Natural swimming hole
Emerald Pools
River · California
About this swimming hole
Emerald Pools is a series of vivid green-blue pools in a granite gorge on the South Fork Yuba River, just below Lake Spaulding. A quarter-mile trail leads to the main pool, which is big enough for open swimming and ringed with rocks for jumping. Flows depend on dam releases upstream, so the waterfalls range from roaring in spring to gentle by late summer.
Good to know
| Water type | River |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 60s in summer |
| Depth | deep main pool; cliff jumping spots |
| Best season | June-September |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | small dirt lot before the Bowman Road bridge; police ticket roadside blockers |
| Amenities | vault toilets |
| County | Nevada County |
| Nearest town | Nevada City |
| Safety notes | no lifeguard; cliff jumping — check depth first; flows vary with dam releases; crowded summer weekends |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Emerald Pools?
Yes — Emerald Pools is listed as a natural swimming spot in California. Reported water temperature: 60s in summer. Heads-up: no lifeguard; cliff jumping — check depth first; flows vary with dam releases; crowded summer weekends. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Emerald Pools require reservations?
No reservations are required at Emerald Pools based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Emerald Pools?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Emerald Pools?
The best season is typically June-September.