Nestled deep in a 500-year-old forest sits this amazing river and pool that serves up some of the best swimming near Portland. With crystal blue waters, Opal Pool offers the clearest water around, and as many great swimming spots do, draws serious crowds on the hot summer weekends. This spot has the clearest water near Portland, and will have you wanting to take a road trip asap.
Thomas Shahan / Flickr The old growth forest is amazing in itself, and a great way to start your journey towards an epic swimming spot.
Christopher / Flickr Fed by the Santiam River, there are numerous waterfalls in the surrounding area to explore on your hike into Opal Creek.
Thomas Shahan / Flickr In the surrounding forest, there are numerous relics of a bygone mining and logging outpost.
Thomas Shahan / Flickr
Christopher / Flickr Once you reach the pool, you will know you have arrived by its emerald hue.
Christopher / Flickr The water is cold, but when the weather is warm, it is a wonderful time to get in.
Bret Vogel / Flickr It can get really crowded in the summer, so arriving early is key. Once the parking lot is full, additional vehicles will be turned away.
Howard Bales / Flickr Cascading waterfalls make it fun for the whole family.
Bill Reynolds / Flickr A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the Opal Creek trailhead and costs $5 for day use.
Howard Bales / Flickr This day trip is a wonderful excursion from the city, and perfect for crystal clear idyllic water seekers.
To get there, follow I-5 to exit 253 in Salem and take East Santiam Highway 22 to the end of Road 2209.
Thomas Shahan / Flickr
The old growth forest is amazing in itself, and a great way to start your journey towards an epic swimming spot.
Christopher / Flickr
Fed by the Santiam River, there are numerous waterfalls in the surrounding area to explore on your hike into Opal Creek.
In the surrounding forest, there are numerous relics of a bygone mining and logging outpost.
Once you reach the pool, you will know you have arrived by its emerald hue.
The water is cold, but when the weather is warm, it is a wonderful time to get in.
Bret Vogel / Flickr
It can get really crowded in the summer, so arriving early is key. Once the parking lot is full, additional vehicles will be turned away.
Howard Bales / Flickr
Cascading waterfalls make it fun for the whole family.
Bill Reynolds / Flickr
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the Opal Creek trailhead and costs $5 for day use.
This day trip is a wonderful excursion from the city, and perfect for crystal clear idyllic water seekers.
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