A short hike to Mirror Lake earns you picture-perfect Mount Hood views.

in the pacific northwest, There's no better escape from the city swelter than a good swimming hole. At many spots, you can park your car and be submerged in a sparkling pool within two minutes. But where’s the adventure in that? We love a splash zone that's reachable only by foot. A little exertion means the water will feel extra delicious once you dive in. And crowds? Maybe not absent, but likely reduced.

Remember: changing conditions—including river currents, wildfires, weather events, and late season snow blocking roads—can make swimming or wading unwise or dangerous. Always obey posted signs and local warnings, and enter the water at your own risk.

Just a half hour from Portland, Lacamas Regional Park offers scenic waters and unusual rocks.

Pothole Falls

30 minutes from portland | 1-mile round trip

No need to travel far for a good swim session in a natural setting. Lacamas Regional Park in Camas, just a half hour from Portland, is a paradise for many: photographers capturing spring's camas lily bloom, birders on warbler watch, and daredevils who cliff-jump into the waters at Pothole Falls. A mere half mile from the parking lot at Round Lake, the scenic waterfall is surrounded by rocks with an unusual pockmarked surface, the result of erosion from strong winter currents. Want to keep hiking? The park has more than 12 miles of trails, though take note that some sections closed in February 2024 and will not reopen for a year or two.

Metzler Park

50 minutes from portland | 0.2-mile round trip

Six miles south of downtown Estacada, Metzler Park is isolated enough for a proper nature escape. The park sits on Clear Creek, a wide rushing waterway that turns into a tranquil swimming hole at the bend just a tenth of a mile from the trailhead. Look for the sign on your right after crossing the suspension bridge, where a short leafy path carries you to a small cobbled beach. For a longer hike, the park has a 2.5-mile nature trail that weaves through Douglas fir, hemlock, and maple, with 20 stops along the way identifying native plants. There's tent and RV camping May through September; otherwise, the day use parking fee is $8.

Old Salmon River Trail

60 minutes from portland | 0.8-mile round trip

Much of Oregon was once blanketed with immense, centuries-old trees. Today, less than 10 percent of this old-growth remains—which makes the Old Salmon River Trail such a gem. Here, about an hour from Portland just off Highway 26 on the way to Mount Hood, a soft path snakes past gargantuan Douglas firs, western red cedars, and western hemlocks. Thick, gray-green tangles of old-man’s beard sway from the branches above. Carpets of moss look soft enough for a nap. It feels, dare we say, magical. The flat, easy trail hugs the Salmon River, with several sandy beaches that invite boot removal. At about the half-mile mark, a relatively calm, emerald-hued pool comes into view, perfect for a dip on a hot day. Take your plunge now, or continue along the trail—it's 1.9 miles one way, for a 3.8-mile round trip—and save your splash for the way back.

The forested trail to Mirror Lake carries hikers over many footbridges.

Mirror Lake

75 minutes from Portland | 3.8-mile round trip

To be clear: Mirror Lake isn't exactly a secret, and on summer weekends you won't have it to yourself. But the waters are serene and the Mount Hood views divine. The trailhead, just off Highway 26, puts you first on pavement. You'll descend via a series of switchbacks for 0.2 miles, meeting dirt just after you cross the footbridge over Camp Creek. The forested trail continues its undulations, along switchbacks and over footbridges, and reaches the water at 1.9 miles. A cirque lake formed by glacial erosion, Mirror sits at the foot of craggy Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain; carry on about two miles to the summit for a more challenging hike. The swimming here is excellent, and lovely lakeside campgrounds invite an overnight stay.

Mosier Creek Falls

75 minutes from portland | 0.6-mile round trip

This popular wildflower hike along the Mosier Plateau has yet another attraction: a “secret” swimming hole tucked between the upper and lower tiers of Mosier Creek Falls. Unnoticed by hikers who venture out in the springtime to gawk at balsamroot and lupine, the plunge-worthy swimming hole is just 0.3 miles from the trailhead. Park in the town of Mosier, at the Totem Pole Plaza. After crossing the bridge over Mosier Creek, turn right into Mosier Pocket Park. Pass a cemetery—graves date to the 1860s, with some belonging to members of the town's founding family—and then reach an overlook to the falls. Find the pool between the falls' two drops. If you really want to earn your stripes, hike the entire 3.5-mile loop and then return for a much-deserved dip.

Shallow Lake Wapiki sits in an old crater in Washington's Indian Heaven Wilderness.

Lake Wapiki

2 hours from portland, 7-mile round trip

Part of the Indian Heaven Wilderness in Washington's Gifford Pinchot National Forest, shallow Lake Wapiki sits in the old crater of Lemei Rock. At 3.5 miles from the Lemei Trailhead, with a steep final spur to the lake, it's just enough of a trek to prevent huge crowds, though the area is popular among backpackers and is only a couple of miles from the Pacific Crest Trail. Boasting views galore of Adams, Hood, and other peaks, it's best to go in late summer, after the snow has melted and the mosquitoes have died down a bit—and when trailside huckleberries are ripe for snacking. There are a few campsites around the lake, and an overnight will offer time to explore the smaller, rocky pools in between Wapiki and Lemei Rock. Wilderness permits (self-issued at trailhead) required.