16 Swimming Holes near Sacramento [+ How to Get There]

Temperatures in the Sacramento area regularly climb above 100°F, and the best way to cool off is to go for a dip at one of the best swimming holes in Sacramento.

The hardest part is knowing where to look for a good swimming spot and then deciding which one is best for your group of friends or family.

I live in Sacramento and spent most of my summers seeking out the best natural places to swim. This list will help you get out of the heat and into the chilly water as fast as possible.

16 Swimming Holes near Sacramento

1. Clark’s Hole (American River Confluence)

• Distance from Sacramento: 36.6 mi
• Driving Time: 41 mins via I-80 E
• Parking: area on the right and left side of the road after crossing Old Foresthill Bridge, $10/vehicle
• Amenities: restrooms
• Google Map Location

This popular swimming hole near Sacramento is Clarks Hole on the American River which is a 41-minute drive.

To get to this American River swimming hole, use the trailhead that starts just beyond the green gate at the Auburn State Park Kiosk parking area.

It is a relatively easy 0.6-mile hike one way, but there are steep drop-offs to the river that you must be careful of, especially when you have kids hiking with you.

The trail passes a small waterfall and stream, then goes through a thick blackberry patch before a short but steep climb past the huge rocks surrounding the pool.

The water here is deep, and the temperature is relatively warm.

On the opposite side of the river is the Lake Clementine Trail which can also be used to access Clark’s Hole but be wary of poison oak along this trail.

Local Tip: On the opposite side of the river is the Lake Clementine Trail which can also be used to access Clark’s Hole but be wary of poison oak along this trail.

2. Yankee Jim’s Road Bridge 

• Distance from Sacramento: 51.8 mi
• Driving time: 1 hr 4 min via I-80 E
• Parking: limited parking area right before the bridge (don’t park on the road), check sign for parking fee (prepare $10 to be sure)
• Amenities: toilet (porta-potty)
• Google Map Location

This swimming hole near Sacramento is famous for its clear turquoise waters, panoramic views, and the tallest suspension bridge in California.

However, the trip here is not for the faint of heart as it involves driving a narrow gravel road on the side of the mountain that’s 3 miles one way with no safety railing whatsoever.

The path to the water is slightly steep and can be found on the right side of the bridge, close to the porta-potty.

Very few areas along the river offer any shade, and water currents here can be a little rough in some places, so it might not be the best place for families with children.

Local Tip: There is little to no cell service here, so download an offline map before you leave!

3. Bridgeport Covered Bridge

• Distance from Sacramento: 71.4 mi
• Drive Time: 1 hr 18 min via I-80 and CA-49 N
• Parking: $10/car see map, free parking at the cemetery parking lot and alongside Pleasant Valley Road (when safe and legal, make sure to read signs)
• Amenities: ADA-accessible restrooms, visitor’s center, beverage vending machine
• Google Map Location

With a view of the newly restored longest single-span historic covered bridge in the country, this swimming hole in South Yuba River State Park is hard to miss.

This family-friendly beach is an easy walk downstream from the bridge and is popular with people with younger kids because of its calmer and more shallow waters.

The other upside of this swimming hole is that the water is reasonably warm during the summer.

Just a bit of a hike upriver, on the other side of Pleasant Valley Road, is Kneebone Beach which has larger rocks for climbing and sunbathing.

It also has with deeper pools that make it a good swimming spot for those who like to get away from the busy crowd near the bridge.

Local Tip: Make sure to bring $10 cash to pay for parking at the machine.

4. Edward’s Crossing on South Yuba River

• Distance from Sacramento: 68.4 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 17 min via I-80 E and CA-49 N
• Parking: Limited free parking along the road on either side of the bridge
• Amenities: vault toilet
• Google Map Location

The calm, crystal clear water at Edwards Crossing is a popular spot for locals.

To get to the swimming hole, take one of the many little side trails leading down to the river from the steel-arched bridge.

Watch out for poison oak, which is abundant in the area and lines the edge of the trails.

Most people swim near the bridge, but there are plenty of spots spread out for you to pick along with sections deep enough where you can climb some of the rocks and jump in.

If you don’t mind a bit of a challenge, a not-so-secret swimming hole can be found about half a mile downstream, where the spring creek falls drains into the river.

Local Tip: There are plenty of clothing-optional spots the further you go down from the bridge.

5. Hoyt’s Crossing 

• Distance from Sacramento: 72.8 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 25 min via I-80 E and CA-49 N
• Parking: limited paved parking lot (turn right before reaching the bridge shortly after the sign “South Yuba River Access”) See Map
• Amenities: vault toilet
• Google Map Location

The Hoyt’s Crossing swimming spot near Sacramento has some of the clearest emerald green waters you’ll find with the temperature staying fairly warm in the summer.

There are large boulders and granite rocks where you can lay out and get some sun. 

To get to the main swimming area underneath the old bridge, take the unmarked trails or climb down to the waterfront from either side of the bridge.

To get to a more secluded spot, cross the bridge from the parking lot and turn right to head down on Hoyt’s Crossing trail.

If you want to visit this swimming hole near Sacramento, be warned that there is a very popular nude beach section.

About a mile down the trail is a fork with a sign that says, “Clothes are prohibited”. 

Local Tip: The hike to the water can be steep and rocky in some spots, so make sure to wear appropriate water shoes.

6. Purdon’s Crossing

• Distance from Sacramento: 67.6 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 22 min via I-80 E and CA-49 N
• Parking: Limited free parking right of the bridge before the crossing
• Amenities: vault toilet
• Google Map Location

A trip to Purdon’s Crossing offers visitors access to pools with cool, deep waters and numerous rock walls to climb and jump off.

However, if you plan on visiting this Yuba River swimming hole, use an all-wheel drive vehicle as the road leading to the parking area turns into gravel and drops steeply to the canyon.

Come early to secure a parking spot, or you will have to drive around and park far from the trailhead.

A gated trail on the left side of the parking area leads to swimming holes upstream that tend to be less crowded.

7. Emerald Pools

• Distance from Sacramento: 81.5 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 20 via I-80 E
• Parking: public parking off of Bowman Lake Road at Lang Crossing (See Map)
• Amenities: no amenities
• Google Map Location

Emerald Pools is located downstream of Lake Spaulding and is known for its clear, emerald-green waters and the series of waterfalls along the ¾-mile stretch of the South Yuba River.

The closest pool is a short hike from the parking lot and has many areas to climb and jump off.

There are more secluded pools and mini gorges upstream that are stunning and worth the extra hike.

But be warned, the waters here come directly from snow runoff and can be freezing cold.

Also, volumes of water released from Lake Spaulding may cause sudden changes in water currents, becoming unsafe for swimming.

If you’re staying in Sacramento, this is a fairly easy drive to get to for a refreshing dip.

Related: Best Beaches near Sacramento

8. Oregon Creek

• Distance from Sacramento: 89.5 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 51 min via I-80 E and CA-49 N
• Parking: parking area off Highway 49 and parking lot at Oregon Creek Day Use Area
• Amenities: restrooms and picnic tables at the Day Use Area
• Google Map Location

Oregon Creek is a hidden swimming hole about a mile past the bridge over the Middle Yuba River and the Oregon Creek Day Use Area.

A small car pull-out on the side of Highway 49 serves as your landmark where you can make your way down a dirt path that leads to the creek.

The small waterfalls create mini-whirlpools, turning portions of this swimming hole into mini jacuzzi tubs.

Surrounded by trees, plenty of shade is available, and the large granite slabs make the perfect surface to spread out a blanket for picnicking or sunbathing.

Diving here is a definite no-no since the pools are relatively shallow and there are a lot of rocks below the surface.

This is one of the Yuba river swimming holes that does get pretty crowded on weekends, so arrive early or come during the week.

9. Happy Valley (Consumnes River)

• Distance from Sacramento: 56.7 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 16 min via US-50 E and Pleasant Valley Rd
• Parking: roadside parking between two bridges on Happy Valley Cutoff road, if possible park on the side closest to the old wooden bridge
• Amenities: no amenities
• Google Map Location

The Happy Valley swimming hole is found at the junction of Camp Creek and Consumnes River and covers the waters between the two bridges on Happy Valley Cutoff Road.

It’s an easy walk into the water but make sure you wear good water shoes because it can be steep in some areas, and some of the large rocks can be very slippery.

The rocks all over the area create natural swimming holes with cold, clear waters of varying depths.

During your visit, read and follow the signs and do not go past the second bridge as most of those areas are private properties. 

10. Sycamore Pool

• Distance from Sacramento: 87.2 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 32 min via CA-99 N
• Parking: Inside Lower Bidwell Park
• Amenities: Caper Acres playground, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, restrooms, water fountains, snack shop, the Chico Creek Nature Center
• Google Map Locationํ

The Sycamore Pool is a section of Big Chico Creek located in Lower Bidwell Park constructed to be a swimming area.

This swimming hole is super popular with people from Chico, especially when the thermostat climbs to 90°F or higher.

The water from the creek continuously flows through, which keeps it cool even during scorching summer days.

It is surrounded by trees and grassy fields, making it the perfect destination for families and groups looking for a place to cool off.

This pool is great for every age group as the pool depth varies, so little kids and adults can claim their spot.

If you’re up for an adventure, Sacramento river is close by, and there is a great spot to go kayaking.

Local Tip: Don’t forget to bring this with you for a relaxing picnic.

11. Bear Hole

• Distance from Sacramento: 88.6 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 35 min via CA-99 N
• Parking: Bidwell Park’s Lot K or L if Upper Park Road is open past Horseshoe Lake
• Amenities: porta-potties
• Google Map Location

The Bear Hole is one of the most frequented swimming holes in Upper Bidwell Park.

It is easily accessed by following the Yahi Trail upstream from Alligator Hole, which is the first designated swimming hole in Upper Bidwell Park.

The creek’s current is stronger here, but it does get calmer once you reach the deep pool in the middle.

This swimming hole is surrounded by smooth basalt boulders that provide a sort of rocky playground where you can climb and jump into the central pool or lie down to stretch and relax.

Children have no problem swimming here as long as safety precautions are taken. 

Local Tip: Wear proper shoes and bring this with you as the rocks can get scorching hot to sit on.

12. Salmon Hole

• Distance from Sacramento: 88.6 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 35 min via CA-99 N
• Parking: Diversion Dam parking lot in Upper Bidwell Park (Lot L)
• Amenities: porta-potty
• Google Map Location

To get to Salmon Hole, you must tread carefully as you make your way down the steep basalt cliffs.

To get to the largest natural swimming hole on Big Chico Creek, you will have to hike over half a mile from the Diversion Dam parking lot along the Yahi Trail.

The way to Salmon Hole may not be ideal for families, or small kids. If you are adventurous enough to brave the steep climb, you will be rewarded with calm, clear, deep waters surrounded by groves of oak trees.

There’s also a large pebble beach downstream and other side pools for you to explore. Access here may be challenging, but this is still a crowd favorite, so plan your visit on a weekday. 

13. Natural Bridges / Coyote Creek Cave

• Distance from Sacramento: 85.3 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 34 min via CA-99 and Hwy 12 E
• Parking: limited parking at the trailhead at Parrots Ferry and Airola Road
• Amenities: no amenities
• Google Map Location

A 2-mile round trip hike that starts at the round metal gate on the east side of Parrots Ferry Road leads to this majestic limestone cave carved out by Coyote Creek.

This swim-through tunnel gets extra busy during the summer because of its crystal clear cold waters and the cave’s shade, which is the perfect escape from the blistering summer heat.

You might want to come to this cave near Sacramento here during the weekdays or just get here early enough before the crowd comes in.

The water at the cave’s entrance and exit are shallow enough for kids to splash in, and in the tunnel, the water is deep enough to float tubes through.

READ MORE: Check this article if you want to visit other caves in the area.

14. Brown’s Hole

• Distance from Sacramento: 88.6 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 35 min via CA-99 N
• Parking: Diversion Dam (Lot L), Horseshoe Lake (Lot E)
• Amenities: porta-potty
• Google Map Location

If remote is what you are after, Brown’s Hole is a 3.5-mile hike accessible via the pedestrian-only Yahi Trail and is the last swimming hole in Upper Bidwell Park.

The trail is riddled with poison oak, so dress appropriately if you plan on venturing this far into the park. Be warned that this swimming area remote location is popular with skinny dippers. 

15. Bassi Falls

• Distance from Sacramento: 83.7 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 42 min via US-50 E/ El Dorado Fwy
• Parking: Ice House rd Bassi Falls Trail Parking
• Amenities: no amenities
• Google Map Location

The hike to Bassi Falls is relatively short and easy, making it a great little adventure for the whole family.

There are clear trail markers, but this 109-foot waterfall is not hard to find since you can distinctly hear it from the trailhead and eventually see it from a distance once you get closer.

The waters are calmer during late summer, and there are some shallow spots downstream from the falls where small kids can play and dip in.

There is no designated trail, but if you make your way up the falls, there are deeper pools to enjoy. 

If you want to spend more time here, there are multiple campgrounds in the area that are easily accessible.

Local Tip: Once you get off Highway 50, the road leading up to the trailhead is very windy, so bring some Dramamine. Don’t forget to stop by Loon Lake, a beautiful lake near Sacramento.

16. Rock Creek

• Distance from Sacramento: 104 mi
• Driving Time: 1 hr 54 min via CA-70 N
• Parking: alongside gravel road after the bridge
• Amenities: none
• Google Map Location

Located 40 miles east of Chico, Rock Creek may have some of the best swimming holes near Sacramento.

Relatively secluded, the waters here range from emerald green to sapphire blue, and the temperature is cold enough to cool you off without being too cold.

The Middle Rock Creek, famous for its natural water slide, is located about a ¾-mile hike up the creek through giant boulders.

It can be a little tricky scrambling your way over, but it’s still safe enough to take bigger kids along.

Once you find your way to Middle Rock Creek, you can easily spend hours swimming and going up and down the water slide.

Sacramento Swimming Holes: What to Bring

• Sunscreen – As most of the swimming holes near Sacramento tend to be exposed to the sun without much shade, it’s best to apply and bring along a water-resistant sunscreen during your trip.

• Insulated Water Bottle – You’ll most likely be out in the sun for hours so it’s good to stay hydrated. Insulated water bottles ensure that you have access to refreshingly cold water just when you need it.

• Quick-dry Microfiber Towel – It’s great to have a towel to dry yourself with after swimming but what’s not so great is having to carry a heavy and very soaked towel back. Pack a microfiber towel instead, as it dries quickly and takes up less space. 

• Water shoes – Water shoes will not only make your hike through varying terrains more comfortable, but it also allows you to safely get in the water when it’s riddled with rocks like some of Northern California’s swimming holes. (For Men)

• Trash Bag – “Pack it in, Pack it out”. Respect nature and make sure you don’t leave any waste behind. It also never hurts to pick up a few extras if you find them.

• Dry Bag – Keep your valuables from getting wet and take one of these dry bags with you.

Good to Know When Visiting the Swimming Holes

1. Download your maps beforehand

The beauty of exploring the great outdoors is being able to reconnect with nature, but this comes with the reality that you will be disconnected from cellphone service.

So once you’ve decided where you’re going, download your maps and any other directions beforehand and have them available offline to avoid getting lost. 

2. Bring Cash

Nothing is worse than showing up to a pay-to-park parking facility only to realize that you forgot to bring cash.

Make sure you have the correct change on hand as there is no one to give you change, and getting fined or ticketed will ruin the day.

Most state parks require a $10 parking fee per vehicle for day use. Also, bring a pen as you will need to write your information on the envelope with your cash, so they know what car the payment was for.

3. Arrive early

You’re not the only one looking to escape the heat and cool off in the swimming holes.

Make sure to arrive early at the swimming hole so you can secure a parking spot and a shaded spot to set out your blanket or towel.

4. Wear proper footwear

Most swimming holes are accessible only via hiking trails that can be flat and easy or rocky and treacherous. This means you must be prepared for different terrains, and it’s essential to wear proper footwear.

5. Pack wisely

In some of these places, you can bring a whole picnic basket or an ice chest, but for most swimming holes, you should pack light and ensure all of your things fit in a backpack. A small insulated bag is ideal if you want to bring snacks and drinks.

6. Leave no trace

Pack it in, pack it out – leave the area just the way you found it. Make sure that whatever stuff you bring with you and any resulting trash is packed and ready to bring along on your trip.

Also, don’t be one of those horrible people that vandalize or mark the natural surroundings with your name to prove you’ve visited the place.

6. Do not pee in the pools

Most swimming holes only have restrooms in the parking lot, which can be at least a short hike away, but that doesn’t give you any excuse to pee in the pools.

When you feel nature calling, step out of the water and find a discrete place to relieve yourself. Most of the time, you’re not the only one swimming in the area, so keep the natural waters clean.

7. Safety first

Check the water flow before getting in and ensure it’s not flowing too fast, making the conditions unsafe for swimming.

Currents can be very dangerous in creeks and rivers, with several people dying yearly in California. No matter how inviting the waters may seem, look before you leap.

Make sure the water is deep enough to jump into and that there aren’t any protruding rocks that may cause you harm. Always jump feet first.

No matter how many people you see doing it, don’t dive. Lastly, know your risks, manage them, and never swim alone.

Wrap-Up: Best Swimming Holes near Sacramento

Whether you plan to go alone, with your friends, or with your family, a swimming hole near Sacramento is perfect for you. Pack light and be ready for a bit of a hike or an adventurous drive as you explore and look for your go-to summer swimming spot.

Related:

• Sacramento to San Francisco
• Sacramento to Yosemite
• Pumpkin Patches in Sacramento
• Beaches near San Jose