Coyote Creek Cave in Northern California is definitely a treat for anyone looking for a place to cool off on a hot day. We know summer can be a little sweltering here. But even if you’re not looking to swim, everyone loves to explore some of the many natural wonders in Northern California. If you’ve been looking for one of our great marvels, your search is over. Natural Bridges in Calaveras County is an absolutely amazing, relatively secret swimming hole in Northern California. This place will blow your mind with how cool it is! It’s not every day you can enjoy an underground swimming hole straight out of a fairy tale.

While you're on the trail, you'll want to keep a careful eye out for poison oak. It's extremely abundant in this area! The trail is a mile down from the parking area and then a mile up on your way back.
Yelp/ John G.
You'll want to bring a snack and plenty of water so that you're well-fueled for the trip back up to the car.
Red dirt is very common in this area. The contrast of the bright, rust-colored trail against the blue sky is breathtakingly beautiful.
Yelp/ John G.
No matter what time of year you visit, the caves at Natural Bridges are beautiful. In order to fully appreciate just how gorgeous this place is, you'll want to at least dip your toes in, even if you don't immerse yourself fully in the water!
Yelp/ John G.
The limestone caverns were carved by the steady flow of Coyote Creek, which gives the cave its other common name: Coyote Creek Cave.
Yelp/ John G.
The water is cold, but very refreshing, especially on a hot day. It both enters and exits the cave, so adventurers can swim all the way through.
Yelp/ John G.
You'll find that the water in the entrance and exits of the cave is quite shallow. It's so much fun to splash around here! Many folks enjoy hiking up with floats so that they can relax in the water once they arrive.
Yelp/ John G.
The cold stream is crystal clear. This is one adventure where you'll want to take a deep breath and enjoy the incredible purity of nature.
Yelp/ John G.

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The cave gets darker and the water gets deeper the further you go in, so keep your swimming capabilities in mind. Some people are afraid of dark water, but there's nothing here that will harm you, other than a few sharp edges on the rocks.
Yelp/ Eric N.
We suggest wearing old tennis shoes or water shoes to protect your feet as you wade in, just in case.
Some folks opt to come prepared with a headlamp or life jacket. Leaning back into the water and looking up at the stalactites is such a neat experience!
Yelp/ Eric N.
The interesting variations of the hues of the rocks inside the cave are so beautiful.
Patrick Martin/Google Local
There's so much variation in texture, too! This cavern has such an interesting geology. You won't be able to resist examining the walls in more detail.
Yelp/ Rob. G
Coyote Creek is fed by snow melt from the Sierra Nevada mountains. The spectacular experience here is all-natural, if a bit chilly!
Yelp/ Kayla M.
Just outside of the cave is quite sunny with little shade, but chilling inside in the cool water is a great place to sit in the shade and beat the heat. It's an awesome place for cave swimming in NorCal.
Yelp/ Chandra H.
We suggest arriving early, before lunch, to beat the crowds. This is becoming an increasingly popular hike and swim, so the afternoons can sometimes get very crowded, especially on hot days.
Yelp/ Jennifer K.
To reach this incredible underground swimming hole of Coyote Creek Cave in Northern California, take Highway 4 to Parrots Ferry Road. Drive about four miles and then park at the marked trailhead. You'll reach the cave after about a mile-long hike. You can find trail information on AllTrails.
Yelp/ May A.

Have you been to Coyote Creek Cave in Northern California? This is one of the coolest places we’ve seen lately… after all, it’s not every day you encounter an underground swimming hole in Northern California! It’s impossible not to be wowed and amazed by this natural wonder. Are you brave enough to swim in this underground creek?

Looking for more incredible hikes around Northern California? Try AllTrails+ for free!

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Coyote Creek Cave In Northern California

Lisa Sammons | July 06, 2022

What are some more great swimming holes in Northern California?

Other great swimming holes in Northern California include:

  • The South Fork of the Yuba River in Nevada City is an absolutely incredible spot that looks like a natural hot tub. Clothing is optional there, so it's not a spot you'll want to bring the kids to!
  • Bass Lake in Point Reyes is reachable via a 2.7-mile coastal hike.
  • Mad River in Kneeland has clear, pristine water and a rope swing for some added fun!

 

Check out these natural swimming holes in Northern California.

What are some of the best summer destinations in Northern California?

The best summer destination in Northern California include:

  • Lake Tahoe
  • Gray Whale Cove in Half Moon Bay
  • Granite Bay at Folsom Lake

 

If you want to feel like you're on an exotic getaway, check out some of the most tropical places in Northern California.

What are the best beaches in Northern California?

Everyone loves to head out to our Pacific beaches, but we actually have a ton of great inland beaches in Northern California, too. They don't get quite as much press as the saltwater variety, but places like the west and east ends of Donner Lake are incredible and you may even forget you're not at the ocean!

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Natural Bridges Trailhead, Parrotts Ferry Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251, USA