Best Swimming Holes in Washington State: 13 Spots Worth Getting Wet
Washington gets a reputation for rain, and yeah — fair. But summer here? Summer is spectacular. And when the temps climb and the sun finally shows up, there is no better way to spend a day than finding a cold, clear, stunning swimming hole and jumping in.
The good news: Washington is absolutely stacked for this. From glacially carved alpine lakes on the Olympic Peninsula to emerald river pools buried in the Cascades to wide, sunny swimming spots in Eastern Washington — the options are genuinely world-class.
Here are 13 of the best swimming holes in Washington state to add to your summer list.
Table of Contents
- 1. Lake Crescent — Olympic National Park
- 2. Cooper River Swimming Hole — Cle Elum Area
- 3. Rocky Brook Falls — Brinnon, Olympic Peninsula
- 4. Dougan Falls — Washougal River, Southwest Washington
- 5. Lake Cushman — Hood Canal Area
- 6. Franklin Falls — Snoqualmie Pass Area
- 7. Cranberry Lake — Deception Pass State Park
- 8. Twin Falls — South Fork Snoqualmie River
- 9. Lake Quinault — Olympic Peninsula
- 10. Naked Falls — Washougal River, Southwest Washington
- 11. Lake Sammamish — Issaquah Area
- 12. Lyons Ferry State Park — Palouse River and Snake River
- 13. La Wis Wis Blue Hole — Cowlitz River, Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- Tips for Swimming in Washington
- More Washington Adventures
1. Lake Crescent — Olympic National Park
Lake Crescent is one of the most stunning bodies of water in the entire Pacific Northwest, and swimming in it feels almost surreal. The lake sits in a glacially carved basin deep inside Olympic National Park, rimmed by old-growth forest and jagged peaks, and the water clarity is exceptional — you can see 60+ feet down on a calm day.
East Beach and Fairholme are the go-to swim spots. The water is cold year-round, but by late July and August it’s more than manageable. One of the most beautiful places you’ll ever take a dip, full stop.
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2. Cooper River Swimming Hole — Cle Elum Area
Tucked near Salmon La Sac Campground on the edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the Cooper River Swimming Hole is a Cascade classic. Teal water slides over smooth granite boulders and widens into a deep emerald pool surrounded by towering Douglas fir and mountain scenery that’ll have you questioning whether you’re still in the real world.
It’s about 15 miles north of Roslyn on Highway 903 — easy to find, and a natural add-on if you’re staying in the Leavenworth or Cle Elum area. Rope swing included. Water is cold. Worth every second.
3. Rocky Brook Falls — Brinnon, Olympic Peninsula
Rocky Brook Falls is one of those spots that stops you in your tracks. A 230-foot horsetail waterfall crashes down into a shallow, clear pool surrounded by dense rainforest — and the whole thing is accessible via a 200-yard walk from a roadside pullout near Highway 101 near Brinnon.
It’s one of the most accessible dramatic waterfall swim spots in the state, making it great for families. The pool is shallow but refreshing, the setting is absolutely stunning, and it’s a perfect add-on to any Olympic National Park road trip.
4. Dougan Falls — Washougal River, Southwest Washington
Down in the southwestern corner of the state near Washougal, Dougan Falls is a beloved local summer spot that more people outside the area should know about. A 19-foot cascade pours into a wide, deep pool on the Washougal River — perfect for wading, floating, or just setting up a chair in the shallows above the falls and letting the river do its thing.
There’s a sandy beach below the bridge, flat rocks for sunbathing, and picnic tables on site. It’s well-known locally, so go mid-week to avoid the weekend rush. Close to the Columbia River Gorge area — easy to pair with a Gorge day.
5. Lake Cushman — Hood Canal Area
Lake Cushman is one of Washington’s most scenic swimming lakes — a turquoise, glacially carved reservoir in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, with views of snowcapped Mount Ellinor rising above the treeline.
Skokomish Park Beach is the main swim spot, about seven miles up from Highway 101 in Hoodsport. The water is clear and cold, the mountain backdrop is insane, and there’s camping nearby if you want to make a full weekend of it. One of the most visually dramatic lake swims in the whole state.
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6. Franklin Falls — Snoqualmie Pass Area
Franklin Falls is one of the most accessible waterfall hikes near Seattle — a flat, easy 2-mile round trip through old-growth forest to a gorgeous 70-foot curtain falls that crashes into a large plunge pool.
The pool is swimmable in summer (cold — very cold) and popular with families for wading and splashing around. The trail is paved and kid-friendly, making this one of the best “no excuses” waterfall swimming spots for anyone in the Seattle area. Just 45 minutes east of the city off I-90.
7. Cranberry Lake — Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park is Washington’s most visited state park, and Cranberry Lake is its freshwater swimming gem. A designated swim beach sits on the western shore of the lake, just 200 feet from the saltwater Puget Sound shoreline — which means you can literally swim in a freshwater lake and walk to the ocean in under a minute.
The lake warms up nicely by midsummer, the setting is beautiful, and the rest of Deception Pass is right there to explore. Easy to spend a full day here.
8. Twin Falls — South Fork Snoqualmie River
The Twin Falls Trail is one of the best waterfall hikes near Seattle, and the river pools along the South Fork Snoqualmie are prime swimming territory in summer. The trail winds through old-growth forest past multiple dramatic falls, and there are calm, clear pools along the river great for wading and cooling off.
About an hour from Seattle near North Bend. Go on a weekday — this one is popular and the parking lot fills up early on summer weekends.
9. Lake Quinault — Olympic Peninsula
Lake Quinault sits in the heart of the Hoh Rain Forest on the Olympic Peninsula — one of the most lush and otherworldly landscapes in Washington. The lake itself is large, clear, and gorgeous, ringed by ancient Sitka spruce and old-growth forest.
There are swim beaches along the south shore, and the whole area has a magical, misty quality even on sunny days. If you’re already doing the Olympic National Park circuit, Lake Quinault is a can’t-miss stop.
10. Naked Falls — Washougal River, Southwest Washington
Just up the road from Dougan Falls, Naked Falls is for the more adventurous swimmer. The main draw is a 30-foot cliff jump into a deep, dark pool on the Washougal River — one of the most popular cliff jumping spots in Washington. There are also waterfall slides and multiple jump heights for different comfort levels.
The short trail down to the river is steep but manageable, and the flat rocks around the pool are perfect for sunbathing between jumps. This one draws a crowd — again, mid-week is your friend.
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11. Lake Sammamish — Issaquah Area
Lake Sammamish is the go-to swimming lake for the greater Seattle area — warm, shallow, and easily accessible with multiple swim beaches at Lake Sammamish State Park. It’s not a wilderness experience, but it’s a genuinely great summer day with mountain views, paddleboard rentals, and a well-maintained beach.
If you want a swimming hole that’s easy, family-friendly, and close to the city — Lake Sammamish delivers every time.
12. Lyons Ferry State Park — Palouse River and Snake River
Way out in Eastern Washington where the Palouse River meets the Snake River, Lyons Ferry State Park is a surprisingly excellent swimming spot. Nine miles of grassy, sandy shoreline, warm summer water (a far cry from the icy Cascades), and a relaxed, uncrowded vibe that Eastern Washington does so well.
Pair it with a drive to Palouse Falls — Washington’s official state waterfall — just 15 minutes away, and you’ve got a great Eastern Washington day.
13. La Wis Wis Blue Hole — Cowlitz River, Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Hidden in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Packwood, the Blue Hole at La Wis Wis is one of Washington’s most striking swimming spots — vivid blue-green water in a natural pool on the Cowlitz River, surrounded by mossy rocks and dense evergreen forest.
It’s a bit off the beaten path, which keeps crowds manageable and gives the whole spot a genuinely wild feel. Great base camp nearby at La Wis Wis Campground. A solid stop if you’re exploring the Mount Rainier region or heading toward Mount St. Helens.
Tips for Swimming in Washington
Cold water is the norm. Most of Washington’s rivers and alpine lakes are glacier or snowmelt fed — even in August. Ease in, don’t panic, and your body adjusts faster than you think.
Go mid-week. The best spots near Seattle (Franklin Falls, Twin Falls, Deception Pass) fill up fast on summer weekends. Mid-week visits are dramatically more relaxed.
Check for permits and passes. Many trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass or Discover Pass for parking. Grab one before you go — it covers you at most spots across the state.
Never swim alone. Washington’s rivers can have unexpected currents, cold shock, and uneven depths. Always go with a friend and know what you’re getting into before you jump.
Water levels matter. Early summer means high, fast water from snowmelt. July–September is generally the sweet spot for swimming — lower levels, warmer temps, calmer pools.
More Washington Adventures
Washington’s rivers, lakes, and coastline are half the reason this state is so special. For more, check out our guides to the best lakes in Washington, the best waterfalls in Washington, and the best things to do in Washington State.
Happy swimming, friend!
