Whether you prefer a lake or a river, you have plenty of close-in options to choose from for swimming around Portland when the mercury rises. While some watering holes will require a short hike, others allow you to practically drive right in. All are family-friendly, so pack a picnic and bring plenty of cool drinks for a fun afternoon in the sun. Here are 9 amazing swimming holes near Portland.

1. Blue Lake
Blue Lake, Oregon 97024, USA
Sam Grover / Flickr
Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is a family-friendly swim spot, that along with the lake, features a large water splash pad, picnic areas, and a frisbee golf course. Admission is $5 per vehicle.

Enjoy this short peek at Blue Lake in Fairview, Oregon. It is one of several mighty nice places to go swimming near Portland:
2. Glenn Otto Community Park
Glenn Otto Community Park, 1102 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Troutdale, OR 97060, USA
A.F. Litt / Flickr
Just 20 minutes from Portland, this spot on the Sandy River is perfect for a quick cool-off. Admission is free. Glenn Otto Park is also home to an annual Big Foot Festival in August so keep an eye out for hairy beasts while you are swimming.
3. Vancouver Lake Park
Vancouver Lake Regional Park, 6801 NW Lower River Rd, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA
Bill Reynolds / Flickr
Just across the Columbia in Vancouver, Washington lies Vancouver Lake, a picturesque park with a sandy beach and shady picnic areas. The area is also a great location for kayaking and canoeing. Admission is free.
4. Alder Flat
Alder Flat Trailhead, 61166 Clackamas Hwy, Estacada, OR 97023, USA
w0bbly / Flickr
Located on the Clackamas River, this swimming spot requires a 3/4-mile hike, but it is well worth it. A stone and sand beach and primitive campground are about all that's here, making it a great low-key swim spot. There is no fee.

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5. Henry Hagg Lake
Henry Hagg Lake, Oregon 97119, USA
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife / Flickr
Located near Forest Grove, Henry Hagg Lake is a great getaway for a day of swimming, fishing, and boating. The day-use fee is $7 per vehicle.
6. Lost Lake
Lost Lake, Oregon 97014, USA
Peter Roome / Flickr
Situated at the end of over 20 miles of winding roads, Lost Lake is secluded at 3,100 feet up Mt Hood. Besides the stunning view of the mountain, you can camp and rent paddleboats or canoes from the lodge here. The day-use fee is $5 per vehicle.

Enjoy a tour of the beautiful Lost Lake in Oregon in this video from David Lim. If you are looking for an incredible place to discover more Portland swimming holes you really can't beat this spot:
7. Trillium Lake
Trillium Lake, Oregon 97028, USA
Samer / Flickr
Close to Government Camp, the pristine Trillium Lake is a great place for a summer adventure. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating on this picturesque lake with a great Mt. Hood view. The day-use fee is $10 per vehicle.
8. Sauvie Island
Sauvie Island Beach, 38378- 9723, 38798 NW Reeder Rd, Portland, OR 97231, USA
murkmad / Flickr
Head to Sauvie Island, and pick up some fresh fruit from a farm along the way for lunch. Located on the Columbia River, there are both traditional beaches and clothing-optional ones here. The day-use fee is $10 per vehicle.
9. Wildwood Recreation Area
Wildwood Recreation Site, 65670 US-26, Welches, OR 97067, USA
mk97007 / Flickr
There are several places along the Salmon River to dip your toes in, and a couple to have a full afternoon of swimming. Try the small beach near the underwater viewing area for one of the deepest, least rocky swimming areas along the park's impressive trail. The day-use fee is $5 for a vehicle of nine or fewer passengers.

Oregon's Wildwood Recreation Area is filled with beauty and fun places to explore. Enjoy this video from BLM Oregon & Washington showing a quick look at what you can expect when you come to visit:

Whether you prefer a man-made beach, a natural ocean beach, or a secluded swimming hole in the middle of a state forest, Oregon is an incredible state to find somewhere to cool off on a hot summer day. When you head to the cool blue waters in Oregon where are your go-to swimming holes near Portland?

If you want a really cool place to cool off in Oregon, head to one of these waterfall swimming holes for a beautiful and refreshing summer day.

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More to Explore

More places to cool off in Oregon

Chris Muras | May 27, 2023

Where can I find a waterfall swimming hole in Oregon?

After a long hot hike, it is pretty much a must to cool off with a beautiful waterfall swimming hole. Here are a few places to find a waterfall swimming hole in Oregon:

  • Lee Falls, Washington County, OR: When you reach Lee Falls after about an hour-long hike you are definitely ready to take a cool plunge. This small waterfall is still quite beautiful and definitely refreshing.
  • Punchbowl Falls, Cascade Locks, OR: This waterfall swimming hole couldn't be more picturesque. It feels like a tropical oasis in Hawaii or Costa Rica - but it is right here in Oregon waiting for you to discover it.
  • Oneonta Falls, Oneonta Gorge, OR: This beautiful tall waterfall comes crashing down into a pool of water in the Columbia River Gorge. It is another incredibly scenic spot where you will feel like you are in a remote jungle surrounded by high cliffs and moss-covered rocks.
  • Youngs River Falls, Astoria, OR: This 54-foot cascade is nearly as wide as it is tall making it an impressive sight. The pool at the basin is quite refreshing as well, but like most of the waterfalls in Oregon, it is going to be pretty chilly - just what you need for a very quick dip after a long hike.
  • Cavitt Creek Falls, Roseburg, OR: This isn't one of the biggest waterfalls in Oregon but this spot sure is beautiful. And the swimming hole that the waterfall flows into is secluded and peaceful.

 

With so many beautiful waterfalls in Oregon, there are numerous opportunities to discover a hidden swimming hole at just about every hiking trail that leads to a section of rapids or a secret waterfall. Be sure to tell us all about any you have discovered.

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