Best Swimming Holes in the Blue Mountains
7 natural swimming holes · 2026 guide
The Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington are elk country first and swimming country second — which is exactly the appeal. Expect uncrowded creek pools and river beaches along the Grande Ronde, Wallowa, and Tucannon drainages. Late summer brings the lowest flows and the warmest water.
Top swimming holes
- Ritter Road, Middle Fork John Day River
A small cliff and deep pool on the Middle Fork of the John Day River, reached by a lonely stretch of Ritter Road in Grant County.
- Wallowa Lake State Park
A glacial lake beneath the Wallowa Mountains with a designated swimming beach at the state park.
- Bennington Lake
Bennington Lake is a Mill Creek reservoir east of Walla Walla with a designated swim beach.
- Catherine Creek State Park
Catherine Creek State Park sits on Catherine Creek in the Blue Mountains foothills, with swimming holes in the clear creek.
- Grande Ronde River (Bird Track Springs)
Bird Track Springs is a campground on the Grande Ronde River in the Blue Mountains, with swimming in the river's clear pools.
- Minam State Recreation Area, Wallowa River
A state recreation area on the Wallowa River at Minam where the recreational-river segment is open to boaters, anglers and swimmers.
- Wallowa Lake
Wallowa Lake's south-end swim beach offers swimming in the glacial lake beneath the Wallowa Mountains.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to swim in the Blue Mountains?
Late July through September. Snowmelt keeps rivers high and cold into early summer; by August the pools are calm and as warm as they get.
Do Blue Mountain swimming holes require reservations or permits?
No — this is dispersed, uncrowded country. Most spots are free pull-offs and trailheads on national forest land.
Are the Blue Mountains too remote for casual swimmers?
They're genuinely remote — cell service is spotty and towns are small. That's the charm, but bring supplies, tell someone your plans, and don't count on a lifeguard for a hundred miles.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026