Swimming

A variety of lakes, creeks, and hot springs are available for dipping, soaking and swimming on the Willamette National Forest. Swimming opportunities are typically found in natural settings which have no lifeguard supervision or roped-off pools. Cold, free-flowing currents of rivers and streams command respect and judgment when deciding where and when to swim. Swimmers in lakes and reservoirs need to keep a watchful eye out for boaters.

Developed settings, such as the Upper Arm Day Use Area at Detroit Reservoir and Packard Creek Swim Area at Hills Creek Reservoir near Oakridge offer parking, picnic tables, restrooms and accessible swim beaches protected from boating activities. Some day use areas require a fee.

Wherever you choose to swim, follow common sense water safety tips from the American Red Cross to ensure an enjoyable visit for you and your family.

  • Always swim with a buddy, never swim alone.
  • Children or inexperienced swimmers should use a Personal Flotation Device
  • Watch out for the dangerous “toos”: too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
  • Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards
  • Don’t mix alcohol and swimming
  • Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to injuries

Swimming Areas

  • Detroit Ranger District (on US Highway 22)
  • Detroit Lake
  • Cove Creek Campground
  • Cove Creek Group Campsite
  • Detroit Flats Day Use Area
  • Hoover Campground
  • Hoover Group Campsite
  • Piety Island Campground
  • Santiam Flats Campground
  • Southshore Campground
  • Upper Arm Day Use Area
  • Elk Lake Campground
  • Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area
  • Three Pools Day Use Area
  • McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)
  • Cougar Reservoir Area
  • Cougar Crossing Campground
  • Echo Day Use and Boat Launch
  • Slide Creek Campground
  • Slide Creek Day Use Area
  • Sunnyside Campground
  • Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs
  • Big Lake Area
  • Big Lake Campground
  • Big Lake Day Use Area
  • Big Lake West Campground
  • Blue River Reservoir Area
  • Lookout Boat Launch
  • Lookout Campground
  • Mona Campground
  • Saddle Dam Boat Launch
  • Clear Lake Day Use Area
  • Cold Water Cove Campground
  • Ice Cap Campground
  • Scott Lake Campground
  • McKenzie River Area
  • Smith Reservoir Area
  • Lakes End Campground
  • Trail Bridge Reservoir Area
  • Trail Bridge Campground
  • Middle Fork Ranger District (Hwy 58)
  • Bedrock Campground
  • Bedrock Day Use Area
  • Big Pool Group Campground
  • Black Canyon Campground
  • Black Canyon Day Use Area
  • Blair Lake Campground
  • Blue Pool Campground (Middle Fork Ranger District)
  • Blue Pool Day Use Area (Middle Fork District)
  • Broken Bowl Campground
  • Campers Flat Group Campground
  • Clark Creek Organization Camp
  • Dolly Varden Campground
  • Gold Lake Area
  • Gold Lake Day Use Area
  • Hampton Boat Launch
  • Hills Creek Reservoir Area
  • Packard Creek Campground
  • Packard Creek Day Use Area
  • Packard Creek Group Campsite
  • Indigo Springs Campground
  • Puma Campground
  • Salmon Creek Falls Campground
  • Salmon Creek Falls Day Use Area
  • Secret Group Campground
  • Timpanogas Campground
  • Waldo Lake Area
  • Islet Campground (Waldo Lake)
  • Islet Boat Launch & Day Use Area (Waldo Lake)
  • North Waldo Campground
  • Shadow Bay Campground (Waldo Lake)
  • Shadow Bay Day Use Area (Waldo Lake)
  • Sweet Home Ranger District (US Highway 20)
  • Fernview Group Campground
  • Fernview Day Use Area
  • House Rock Campground
  • House Rock Day Use Area
  • Longbow Organization Camp
  • Trout Creek Campground
  • Trout Creek Day Use Area
  • Yukwah Campground
  • Yukwah Day Use Area

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities