Rainbow Falls (Devils Postpile National Monument)
A dramatic 101-foot waterfall on the Middle Fork San Joaquin River, reached via a scenic hike from the volcanic Devils
Swimming Holes
Convict Lake
A strikingly scenic alpine lake near Mammoth Lakes, popular for its dramatic mountain backdrop — regional safety guidance repeatedly and
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
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
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
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.
Tenaja Falls swimming hole
A seasonal Cleveland National Forest waterfall with a swimming spot located at the top of the falls — given the
Cedar Creek Falls
A striking waterfall and pool in the San Diego backcountry, reached via a permit-only trail system put in place after
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
Switzer Falls swimming hole
A modest but pleasant swimming hole downstream from the popular Switzer Falls picnic area in the San Gabriel Mountains.