South Yuba Swimming Holes
The South Yuba River in California is home to some of the most beautiful and refreshing swimming holes in the world. With crystal clear water, stunning natural surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s no wonder that these swimming holes are such a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. We’ll take a closer look at some of the best swimming holes in the South Yuba River area, and what makes them so special.
For your convenience while reading about these stunning swimming holes along the Yuba River in Nevada County, California, we have provided a map below.
Emerald Pools
The Emerald Pools are some of the most popular and well-known swimming holes in the South Yuba River area. Located just a short hike from the main parking area, the Emerald Pools are a series of three pools that are perfect for swimming, wading, and relaxing. The water is crystal clear and the surrounding rocks are a stunning shade of green, giving the pools their name. The pools are located in a narrow gorge, so the water can be quite cold, but it’s worth it for the beautiful scenery.
Hoyt’s Crossing
Hoyt’s Crossing is another popular swimming hole in the South Yuba River area. This spot is located just a short walk from the parking area, making it a great spot for families and anyone looking for an easy swim. The water is calm and shallow, making it a great spot for kids to splash around in. The surrounding trees provide plenty of shade, making this spot perfect for a picnic lunch or a lazy afternoon nap.
Purdon Crossing
Purdon Crossing is a little further down the river from the other swimming holes on this list, but it’s worth the extra drive. This spot is popular with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its wide, shallow pool and smooth, flat rocks that are perfect for sunbathing. The water here is a bit warmer than some of the other spots on the river, making it a great spot for a leisurely swim or a lazy day lounging in the sun.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is another popular spot for swimming and sunbathing in the South Yuba River area. The water here is calm and clear, making it a great spot for a relaxing swim or a quick dip to cool off. The surrounding trees provide plenty of shade, making this spot perfect for a picnic lunch or a lazy afternoon nap.
Edwards Crossing
Edwards Crossing is a hidden gem in the South Yuba River area. This spot is a bit further off the beaten path than some of the other swimming holes on this list, but it’s well worth the extra effort. The water here is calm and clear, and the surrounding trees and rocks provide plenty of shade and privacy. This spot is perfect for a quiet afternoon swim or a peaceful picnic lunch.
The South Yuba River area is home to some of the most beautiful and refreshing swimming holes in the world. Whether you’re looking for a quick dip to cool off or a relaxing afternoon spent lounging in the sun, there’s a spot on the South Yuba River that’s perfect for you. So grab your swimsuit, pack a picnic lunch, and head to the river for a day of fun and relaxation.
North Yuba Swimming Holes
The North Yuba River in California is home to some of the most stunning and refreshing swimming holes in the region. With its clear, cool water and picturesque natural surroundings, the North Yuba River is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Here are some of the best swimming holes along the North Yuba River that you should definitely check out:
Indian Valley Swimming Hole
The Indian Valley Swimming Hole is one of the most popular spots along the North Yuba River. Located near the small town of Indian Valley, this swimming hole is easily accessible and provides ample parking. The swimming hole is surrounded by large rocks that provide shade, and the water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming. The area is also known for its hiking trails, so you can take a hike before or after your swim.
Goodyears Bar Swimming Hole
The Goodyears Bar Swimming Hole is another popular spot along the North Yuba River. The swimming hole is located just below the Goodyears Bar Bridge, which provides a stunning backdrop for your swim. The water is deep and cool, making it perfect for diving and swimming. The area is also known for its great fishing, so you can bring a fishing rod and try your luck catching some trout.
Bullards Bar Reservoir
The Bullards Bar Reservoir is a large body of water along the North Yuba River that offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The reservoir has multiple swimming areas, each with their own unique features. The Dark Day swimming area is one of the most popular, with a large beach area and plenty of picnic tables and shade trees. The water is warm and perfect for swimming, and there are even a few small waterfalls to explore.
Downieville Beach
The Downieville Beach is located in the charming town of Downieville, and it is a perfect spot for a family-friendly swim. The swimming area is shallow and perfect for small children, with plenty of room to play in the sand. The water is clear and refreshing, and the beach area is surrounded by trees that provide ample shade.
Sierra City Swimming Hole
The Sierra City Swimming Hole is a hidden gem along the North Yuba River. The swimming hole is located near the small town of Sierra City, and it requires a bit of a hike to reach. The hike is worth it, however, as the swimming hole is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The water is deep and perfect for diving, and there are plenty of rocks to lounge on and soak up the sun.
The North Yuba River is home to some of the most beautiful and refreshing swimming holes in California. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot to splash around or a more adventurous spot for diving and exploring, there is a swimming hole along the North Yuba River that is perfect for you. So pack your swimsuit and head out to the North Yuba River for a day of fun and relaxation.
Organizations that host cleanup days for the Yuba River
The Yuba River is a beautiful natural resource in California that is beloved by many outdoor enthusiasts. Unfortunately, over the years, the river has also become subject to pollution, litter, and other environmental issues that can harm the river and its wildlife. That’s why there are several organizations that host cleanup days for the Yuba River. Here are a few examples:
Yuba River Cleanup
The Yuba River Cleanup is an annual event hosted by the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) in partnership with local organizations and volunteers. The cleanup takes place in September and typically involves hundreds of volunteers who work together to remove trash, debris, and other pollutants from the river and its surrounding areas. The event is free to participate in, and volunteers receive a commemorative t-shirt for their efforts.
Sierra Nevada Alliance
The Sierra Nevada Alliance is a regional conservation organization that hosts various events and initiatives to protect the natural resources of the Sierra Nevada. One of their ongoing projects is the Sierra Nevada Watershed Cleanup, which includes cleanup efforts along the Yuba River. The event is held in conjunction with National Public Lands Day in September and involves volunteers of all ages working together to remove trash and debris from the river and its tributaries.
American Rivers
American Rivers is a national nonprofit organization that works to protect and restore rivers across the country. They have partnered with the Yuba Watershed Institute and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to host cleanup events along the Yuba River. These events typically take place in the spring and involve volunteers removing trash and debris from the river and its surrounding areas.
Yuba County Water Agency
The Yuba County Water Agency is a local government agency that is responsible for managing the water resources of the Yuba River watershed. They host several cleanup events throughout the year, including the annual Yuba River Cleanup, which is part of the statewide California Coastal Cleanup Day. In addition to removing trash and debris, volunteers also participate in restoration projects such as planting native vegetation and removing invasive species.
These are just a few organizations that host cleanup days for the Yuba River. By volunteering your time and efforts, you can help protect this beautiful natural resource for generations to come.
Here are the links to the organizations mentioned earlier that host cleanup days for the Yuba River:
- Yuba River Cleanup: https://yubariver.org/yuba-river-cleanup/
- Sierra Nevada Alliance: https://sierranevadaalliance.org/
- American Rivers: https://www.americanrivers.org/
- Yuba County Water Agency: https://www.yubawater.org/