Washington’s summers are tragically short, or at least it feels that way for those of us who wait all year for sunshine and warm weather. The Pacific Northwest does experience a few heat waves every year, which can be intense… unless, that is, you’ve found the perfect place to cool off. It might sound like a guy you really don’t want to meet in a dark alley but the Big Eddy swimming hole is an entirely different kind of big eddy.
If you prefer natural swimming holes to large public pools, beat the summer heat by heading to Big Eddy and cooling off with a dip at one of the most popular swimming holes in Washington.
Big Eddy, part of the Skykomish River, is located about 2.5 miles from the town of Gold Bar.
Chad White / Google You know you’ve found it when you spot the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad bridge.
By definition, an eddy is an area of swirling water that forms behind an obstacle like a boulder in a river.
Gayla Graves / Google This is a calm pool in the big river, so it’s generally safe for families with children. However, eddies can have very strong river currents at times, so always be mindful and swim only at the lowest flows.
The turquoise waters of the Skykomish River are fed from the high peaks of the Cascades, so they can be very cold year-round.
Michael Velaz / Google But if you’ve ever been inside a home or business without air conditioning on a 100-degree day, you know that wading through cold water would be much better than sweltering in the heat.
This is a popular place in the area to gather, so you may spot several families …
Skip Rash / Google
… and this swimming hole isn’t exactly a secret, so you can expect to share it with other happy locals.
Christina Kendall / Google The small sandy and rocky beach makes a perfect access point.
Gather a group of strong swimmers and bring them to Big Eddy before summer officially ends.
Mackenzie Brisben / Google Sometimes some fresh mountain water is just what the doctor ordered.
Have you ever experienced the cooling magic of the Big Eddy swimming hole on a hot Washington summer day? Big Eddy in Skykomish River is one of our favorite spots to cool off, but do you have a favorite place to swim in Washington? Share your secret spot with a comment.
Chad White / Google
You know you’ve found it when you spot the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad bridge.
Gayla Graves / Google
This is a calm pool in the big river, so it’s generally safe for families with children. However, eddies can have very strong river currents at times, so always be mindful and swim only at the lowest flows.
Michael Velaz / Google
But if you’ve ever been inside a home or business without air conditioning on a 100-degree day, you know that wading through cold water would be much better than sweltering in the heat.
Skip Rash / Google
Christina Kendall / Google
The small sandy and rocky beach makes a perfect access point.
Mackenzie Brisben / Google
Sometimes some fresh mountain water is just what the doctor ordered.
After a day splashing around at Big Eddy, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite. All the locals in Gold Bar will tell you to stop by Zeke’s Drive-In – we think so too. Come visit this historic hamburger stand in Gold Bar, WA. You can’t miss it, just look for the big red Great Northern Railroad railcar outside!
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Address: Big Eddy Public Water Access, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
More info about swimming holes in Washington November 17, 2022 Chris Muras Where is Big Eddy public water access? Big Eddy public water access is about 2.5 miles from Gold Bar, Washington in Big Eddy Park. After you drive across the Skykomish River Bridge access to Big Eddy is on the right next to the bridge. Where can I swim in Washington? There are a number of swimming areas in Washington that are worth a visit on a hot summer day. Here is a list of some of our favorites. Read the entire list of swimming holes in Washington here. Little Spokane River: This secluded gem in Pine River Park is near the Wandermere Golf Course off East Greenleaf Drive. Enjoy a little splash in this refreshing natural swimming spot. Pacman Cliff: If you want a larger area to swim and even go cliff jumping this is the perfect spot. You’ll find a nice low cliff for jumping or a more daring spot for the more adventurous. Pacman Cliff is located on the Yakima River near Ellensburg, WA. Palouse Falls: Swimming under a rushing waterfall is probably one of the best ways to cool off on a hot day and this is a beautiful one. At 198 feet this stunning waterfall splashes into a remote pool surrounded by high cliffs - absolutely magical. Dougan Creek Falls: Another fun swimming hole in Washington is this perfect pool amid several small waterfalls that drop over moss-covered rocks. Dougan Creek Campground is nearby so it makes for a wonderful weekend summer getaway for the entire family. Boulder Beach Park: For a more traditional swimming experience in the Spokane Valley, Boulder Beach is a great spot for a picnic and a day of swimming. This well-loved swimming spot in Washington is near Camp Sekani Park where you can find hiking and walking trails to enjoy before or after your dip in the lake.
The OIYS Visitor Center
More info about swimming holes in Washington
November 17, 2022
Chris Muras
Where is Big Eddy public water access? Big Eddy public water access is about 2.5 miles from Gold Bar, Washington in Big Eddy Park. After you drive across the Skykomish River Bridge access to Big Eddy is on the right next to the bridge. Where can I swim in Washington? There are a number of swimming areas in Washington that are worth a visit on a hot summer day. Here is a list of some of our favorites. Read the entire list of swimming holes in Washington here. Little Spokane River: This secluded gem in Pine River Park is near the Wandermere Golf Course off East Greenleaf Drive. Enjoy a little splash in this refreshing natural swimming spot. Pacman Cliff: If you want a larger area to swim and even go cliff jumping this is the perfect spot. You’ll find a nice low cliff for jumping or a more daring spot for the more adventurous. Pacman Cliff is located on the Yakima River near Ellensburg, WA. Palouse Falls: Swimming under a rushing waterfall is probably one of the best ways to cool off on a hot day and this is a beautiful one. At 198 feet this stunning waterfall splashes into a remote pool surrounded by high cliffs - absolutely magical. Dougan Creek Falls: Another fun swimming hole in Washington is this perfect pool amid several small waterfalls that drop over moss-covered rocks. Dougan Creek Campground is nearby so it makes for a wonderful weekend summer getaway for the entire family. Boulder Beach Park: For a more traditional swimming experience in the Spokane Valley, Boulder Beach is a great spot for a picnic and a day of swimming. This well-loved swimming spot in Washington is near Camp Sekani Park where you can find hiking and walking trails to enjoy before or after your dip in the lake.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Big Eddy public water access is about 2.5 miles from Gold Bar, Washington in Big Eddy Park. After you drive across the Skykomish River Bridge access to Big Eddy is on the right next to the bridge.
Where can I swim in Washington?
There are a number of swimming areas in Washington that are worth a visit on a hot summer day. Here is a list of some of our favorites. Read the entire list of swimming holes in Washington here.
Little Spokane River: This secluded gem in Pine River Park is near the Wandermere Golf Course off East Greenleaf Drive. Enjoy a little splash in this refreshing natural swimming spot.
Pacman Cliff: If you want a larger area to swim and even go cliff jumping this is the perfect spot. You’ll find a nice low cliff for jumping or a more daring spot for the more adventurous. Pacman Cliff is located on the Yakima River near Ellensburg, WA.
Palouse Falls: Swimming under a rushing waterfall is probably one of the best ways to cool off on a hot day and this is a beautiful one. At 198 feet this stunning waterfall splashes into a remote pool surrounded by high cliffs - absolutely magical.
Dougan Creek Falls: Another fun swimming hole in Washington is this perfect pool amid several small waterfalls that drop over moss-covered rocks. Dougan Creek Campground is nearby so it makes for a wonderful weekend summer getaway for the entire family.
Boulder Beach Park: For a more traditional swimming experience in the Spokane Valley, Boulder Beach is a great spot for a picnic and a day of swimming. This well-loved swimming spot in Washington is near Camp Sekani Park where you can find hiking and walking trails to enjoy before or after your dip in the lake.
