Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
March 26, 2024
9 minute readBend’s top places to swim indoors and outdoors
Nothing feels finer than dog-paddling in a mountain lake on a hot summer day as shimmering peaks dance on the water. You may like your swim time supervised by lifeguards in a resort pool or fitness center. Or, your idea of swimming involves soaking in a hot tub or natural hot spring.
The good news is there’s more than one way to swim in Bend, Oregon.
In the summer, with temps heading up, cool alpine lakes dot the Cascade mountains while swimming holes are aplenty along the Deschutes River, Tumalo Creek, and other bodies of water. Public swimming pools in town make for a great indoor entertainment or fitness option in the fall, winter, or spring.
Summer swimming holes in Central Oregon
Nothing is better than diving into cool open water on a hot summer day surrounded by spectacular mountain views with room to swim, splash, and giggle. And what better place to enjoy this than at one of the many lakes along Cascade Lakes Highway? Numerous day-use areas provide ample opportunity to dip your toes or soak your tired body following a hike in the mountains.
Elk Lake offers long stretches of beach, cool water, and even a restaurant at Elk Lake Resort serving frozen snacks and cold beverages. Cultus Lake is perfect for the kiddos, with shallower water and a lovely beach at its day-use area and also has a resort for cool treats and refreshments. Sparks Lake is ideal for the whole family and boasts some of the best views around. It also has shallow water, making it a good option for the little ones with warmer water than some of the deeper lakes in the area.
If you’re more of the adventurous type, you’ll find peace and tranquility in the more than 100 lakes throughout the Three Sisters Wilderness. Though you’ll need a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit to access some of the more popular areas from June 15 through October 15, some of the best-kept, secret swimming spots in Bend are out there waiting for you to discover them, and we won’t judge you if a skinny-dip is in order.
If you aren’t able to snag a permit, fear not. Local favorites like Lucky Lake, Doris Lake, and Blow Lake have long been popular swimming lakes to cool off in the summer heat. Because these lakes require a hike in, always pack your ten essentials, and be prepared by reviewing Bend’s Leave No Trace principles.
The Deschutes River runs fast and mighty, but now and then, it slows and eddies, making for a few sweet swimming holes in town. Farewell Bend Park has a couple of small beaches and mild currents, making it a great spot to take a quick dip on a hot summer day. The stretch of river through Bend’s Old Mill District is popular for open-water swimming, especially earlier in the day or closer to the evening. Or how about a float by an inner tube, kayak, or paddleboard? What better way to spend a hot August afternoon than lazily drifting along the cool waters of the Deschutes? Most people put their floatables in at Riverbend Park, navigate through Bend’s whitewater park, and take out at Drake Park. Read more about how to float the river in Bend in our latest blog post.
From Sunriver to the south to Lake Billy Chinook north near Madras, there are many more river swimming spots to discover. Most of the rivers in Central Oregon bubble up from the underground lava tubes, making the water pristine, but also bone-chilling cold. When dipping your toes in any rivers, streams, or creeks near you, remember that your body may be shocked by the temperature. It’s also important to be aware of currents and any underwater hazards before jumping in, and it’s wise to swim with a buddy when you’re outside, just to be safe.
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools in Bend
When the weather is less than ideal outside, or you’re seeking a different experience than what mother nature can provide, Bend’s got a great selection of public swimming pools. Between the multiple pools at local Bend Parks & Rec fitness centers or pools and water parks open to the public at the areas resorts, you’ll be sure to scratch your swimming itch.
If fitness and lap swimming are what you’re seeking, Juniper Swim and Fitness Center has two pools, a 25-meter indoor pool and a 50-meter pool that’s covered in winter but open-air in warmer months. Larkspur Community Center has a 5,000-square-foot warm water pool featuring a current channel, bubble benches, and a hot tub. Both centers are perfect for laps, lessons, and laughing it up poolside!
Many of Bend’s top hotels have swimming pools and hot tubs available to their guests. From the Riverhouse on the Deschutes to saline pool at the Element Bend, you’ll find the perfect pool for the whole family during your stay. If you’re seeking a little bit more laid-back, beach meets mountain town vibe, check out the Campfire Pool Club at the Campfire Hotel. Their giant bright blue saltwater pool is open year-round and gets up to 100 degrees in the winter because it’s always a good time for a dip, regardless of how cold it gets.
Water parks, soaking pools, and floating experiences
When your six-year-old hears the word swimming, they’re probably not conjuring up an image of swim caps, laps, and lanes. They want splash pads and waterslides, and the great news is that in the warmer months, Juniper Swim and Fitness has a water park that can wear out even the most energetic of children. The SHARC, south of Bend in Sunriver features water slides, a lazy river, even a water jungle gym. While you don’t need to have a membership at Juniper or SHARC, it is best to plan ahead as they can fill up quickly during the busier months, and because they’re outside, they only operate seasonally.
What if the swimming experience you seek has to do with less swimming, and more soaking? We’ve got you. A trip to Bend isn’t complete without visiting the soaking pool at McMenamins Old St. Francis. The Old St. Francis School soaking pool is a true Central Oregon gem – semi-enclosed in shimmering turquoise tilework, one is reminded of tropical locales, even while the central Oregon snow or rain falls in through the open ceiling. It’s a unique experience you won’t soon forget. Space is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. While it goes without saying, many hotels, motels, and vacation rentals in the area have hot tubs, so be sure to select that box when filtering your choices as you plan your trip.
Newer to Bend is float therapy. If you’re unfamiliar, floatation therapy is a unique type of hydrotherapy that simulates zero gravity by dissolving 800 to 1000 pounds of Epsom salt. Bend’s go-to choice for floating is Easy Float.
If you’re not waterlogged yet, bookmark this page and share it with your family and friends as you plan your next vacation to Bend. When you arrive, you’re sure to find a place or six to swim near your Bend Hotel or Airbnb, but leave enough time to do all the other Bend things you’ve been dreaming about.
