Swimming holes by town
Swimming Holes in Port Angeles, Washington
6 natural swimming holes
Looking for water near Port Angeles? The Washington directory holds 6 natural swimming holes in this area. Worth a first look: Devil's Punchbowl, Lake Crescent, plus Madison Creek Falls nearby. Between them they cover 3 lakes, 1 river, 1 spring, and 1 waterfall. Plan around July-September — that's the best season named in most local listings. The listings span Clallam County and Jefferson County.
Swimming holes in Port Angeles
- Devil's Punchbowl, Lake Crescent
A deep, cliff-walled cove on Lake Crescent reached by the 2.2-mile Spruce Railroad Trail, famous for ledge-jumping into the lake's impossibly clear water.
- Madison Creek Falls
A 76-foot waterfall tucked into the Elwha Valley, reached by a gentle quarter-mile paved trail from the parking area.
- Olympic Hot Springs
Olympic Hot Springs sits deep in Olympic National Park, with natural hot pools at the end of the Boulder Creek Trail.
- Elwha River (Altair)
Altair Campground sits on the Elwha River in Olympic National Park, with swimming in the river's clear pools.
- La Poel Day Use Area, Lake Crescent
A National Park day-use beach on Lake Crescent's south shore with some of the clearest swimming water in the state.
- Lake Crescent (East Beach)
Lake Crescent is an impossibly blue, glacier-carved lake in Olympic National Park with swimming at spots like East Beach.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimming holes are in Port Angeles, WA?
Our directory lists 6 natural swimming holes in and around Port Angeles, Washington, across Clallam County, Jefferson County. New spots are added as they're verified.
What kinds of swimming holes are in Port Angeles?
The 6 listings cover 3 lakes, 1 river, 1 spring, 1 waterfall. See each listing for details on access and conditions.
Which swimming hole near Port Angeles should I try first?
Devil's Punchbowl, Lake Crescent is a well-documented local listing. A deep, cliff-walled cove on Lake Crescent reached by the 2.2-mile Spruce Railroad Trail, famous for ledge-jumping into the lake's impossibly clear water. Full details, maps, and safety notes are on its page.
When is the best time to swim near Port Angeles?
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.