Aquatic Gems for Summer Adventurers
Explore some of California’s greatest swimming spots within 100 miles of the Sacramento region.
In times of sweltering sun rays and summer days, it is vital that we, the proclaimed adventurists, beach bums and water nymphs, take that torrid weather by the horns and experience the summer months the way they were meant to be experienced: with H2O flowing through the mind, foot pressed against the gas pedal and adventure pulsing in the heart. Here are some of the best natural swimming spots near the Sacramento area.
Old Route 49 Bridge
Driving Time: 1hr 15min
Duration: day trip
Tip: The smooth, flat rock slabs can be used as natural slip n’ slides!
Located beneath the old Route 49 bridge, this portion of the free-flowing Yuba River allows visitors to people-watch and experience the closest thing to a real-life mermaid lagoon. The water is so clear that it takes on an enchanting sea-glass-blue hue, and swimmers can snorkel for rainbow trout and minnows that dart below the river’s bubbling service. There is always a unique and harmonious crowd of people who gather at this aquatic kingdom; from avid bungee jumpers to dreadlock-sporting guitar strummers, this location is ideal for people watching. Parking is abundant and public restrooms are available, along with a dirt path that leads down to the water. After a long afternoon of swimming in the lagoon, a wise choice would be to head to Trailblazer Craft Pizza & Brews for rustic pizza and ice-cold beer.
The Inkwells
Driving Time: 1hr 44min
Duration: day trip
Tip: Head to Lagunitas Brewing Co. after a day of swimming for a taste of fresh beer and good eats.
It’s as if a raging Mammoth slammed his leathery feet into the rocky earth thousands of years ago and left a series of jacuzzi-sized potholes behind. A rewarding attraction in Samuel P. Taylor State Park, these natural swimming pools are famous for their “inkwell” appearance and are filled with flowing water from Kent Lake. The water that bubbles in these swimming holes is always on the cool side, which can be much appreciated during the months of July and August when the hot California weather has had a chance to settle in. This is a great place for nature walks and cool dips in the wells, complete with water-side bridges to view the inkwells from and shady spots to eat a picnic lunch.
Fordyce Creek
Driving Time: 2hr 22min
Duration: day trip/overnight
Tip: off-road Jeeping is recommended but not required.
Off of Interstate 80 near Soda Springs, the Fordyce Creek trail is ideal for mountain biking, backpacking and off road Jeeping. Here, hikers can climb over giant ancient rock formations and admire the rushing creek from a safe distance. Cindi Dulgar, Associate Director of the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, shares that a great way to stay safe when adventuring near rushing waters is to “ have a life jacket on hand.” Of course, life jackets are only half the battle when dealing with heavy rapids. “If hikers happen to fall into a busy river,” Dulgar says, “River Position can be utilized to stay safe.” Dulgar explains that to use River Position, hikers can float on their backs with their feet in front of them heading down river first. This method helps to prevent hikers from hitting their heads on river rocks and drowning while in the water. In contrast from the powerful rapids of the creek, there are a several hidden swimming holes located along the trail that are safe to splash in! Brian Randolph, an avid backpacker and off-road Jeeper of Fordyce Creek, encourages hikers to go left at the first crossing on the trail to get to the swimming holes.
Ropi Lake
Driving Time: 1hr 44min
Duration: overnight
Tip: stargazing is most rewarding on the center of the lake.
Prepare to be resurrected by an breathtaking universe of earth and water that have been mixed up and splashed across a rocky canvas to form what looks like an oasis from another planet. This turquoise canyon is located in the Desolation Wilderness just 24 miles from Lake Tahoe. For swimmers who are willing to hike about five miles in from the base of Echo Lakes Trailhead, the experience of relishing in its refreshing waters that are embellished with miniature granite rock islands is very rewarding. Hikers are more than welcome to set up camp on the lake with possession of a backpacking permit. At night, the stars that encompass the lake shoot across the sky without ceasing, and the sound of the rushing water that gushes from Horsetail Falls echoes through the base of the canyon makes for a superb stargazing soundtrack.
When venturing to new terrain and deeper waters, having an open heart for genuine, sun-kissed experiences is truly vital. Jael Young, Department Director of Sacramento State’s Peak Adventures club, could not be more correct in stating that “there are so many lakes that you can go [to in order to] have a beautiful swimming experience if you are willing to hike in a bit.” This philosophy should be kept in mind when adventure strikes, and when immersing onseself in the ice cold gems that our local area has to offer.
