Summer Isn’t Over Yet: Take a Dip

Temperatures in southern Oregon haven’t gone down much. It’s still smokey. It’s still summer. So go take a swim in one of these swimming holes that we guarantee will take the edge off any late-summer afternoon.

1. Alfred Loeb State Park: For the whole family

Alfred Loeb State Park is an exceptional campground and has a large day use area. Adjacent the lower stretches of Oregon’s largest un-dammed river renown for its clear water and native fish runs. Located about six-miles from Brookings, this stretch of river boasts great swimming for the whole family. The day use area has large picnic areas, tables, bathrooms and tables.

Camp at the park, or head to the beach and stay at Harris Beach State Park. Hike the nearby Redwoods Nature Trail.

2.Vulcan Lake: For an adventure

Vulcan Lake is an emerald gem lined with red shores made of peridotite rock. Located about 30-miles from Highway 101 near Brookings, the drive up secondary roads can be nerve racking at times, but it’s common to see low clearance sedans at the trailhead, sometimes with a spare tire.

Pick up the Gold Beach District Map, head east on North Bank Chetco River Road, and follow the broken signs (and your map) to the trailhead. From there the hike to Vulcan Lake is a moderate 1.5-miles over rocky terrain.

Camp at the trailhead, nearby Vulcan Peak Trailhead, or Red Mountain Praire, a few miles back toward the coast.

3. Upper Chetco River: Not for the faint of heart

Revered as one of the most scenic sections of the rugged Upper Chetco River, the Magic Canyon will take a hike. Start from the Babyfoot Lake Trailhead and descend for about 10-miles along steep trails to reach Blake’s Bar long Bailey Mountain Trail 1109. From there head up the river bed and into the canyon.

Walls ascend straight from the river to form a boxy canyon without many places to get out. The swim up to the next riffle takes about 15-minutes. Use the Gold Beach District Map.