True Oregonians Love These 3 Amazing Clackamas River Swimming Holes

Welcome to the breathtaking beauty of Clackamas River: the flowing river, the teeming wildlife, and the colorful leaves that offer shade during a particularly hot day in Oregon. The Clackamas River makes up a small percentage of the overall 110,994 miles of river in Oregon.  If you’re looking to take a refreshing dip in one of Oregon’s 1,400 natural rivers or lakes, consider the Clackamas and its swimming holes as one of the best spots. 

Oregon’s natural swimming holes have what every nature-lover desires: clear water, crisp temperatures, and a secluded spot to simply enjoy the beauty of the Bridge State. 

If you’re traveling to Oregon soon — or just looking for something to do in your home state’s backyard — explore these three amazing Clackamas River swimming holes you have to check out.

Why Clackamas River Swimming Holes Are Special

For thousands of years, humans have delighted at the banks of the Clackamas. It provided food, fresh water, and the very life source for many Native Americans living on its floodplains. After European settlers moved to the area, the river served as a site for their settlement. These federally-owned lands offer breathtaking views of the wilderness and pristine waters. In the Clackamas, Oregonians will find the last significant run of wild late-winter coho salmon in the Columbia Basin.

It’s a unique outdoor retreat for adventurers and nature lovers alike, as well as families looking to delight in the local flora and fauna of their state. The river’s swimming homes provide an up-close-and-personal feel with nature — inspiring a deeper love of the environment. 

In addition, the unique geological features that make these swimming holes remarkable solidify them as must-swim destinations for locals and tourists. 

Safety Tips for Enjoying Clackamas River Swimming Holes

Most Oregonians started swimming in rivers and swimming holes at a young age. However, that doesn’t excuse the importance of brushing up on swimming hole safety. 

When entering a river like the Clackamas, or a larger lake, understand its flow and currents. Has it rained recently? What’s the water temperature like? Knowing the state of the river will serve you well as you venture into its waves — you’ll be prepared no matter what current you encounter.

It’s also important to wear the proper safety gear. Shoes are a great option — if they’re the right ones. Make sure you can grip the wet rocks to avoid slipping, falling, and injuring yourself. If you’re swimming with children or pets, always bring a life jacket for them. Pets may need a leash to avoid wandering too far or jumping in the river when they’re not supposed to.

While many Oregonian rivers have clear water, not all do and they can hide submerged dangers. Animals like snakes or sharp objects can pose threats if you’re not careful to check out your area.

Top 3 Clackamas River Swimming Holes

Ready to take a dip? Here are the top three best Clackamas River swimming holes to visit in Oregon amid its 22-mile lower stretch of water.

Big Eddy Picnic Area

One of the most well-loved swimming holes on the Clackamas River stays popular for a great reason: it’s just that good.

The Big Eddy Picnic Area offers a beautiful cove for picnicking, a bit of climbing on rocks, swimming, and relaxation. There’s no cliff jumping or a sandy beach, so no need to worry about splashes or sand rashes. On any given summer day, you’ll find at least a few locals basking under the shade to enjoy a picnic with their loved ones or taking a quick dip to cool off.

When swimming at Big Eddy, be sure to stay upstream. The Big Eddy rapids roar just over 100 yards downriver from the picnic spot.

The Narrows

If you’re looking for a spot to swim in that lives up to its name, choose swimming at The Narrows.

The Narrows is a Clackamas River swimming hole with deep pools, cliff jumping, and numerous nearby campgrounds. While summer crowds have also found this little slice of heaven, they won’t take away from the striking beauty of the space. 

Created from the Clackamas River carving its way through an ancient basalt lava flow, The Narrows is where the river becomes pinched by eroding igneous rock. Here, the current slows as the riverbed deepens. You don’t even need to have a long hike to the spot; it’s fairly accessible to most adventurers.

Carter Bridge Day Use Area

While some swimming holes are infamous among locals and online forums, others contently live in animosity. For a serene, uncrowded day at the Clackamas, visit the Carter Bridge Day Use area to relax and unwind.

This swimming hole doesn’t need a hike-in. You can find it just down Highway 224 near the Carter Bridge. It offers cliff jumping, a small sandy beach, and deep pools. While the area doesn’t allow for overnight camping, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can set up camp just over the Carter Bridge at the designated campground.

If you choose to swim at this hole, be wary of its relatively fast-moving water.

Responsible Tourism: Caring for Clackamas River

If you’re convinced you need to visit at least one of these Clackamas swimming holes, remember to be a responsible tourist on your journey to and from the river. 

You can support local conservation efforts in a few ways:

• Follow the “Leave no trace” principle and ensure the area is clean of debris and possession after you’ve had your fun.
• Properly dispose of waste and take recycling to the right location. Even if something you’ve brought to the river is biodegradable, the “leave no trace” rule still stands as a golden standard.
• Don’t mess with the plants or animals you find on the trail or in the water. You’re entering their home; not the other way around. Always be respectful of nature and make an effort to preserve the ecosystems that exist. 

Beyond Swimming: Other Activities Along Clackamas River

While swimming holes on the Clackamas River delight with clear water, mild waves, and beautiful scenery, the Clackamas has even more to do. If you’d like to make a day of your swimming excursion, choose to hike to the swimming hole and bring your camping gear to set up a nearby campsite. Not only will you see stunning vistas of the Mount Hood National Forest, you’ll have the chance to explore farther into the wilderness around the Clackamas. Instead of only a few hours, you’ll have several days to appreciate the natural splendor; you may even want to take a sunrise swim.

Venture farther out to enjoy fishing opportunities for anglers, or take a ride on the wild side and attempt some white water rafting in the choppiest parts of the rapids.

Seasonal Considerations and Best Time to Visit

Any time between May and June offers a warm, sunny day to enjoy the Clackamas River swimming holes and other water-related recreation. The river conditions usually run warmer during this time. Depending on recent weather, the height of the river isn’t too unwieldy either. 

To get the best swimming experience, travel to Clackamas when the river has warmer water and slow-running currents. If it’s your first time back to one of your favorite swimming holes in a year or more, don’t trust you know exactly what’s under the water’s surface. Many logs, rocks, and plants have shifted in 12 months — so take just a moment to get your bearings before diving in.

Can You Feel the Warm Waves of the Clackamas? 

The Clackamas River spans a great distance, offering many swimming holes to eager tourists and locals ready to immerse themselves in nature. Experience the Clackamas River, and Oregon’s, natural wonders firsthand at the Big Eddy Picnic Area, The Carter Bridge Day Use Area, The Narrows, and the High Rocks. 

Remember to practice basic river safety and enjoy your dip!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Rigucci/Shutterstock.com