" Public Parking Lot
Public parking space
5 (1)
141 SE G St, Grants Pass, OR 97526
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Managed Day-Use River Access And Separate Historical Trail PoolsCA
Smith River Swimming And Recreation Areas
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Use the named Jedediah Smith day-use entrance for supported river recreation. Confirm South Fork trail access separately and do not follow parked-car pool searches.
Swimming restriction
Use current manager notices and authorized entrances; no jumping, diving, natural-slide or rope-swing itinerary.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Managed Day-Use River Access And Separate Historical Trail Pools
Access
Informal
Fee
Jedediah vehicle day use currently listed at $8, subject to change; confirm separate forest-site charges.
Best season
Choose a date after checking the intended destination's current access, weather and notices
Nearby towns
Crescent City, Hiouchi, Gasquet
Water body
Smith River Middle And South Fork Regional Destinations
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Crescent City, Hiouchi, Gasquet
Access location not verified
GASQUET, CA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
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.
Start with a named Smith River entrance
NPS identifies Jedediah Smith Redwoods Day Use Area for swimming, boating and picnics, reached through the campground entrance road. That managed access is more useful than searching Highway 199 for parked cars or people in the water. It does not verify every roadside pool.
Match fees and facilities to day use
The NPS day-use page lists parking, a toilet and drinking water. The current State Parks page lists an $8 vehicle day-use charge, subject to change. These services and charges belong to the named park access, not every Middle Fork or South Fork riverbank. Check current road notices before travel.
South Fork routes require a separate plan
The old Buck Creek and Eightmile Creek pool descriptions do not establish today's trail condition or swimming entrances. Forest Service Old South Kelsey route material describes a specific trail system; do not treat similar Kelsey trail names as interchangeable. Obtain the exact current route and return plan before hiking or camping.
River recreation is not a gentle-float guarantee
Do not extend a day-use launch into an unverified tubing itinerary or jump from river rocks. Water clarity is not a bacteria result or depth survey. Arrange transport, equipment and any overnight stay for the actual authorized destination, and leave the river when conditions are uncertain.
Getting There
Use Jedediah Smith campground entrance-road access for the named day-use area. Confirm current Highway 199 notices and obtain the exact separate South Fork trail route before remote travel.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Named park swimming support is retained. The old regional point and remote pool coordinates are not surveyed public entrances; current trail conditions need a separate check.
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
Use current manager notices and authorized entrances; no jumping, diving, natural-slide or rope-swing itinerary. 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.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
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
Sky Crest Trail Head
Hiking area
4.7 (130)
Unnamed Road, Grants Pass, OR 97527
Grants Pass KOA Journey
Campground
4.3 (290)
699 Jumpoff Joe Creek Rd, Grants Pass, OR 97526
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Schroeder Park
Park
4.2 (701)
605 Schroeder Ln, Grants Pass, OR 97527
Barbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomSlides
River Park RV Resort
RV park
4.4 (338)
2956 Rogue River Hwy, Grants Pass, OR 97527
Public restroom
Public bathroom
3.5 (2)
138 SW H St, Grants Pass, OR 97526
Visit Grants Pass Downtown Welcome Center
Visitor center
4.6 (34)
198 SW 6th St, Grants Pass, OR 97526
Restroom
Wild Rivers Ranger District
Government office
3.3 (4)
26568 Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Smith River Swimming And Recreation Areas
Is Smith River swimming recognized by a manager?
Yes. NPS lists swimming at Jedediah Smith Redwoods Day Use Area. It does not verify every historical roadside or South Fork pool.
How do I reach the named day-use area?
NPS directs visitors through Jedediah Smith campground's entrance road. Use current park signs instead of looking for parked cars along Highway 199.
What is the current published day-use fee?
State Parks lists $8 per vehicle, subject to change. Confirm current charges for the actual entrance.
Are services available at every Smith River pool?
No. Parking, a toilet and drinking water are listed at the named day-use area, not every remote Middle Fork or South Fork bank.
Are Buck Creek and Eightmile Creek a verified current pool walk?
No current pool-entry route is certified. Confirm the exact South Fork trail, access and return rather than substituting similarly named Kelsey routes.
Does launch access authorize a gentle tubing trip?
No. Confirm the route, lawful take-out, transport and conditions separately. Clear-looking water does not certify safe current or depth.
Highlights
NPS-supported named river access
Day-use services and fees scoped
Remote pool and tubing claims qualified
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use rope swings or rock chutes
- Water appearance does not establish depth, current, water quality, submerged hazards or an exit
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect protected landscapes and community access rules; do not infer cultural claims from scenery.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use permitted public viewpoints and respect other visitors' privacy; images are scenery, not current water-condition reports.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect land boundaries and closed areas, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
Explore More Nearby Swimming Guides
More California swimming holes
Browse every listed natural swimming spot in California.
Managed day-use river access and separate historical trail pools swimming holes
Find similar managed day-use river access and separate historical trail pools destinations across the directory.
Hidden gems in California
See under-the-radar places and local favorites in the same state.
Family-friendly spots in California
Compare easier-access destinations and safer planning options.
Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
You Might Also Like
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area Swimming Holes
Distance unavailableCA
Fees unconfirmed
View >
Santa Cruz Region Swimming Spots
Distance unavailableCA
Fees unconfirmed
View >
Fowlers Camp And Ah-Di-Na Campgrounds
Distance unavailableCA
Fees unconfirmed
View >
Tule River Swimming Destinations In Sequoia National Forest
Distance unavailableCA
Fees unconfirmed
View >
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose a date after checking the intended destination's current access, weather and notices.
Difficulty Level
Confirm the named route and access needs; no surveyed step-free swimming descent.
Fee
Jedediah vehicle day use currently listed at $8, subject to change; confirm separate forest-site charges.
Facilities
Do not transfer park services to Buck Creek, Eightmile Creek or a Highway 199 pullout.
Activities
Authorized named day-use swimming, boating and picnics; separately planned lawful trails and camping.
Phone
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: 707-464-6101
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
Use the park's current camping arrangements or a separately authorized forest overnight plan; no camping permission at every historical pool inferred.
Loading weather data…
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.
Explore More Swimming Holes
Discover other amazing natural swimming destinations across America