Stanislaus river swimming holes Stunning canyon hike and a beautiful feature close to Sonora. From secluded forest pools to crystal-clear springs - your ultimate guide to secret swimming spots. Actually, we were the only group of people that were there for the Discover Stanislaus River Campground in Arnold, CA, a beautiful and serene retreat along the North Fork Stanislaus River. The rocks are slippery, the water is very cold, and the current is very strong. One of these is the Candy Rock area of the Stanislaus River, which is a popul… *Note this hike is dog friendly except between May 15th-September 15th. The trail is about 7. Where Is It? Rainbow Pool is located about 15 miles west of Groveland, California, in the Stanislaus National Forest. Ideal for fishing, swimming, and exploring the Sierra Nevada, this first-come, first-served campground offers a peaceful escape for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The falls themselves are within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park, but the trailhead to hike to Carlon Falls begins at Carlon Day Use area in the Stanislaus National Forest on Evergreen Road. Zoom in Jun 5, 2020 · Candy Rock – Murphys, CA The meteorological summer started on Monday, and cliff jumping season couldn’t come sooner, so 12 of my buddies and I went down to a hot local spot called “Candy Rock” located in the Stanislaus National Forest. The images below show the Outly web and mobile interfaces. Jul 31, 2016 · Bill takes a flying leap into Rainbow Pool, located on the Tuolumne River near Groveland, a five-minute drive from nearby Highway 120, in Stanislaus National Forest. Access and amenities: Start in the campground or at Day Use Lot 3 and take the Gorge Trail to the river. There are a few swimming hole options up hwy 4, this one worked for today. Dec 4, 2006 · There is a new way for you to discover swimming hole information through Outly! Outly also has camping, hiking and other map information that you can use to plan your next outdoor adventure. This place always delivers. The North Fork is a technical class IV+ river, meaning that only very experienced crews should attempt this river in a Mar 4, 2025 · There’s no lack of options for water sports enthusiasts on the Stanislaus National Forest. Hot weather across most of Mar 11, 2021 · Cleo’s Bath is a breathtaking series of natural pools located on the South Fork Stanislaus River above Pinecrest Lake. Formerly called the upper Stanislaus, now the drowned Camp-9 run, at one time this was acknowledged as the best intermediate run in California. Some options are mountain lakes with a short summer season, while others are large recreational reservoirs in the valley below. The swimming area is adjacent to the marina and the picnic grounds with access to restrooms and a summer snack shack. Any suggestions on the best swimming hole in NorCal? I know some of the popular ones like Emerald Pools, but I’m looking for off the beaten path, needing a 4x4 or requiring a decent hike to get to. Calaveras North Grove Trail - Explore the Calaveras Big Trees State Park as you venture the family-friendly Calavera North Grove This post covers everything you need to know about this serene swimming hole so you can enjoy this natural wonder in California with your friends. Knights Ferry is an unincorporated historic community in Stanislaus County, California In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, it is about 40 miles east of Modesto on the Stanislaus River near Oakdale and five miles north of Highway 120 See the Knights Ferry Bridge, the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi at 330 feet (100 m) in length. Located in the Stanislaus National Forest off of Highway 4, Sourgrass Day Use Area is one of the few public drive-up access points for the North Fork of the Stanislaus River, thanks to Sourgrass Crossing. We Carlon Falls is a year-round waterfall, except in times of drought, located on the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. This scenic excursion travels along the shoreline of Pinecrest Lake before escaping into the river valley. 3 miles. Jun 21, 2025 · Considered to be some of the best "All Around" whitewater in the nation, the Main Tuolumne offers 16-18 miles of Class 4-5 rapids. The beautiful Sourgrass Recreation Area is located outside Dorrington on The North Fork of the Stanislaus River at Sourgrass/Board’s Crossing Road, across the river from Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo (Wild River) Campground. Stanislaus River North Fork near Arnold This run is a total classic, though it used to be more classic, before the New Year's 1997 flood washed out Sourgrass bridge and class V- rapid, and several fun rapids below. From stunning waterfalls to remarkable high country vistas, explore the best places to visit in this breathtaking national forest. Note that dogs are not permitted in the day use area. Explore crystal-clear waters, rugged trails, and breathtaking scenery. The granite here has been worn smooth by centuries of rushing water, creating perfect natural slides and spots to stretch out in the sun. Jun 1, 2023 · A woman went missing on Memorial Day from the Sierra Nevada swimming hole God's Bath, Tuolumne County sheriff's officials said. 5 miles downstream from Orange Blossom Park, and is often overlooked compared to the other campgrounds on the Stanislaus River. It’s not illegal to visit the swimming hole, but locals have worked hard to keep the access point a secret Jul 1, 2025 · Last summer, I challenged myself to visit three legendary swimming holes in a single day: one near Yosemite, and two tucked into Stanislaus National Forest. Campground name is Wakalu Hep Yo. Apr 20, 2023 · Overlanding Stanislaus National Forest | River Crossings, Swimming Water Holes and Camping My Instagram: longkieustuffmore Cleo’s Bath Swimming Hole is a swimming hole on South Fork Stanislaus River in Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra Nevada, CA. Many of the class II and class III rapids are Sep 12, 2010 · Sunday, September 12, 2010 Tub City, (Stanislaus National Forest) Posted by thjoyce at 2:34 AM Sep 1, 2022 · The sheriff's office said they have rescued six people in the past two weeks from Candy Rock Swimming Hole along the Stanislaus River due to tough terrain and heat. Wildlife is abundant in this spectacular, mountain landscape. The forecast? 103°F. Riverside trails head upstream and downstream from Sourgrass Recreation Area provides ready access to the beautiful and untamed North Fork Stanislaus River. Main Tuolumne - The Main Tuolumne is a challenging and enjoyable Class 4+, 18-mile Small waterfalls and a swimming hole on the North Fork Stanislaus River in Stanislaus National Forest, CA. Tall pines, incense cedars and black oaks grow around granite boulders in this canyon inhabited by Native Americans for 2000 years. Nov 24, 2020 · God’s bath is located in a cell service dead spot in the Stanislaus National Forest. To get to the falls, turn off of Highway 120 onto Evergreen Road, and go about 1 . Consisting of a handful of riverside picnic sites, the day use area provides access to good trout fishing and summer swimming holes. Finding an epic swimming hole at Calaveras Big Trees state park. To reach it, circle to the far side of Pinecrest Lake on the trail and then turn upstream 1. A swimming hole on the Stanislaus River in Stanislaus National Forest, CA. 5 miles in length and can be accessed from either direction of Pinecrest Lake Loop. Oakdale Recreation Area is a spacious, winding park that borders the northern bank of the Stanislaus River in Oakdale. Explore California's most stunning hidden swimming holes. We’ve also included some useful links and a video at the end to give you a better idea of what it looks like. Jun 22, 2011 · “The Pipe,” a popular swimming hole on the Stanislaus River looks deceptively calm, much like many of the river’s swimming holes, but river conditions are anything but mild with ten times the regular flow, creating undertows and swift currents that are dangerous and have rescue personnel on The famous Clavey River swimming hole God's Bath. The day use area is open from 6 am to 10 pm. Jul 11, 2022 · Amazing day hike to swimming holes in the Stanislaus National Forest featuring a lake, river, and waterfall. Side streams such as the Clavey River, Big Creek, and the North Fork of the Tuolumne River offers side hikes, fishing holes, and warm swimming pools during the summer months. May 7, 2023 · Discover the natural beauty of Stanislaus National Forest with our list of 12 must-see sights. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. I started early and made God’s Bath my first stop. Valley Oak has walking trails, picnic tables, BBQ stands, and restroom facilities, and is largely comprised of walking trails. Please pack out what you take in. Commercially, trips run from Sourgrass (close to Dorrington) to Caleveras Big Tree State Park, about seven miles downstream. The Cleo's Bath Trail checks all the boxes by offering a lake, a valley, a waterfall, a swimming hole, and beautiful views! Get your heart rate up as you scramble up through the South Fork Stanislaus River Valley to the bath—and cool yourself off in the chilly alpine waters. May 23, 2025 · Site Open Recreation Region: Hwy 4 - Calaveras Ranger District Sourgrass Recreation Area Campground, picnic area, Jeep trail and whitewater boating put-in on the North Fork of the Stanislaus River. Hathaway Pines, CA…Calaveras County has many hidden treasures including natural swimming holes and hiking trails. Bring a picnic, and spend the better part of a day exploring the river environs, including hiking river shore trails upstream or downstream, fly fishing, or if you are really adventurous (and highly experienced), rafting or kayaking on this segment of Class IV+ whitewater. A use-trail appears at first but soon deteriorates and at times may be difficult to follow. The God’s Bath Clavey River Trail is an epic expedition hidden in the Stanislaus National Forest featuring waterfalls, rock sculptures, and a swimming hole. Oct 22, 2025 · It is essentially a steep scramble where you will have to traverse a granite canyon and rock hop near a fast-moving river. Cleo’s Bath Hike - Hike up to a hidden swimming hole on the Stanislaus River along the Cleo’s Bath Hike. Jan 15, 2023 · Arnold provides access to a variety of lakes in Calaveras County. With the Tuolumne River, one of the Top 5 white water rafting areas in the nation on the Groveland side of the Forest, Beardsley lake for the those looking for something more subdued or a cool dip in our upper elevation lakes on the Calaveras side, there’s something for everyone. Located at the end of Liberini Road in Oakdale, the park provides access to fishing ponds, boat put in and take out, and walking trails. Aug 17, 2022 · To reach the bigger Big Sur River Gorge swimming hole, you need to hike a bit, along with plenty of others looking to cool off on a warm afternoon, but it’s a delightful splashpad to yourself on a warm afternoon. Cleo's Bath Cleo's Bath is an unofficial swimming hole on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River several miles upstream from Pinecrest Lake. Sep 14, 2025 · Underground caves and arches create natural swimming tunnels, which allow you to dive beneath rock formations. Perhaps the best kept secret on the Stanislaus is Valley Oak Recreation Area! Located at roughly 10386 Rodden Road, this campground is just 2. There is a museum about the history of the town Gods Bath Clavey River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Long Barn, California. Simply select "Swimming Holes" from the "Water" layer and browse the map. At a scorching 70 degrees, it was a mystery why there weren’t too many people here. Oct 31, 2025 · Discover God's Bath, a remote swimming hole along California's Clavey River. Big trees and cold water. You can add "layers" to customize the map for your adventures. Any suggestions? Sep 1, 2022 · With record heat expected over the Labor Day weekend, a Sierra Nevada sheriff issued a public warning about the risks of a remote swimming hole. You’ll find so many ways to enjoy your Stanislaus River trip from swimming in picturesque granite swimming holes to fly fishing rainbow trout to wilderness camping, rock climbing and whitewater rafting with OARS. The North Fork of the Stanislaus River runs in the Sierra Nevadas, and in doing so presents a very different kind of run than the Lower Stanislaus does. People who knew the river before it was inundated by New Melones reservoir might feel overly depressed seeing it again, but for the rest of us, this run is well worth doing after a string of drought years. h0kfxu dxxqp 73xst ebwmz lhyocqw eshbm p5tqvoqr cyj 90 ozv