Swimming holes by town
Swimming Holes in McCloud, California
5 natural swimming holes
Swimming around McCloud, CA means options — 5 natural swimming holes make our directory for this corner of California. Plan around July-September — that's the best season named in most local listings. Expect a spread: 4 waterfalls, and 1 river. Cattle Camp Swimming Hole anchors the local list, and Lower McCloud Falls rounds out the highlights. Geographically, they're a Siskiyou County story.
Swimming holes in McCloud
- Cattle Camp Swimming Hole
McCloud River swimming at the Forest Service's Cattle Camp Campground, with deep clear pools below the riffles.
- Lower McCloud Falls
Lower McCloud Falls is the most accessible of the three McCloud River waterfalls, with a paved path leading to a stone staircase at the water's edge.
- Middle McCloud Falls
Middle McCloud Falls is the tallest and widest of the trio, a 40-foot curtain of water dropping into a basalt bowl on the upper McCloud River.
- Potem Falls
Potem Falls pours into a lush, fern-draped pool in the forest east of McCloud, reached by a short trail that keeps it quieter than the main McCloud Falls.
- Upper McCloud Falls
Upper McCloud Falls sits in a deep basalt bowl that stays shaded for part of the day, making its quiet pool the locals' choice among the three falls.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimming holes are in McCloud, CA?
Our directory lists 5 natural swimming holes in and around McCloud, California, across Siskiyou County. New spots are added as they're verified.
What kinds of swimming holes are in McCloud?
The 5 listings cover 4 waterfalls, 1 river. See each listing for details on access and conditions.
Which swimming hole near McCloud should I try first?
Cattle Camp Swimming Hole is a well-documented local listing. McCloud River swimming at the Forest Service's Cattle Camp Campground, with deep clear pools below the riffles. Full details, maps, and safety notes are on its page.
When is the best time to swim near McCloud?
Local listings most often name July-September as the best season. Spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high — check local conditions before you go.