Oh, the weather outside is spiteful, but the river is so delightful. For anyone who needs a break from the sweltering heat (or indoor air-conditioning), taking a dip in a local swimming hole might be just the ticket.
We fished around and found these local spots where you can beat the heat. So come on in, the water’s fine.
Punchbowl Falls | Access via Eagle Creek Trail
Sure, this spot requires a little extra sweat to get to — but it’s so worth it. You’ll hike about 2 miles to reach the falls and punchbowl-shaped swimming area. Bring your dog, but watch for steep drop-offs along the path. Pro tip: Don’t forget a pair of water shoes for when you need to wade through the creek and scramble across rocks and logs.
Try this swimming spot along the Sandy River near the Sugarpine Drive-In and you’ll have midday treats at your fingertips.
Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday
Sandy Swimming Hole | 550 N. Shepherd Rd., Washougal
A popular spot with Southwest Washingtonians, Sandy Swimming Hole is a city park at the upper end of lower Washougal River Greenway. If you’re lucky, you might get a visit from an ice cream truck. Pro tip: The ground is rocky and there’s little shade to be found, so you may want to bring folding chairs and an umbrella.
Oxbow Regional Park | 3010 SE Oxbow Pkwy., Gresham
Swimming in the Sandy River is a quintessential summertime activity. From this Metro-maintained park, you can float to Dabney State Recreation Area, or explore 12 miles of trails. Parking is $5, or you can park for free on select dates. Life jackets are on site for swimmers to borrow.
Lower Lewis River Falls | Cougar, WA
Make an online reservation to park in the day-use area, a short walk from the picturesque lower falls. Despite its rural location, the site is popular with campers and day trippers, but there’s plenty of space to play. Keep in mind that there is no sandy beach and the water is quite cold.
No lifeguards are on duty at these locations, so please use caution.
