Two California locations landed on a new list of the top swimming holes in U.S. National Parks — and one of them sits right in Visalia’s backyard.
Outdoor Magazine’s roundup of the “9 Best Swimming Holes in Our National Parks” ranked two California destinations in both the first- and second-place positions. One near Visalia boasts a tradition dating to famed conservationist John Muir, who was known to give impromptu talks at the site.
“Think our national park units are only good for hiking and scenic drives? Think again,” Outside columnist Graham Averill says. “The array of protected landscapes throughout the national park system house some of the most pristine, jaw-dropping gorgeous swimming holes in the entire country. Think waterfalls with deep plunge pools and ice-cold backcountry lakes.”
Which California swimming holes were ranked the best in U.S. National Parks?
1. Muir Rock, Kings Canyon National Park, California:
Named for a massive granite boulder that often serves as an makeshift diving board for park guests, the Muir Rock swimming hole sits along the Kings River that runs through the park’s canyon. About 52 miles northeast of Visalia, the park boasts one of the deepest canyons in the United States. Visitors can stop by Zumwalt Meadow to take in the river, cliffs, and quiet. Throughout both parks, high‑elevation overlooks, alpine trails, and star‑filled night skies reward visitors who linger.
“It’s a long-standing tradition to jump from the rock into the deep pool of emerald green water below,” according to Outside. “It’s only a 15-foot drop, so I’d put this in the family-friendly category of leaps. The water is cold, though, and the canyon walls are steep, so show up mid-day if you want the most sun. A bit of local lore: Famed conservationist John Muir would often hang out on this rock and give speeches about the importance of the landscape to passers by enjoying the scenery.”
2. Bass Lake, Point Reyes National Seashore, California:
While prospective guests may first think of the ocean beach as the main aquatic attraction at Point Reyes National Seashore, the park is also filled with ponds, lagoons and four lakes “derived from massive slope failure events,” according to a National Park Service statement. “These naturally occurring water bodies include Bass, Crystal, Ocean, Pelican, and Wildcat Lakes.”
Outside selected Bass Lake as the second-best swimming hole within a U.S. National Park.
The lake is “tucked into an evergreen forest within the seashore’s Philip Burton Wilderness,” according to the magazine. “It’s a picture-perfect scene, as the bowl of water is tucked into a depression formed 10,000 years ago by a rock slide, and it has several secluded coves where you can float. Keep an eye out for a rope swing, which can sometimes be found hanging from a thick pine on the shore.”
Plan your visit
Which swimming holes outside of California made the list?
The other seven positions in the top 9 ranking were outside of California. They included:
3. Ely Creek Falls, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah
4. Firehole Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
5. Sandbeach Lake, Rocky Mountains National Park
6. Doubtful Lake, North Cascades National Park, Washington
7. Little Falls, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Alabama
8. Steel Creek Campground, Buffalo National River, Arkansas
9. Midnight Hole, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
As hot summer weather entices park visitors into the water, both Outside Magazine and the National Park Service urged guests to use caution and keep safety in mind.
“Currents can be swift, obstacles can be hidden under the surface of the water, and there could be parasites or bacteria lurking in that inviting blue pool,” according to Outside. “Test the waters before you jump from any height by swimming through the landing zone first, feeling for rocks. Scout the eddies where you can safely swim to if there’s a current, and try to keep your mouth closed when plunging under water to keep any water-born creatures out.”
Anyone with an open wound should consider staying out of the water due to infection risk.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: One of America’s best National Park swimming holes is near Visalia
Reporting by Brian Day and James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day and James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
