If you love to be in the water as much as we do, this episode is for you. We are sharing a few of our favorite swimming holes in the national parks!
This is not a complete list, just a few of our top favorite places to cool off while visiting some incredible parks.
Join us as we cover:
- The best jumping dock (in the world? Yes, probably!)
- Snorkeling on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere
- The disappearing creek
Add these swimming spots to your bucket list! They are family-friendly and will add an extra dose of adventure to your next national park vacation.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
Swimming Holes Overview
I am so excited for today’s episode because one of my favorite things to do in national parks is find a refreshing swimming hole during the summer. We are water lovers, so we always have our swimsuits ready. I learned the importance of keeping a trunk full of fun stuff, like swimsuits and binoculars, from my park experience. Snacks and a change of clothes are essential too.
In this episode, I’m sharing three of my favorite swimming holes in national parks, but we may have to share more in the future.
Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park
Lake Crescent is a top family favorite for swimming. The picturesque lake offers a nostalgic and summery ambiance, reminiscent of a fancy summer camp. The main attraction is the jumping dock, which is solely dedicated to providing a perfect platform for jumping into the clear, blue water.
The Lake Crescent Lodge, situated right on the shores, is a popular spot for visitors, offering a beautiful beach and refreshing swimming experience. Other swimming options include the Devil’s Punch Bowl and a picnic area on the west side of the lake.
Snorkeling Beach in Dry Tortugas
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, offers a unique swimming experience in the Gulf of Mexico. The park features a massive fort on a tiny island, surrounded by turquoise green-blue waters. Snorkeling along the fort’s walls and outside of them allows visitors to observe various marine creatures trapped between the fort and its moat-like walls.
The warm and clear waters of Florida make snorkeling a delightful activity for the whole family. Dry Tortugas provides a memorable and different way to explore a national park.
Medano Creek in Great Sand Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado surprises visitors with the opportunity to swim or wade through the seasonal Medano Creek. The creek appears as an oasis in the desert when the snow melts in late spring, usually peaking in early June. Hiking through the creek is necessary to access the sand dunes, and many visitors bring tubes and floaties for a fun beach-like experience.
The sandy creek allows for sandcastle building and various water activities, making it an enjoyable spot for families. The unique combination of sand and water at Medano Creek offers a refreshing and playful swimming experience.
From the nostalgic charm of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park to the snorkeling beach at Dry Tortugas National Park and the seasonal oasis of Medano Creek in Great Sand Dunes National Park, these swimming holes offer unforgettable experiences within the stunning landscapes of national parks.
Whether you’re jumping off a dock, snorkeling near a historic fort, or enjoying a sandy creek, national parks provide diverse opportunities for swimming and water fun.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Lake Cresent, Olympic National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Olympic Can’t-Miss List
- Great Sand Dunes Can’t-Miss List
- Dirt In My Shoes YouTube Channel
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