Are you ready to learn about a few more of our favorite places to cool off in the national parks?
This is part two of the best swimming holes that the National Parks have to offer. This isn’t an all-inclusive list – we truly love so many swimming places in the parks!
But today, we are sharing three more of our top favorite places to cool off after a long hike. Let’s discuss the best places for a swim during your next trip!
Join us as we cover:
- The swimming spots with the best views in Grand Teton
- The can’t-miss swimming spot in Redwood National Park
- Where to swim in the Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest
We hope you enjoyed hearing about the best refreshing places to take a swim and cool off in the national parks.
If you want more ideas, make sure you listen to part one of the best swimming holes in the parks.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
Swimming Holes Part 2 Overview
In this episode, we’re talking about some of our recent park visits and updates, but most importantly, we’re sharing a few more of our favorite swimming holes in the national parks.
We hope you’re excited to cool off and enjoy stunning mountain views, crystal-clear waters, and unique experiences in Grand Teton, Redwood, and Crater Lake National Parks.
String Lake in Grand Teton National Park
One of my absolute favorite places is String Lake in Grand Teton. I must admit, I’m a bit biased towards it, but it truly is a fantastic spot.
The views here are simply breathtaking, with towering mountains and crystal-clear water that’s a little chilly but still perfect for swimming. My family and I have been coming here every year for as long as I can remember. There’s a lovely picnic area nearby, and the lake itself is narrow and shallow, nestled at the base of the Tetons.
The reflections of the mountains on the lake are awe-inspiring, and I don’t think you can find better views anywhere else. Especially during the hot summer months of July and August, when temperatures can hit 90 degrees in the Teton! The water here doesn’t get as cold as other nearby lakes, like Jackson Lake, thanks to its shallow depths.
The southern part of the lake is deeper, making it ideal for swimming and canoeing, while the northern end is shallow, allowing you to walk across it with the water only reaching your thighs.
My personal favorite activity here is paddleboarding, which is incredibly fun, although you do need a boating permit for your equipment in any lakes within Grand Teton. If you don’t want to worry about bringing your own equipment and getting a permit, you can rent what you need at Dornans.
Smith River in Redwood National and State Parks
I’m really excited to talk about the Smith River in Redwoods National Park. Most people don’t associate water activities with the Redwoods because it’s often rainy and chilly on the coast. However, the Smith River, located in Jedediah Smith State Park, part of the Redwood National Park Complex, offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
Unlike when you hike through the forest and can’t always see the tops of the trees, from the river, you get a 360-degree view of the trees rising high into the sky. The river is surrounded by redwood trees on both sides, and this perspective provides a unique way to appreciate their grandeur.
Because the Smith River is a little further inland from the coast, it gets warmer, with fewer foggy and windy conditions. This makes it ideal for swimming and enjoying the water during the summer months. The day-use area has a small beach where you can swim, and the slow-moving, clear, and cool water adds to the beauty of the place. Additionally, a seasonal bridge connects the campground and day-use area to Stout Grove, a popular hiking trail that you don’t want to miss.
In addition to swimming, you can also kayak down the river and take guided tours for a different perspective. If you visit during the cooler months, you might not find the bridge, as it is typically taken down due to rising water levels. However, it’s usually reinstalled before the summer season begins.
After a great time by the river, Crescent City offers an opportunity to enjoy delicious seafood. Crescent Seafood is our favorite restaurant in the area!
Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park
The last swimming hole we discuss is Crater Lake, the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest. There are no beaches at Crater Lake, but you can access the lake through the Cleetwood Cove Trail, which descends 700 feet a little over two miles. This trail is also used for boat tours on the lake.
During certain times of the year, the top of Crater Lake may have a yellowish film due to pollen from the nearby Ponderosa Pines. Despite this, you can still find a spot to get into the water. There’s a fantastic jumping rock near the boat launch where people can jump into the lake. It’s quite exhilarating, and you might be the only one swimming, as many visitors don’t realize swimming is allowed.
Boat tours to Wizard Island, an island in the middle of the lake, are also available. The water temperature near the surface during summer can reach 55-60 degrees, which is surprisingly warmer than expected for a lake fed only by rain and snow. However, at depths of 300 feet or more, the temperature drops to around 38 degrees!
Despite the temperature, the crystal-clear blue water makes swimming in Crater Lake a unique and beautiful experience. You’re swimming in a volcano, which is a hard experience to beat!
Whether you’re a seasoned national park enthusiast or new to the parks, don’t miss the chance to cool off and experience the natural beauty of these three incredible swimming holes.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Grand Teton National Park
- Grand Teton Can’t-Miss List
- Dornans Kayak Rentals
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Redwood Can’t-Miss List
- Smith River Kayak Tour
- Crescent Seafood
- Crater Lake National Park
- Crater Lake Can’t-Miss List
- Crater Lake Boat Tour
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