Feather Falls
One of California’s tallest waterfalls at 640 feet, reached via a genuinely strenuous day hike to a viewing platform —
California
Bridge to Nowhere (East Fork San Gabriel River)
A popular but genuinely strenuous hike to a historic 1936 bridge left stranded after a flood destroyed the road it
Switzer Falls swimming hole
A modest but pleasant swimming hole downstream from the popular Switzer Falls picnic area in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Solstice Canyon swimming hole
A small, easy-access swimming hole along a scenic Malibu canyon trail, popular enough that weekday visits are recommended over crowded
Cedar Creek Falls
A striking waterfall and pool in the San Diego backcountry, reached via a permit-only trail system put in place after
Tenaja Falls swimming hole
A seasonal Cleveland National Forest waterfall with a swimming spot located at the top of the falls — given the
Red Rock Canyon swimming hole (Los Padres NF)
A popular, easy-access Los Padres National Forest swimming spot surrounded by scenic red rock formations along the Santa Ynez River.
McCloud River Falls (Middle Falls)
A scenic loop trail past three distinct waterfalls, with the middle falls offering the most swim-friendly, easily accessible pool of
South Yuba River (Highway 49 Crossing / Purdon Crossing)
A beloved Sierra foothill swimming river with numerous granite-bottomed pools, several popular for cliff jumping — part of California’s largest
American River (South Fork / Sacramento area)
One of Northern California’s most popular rivers for swimming, rafting, and tubing, running through the Sacramento area — like many