When the temperatures climb, it’s time to head for a swimming hole in the woods to cool off. Oregon has no shortage of pretty rivers that flow clear and cold, and folks have their own secret swimming spots all over the state.
Wildwood Falls is not much of a secret – it’s a popular place to splash and relax in Lane County, near Cottage Grove. Grab some sunscreen and a towel, and check this place out!
Wildwood Falls (sometimes called Row Falls) is located along the Row River, south of the Dorena Covered Bridge. It’s sandwiched between Wildwood Falls Park and LaSells Stewart Park, and managed by the Lane County Parks system.
Jim/Google The falls is about 45 minutes from Eugene, and 25 minutes from Cottage Grove.
The falls cascade 15 feet over the basalt cliffs into a large basin, and a few smaller cascades often trickle over the cliffs on both sides of the main falls.
Anjel Craig/Google
The large, 20-foot-deep swimming hole is popular with locals, so don’t plan on having this place all to yourself on a Saturday afternoon. Luckily, it’s large enough to accommodate plenty of summer fun seekers.
Bill Jones/Alltrails
The water is clear, and very cold, so even on the hottest day you’ll cool down pretty quickly.
Duane Ward/Google
If you’re brave, you can jump from the cliffs into the water, but make sure to check the water level first! The best jumping-off spot is to the left of the main falls.
Casey Coyle/Google
Wildwood Falls is a great place for fun and recreation, but it can also be dangerous. Over the years, several people have died here.
Bill Jones/Alltrails This swimming hole is unsupervised, so you’re responsible for your own safety.
When the river is running high, you’ll want to steer clear of this spot. Obviously, the broiling rapids in this photo are no place for a lazy swim.
Todd Mc Intyre/Google
There is a cave tucked behind the main falls, but several people have drowned there. The cave is underwater and it’s easy to become trapped inside.
Alltrails User/Alltrails Wear some water shoes, and be aware that the rocks at the top of the falls, and those along the banks of the river can be very slippery.
As long as you’re aware of safety hazards, you’ll have a great time splashing and playing in the swimming hole at Wildwood Falls and hanging out on the banks of the river.
Branden Summers/Alltrails
Bring a picnic lunch along. Wildwood Falls Park and LaSells Stewart Park both offer picnic tables and public restrooms. You’ll pay a small day use fee to enjoy this area, but it’s well worth the fee to enjoy this pretty place.
Anabel Hernandez-Mejia/Google Please remember to always practice the principles of Leave No Trace when enjoying Oregon’s beautiful nature spots. Pack out your picnic trash to keep this place pristine for future visitors.
Have you enjoyed a day at Wildwood Falls? Tell our readers about your experience in the comments!
Jim/Google
The falls is about 45 minutes from Eugene, and 25 minutes from Cottage Grove.
Anjel Craig/Google
Bill Jones/Alltrails
Duane Ward/Google
Casey Coyle/Google
This swimming hole is unsupervised, so you’re responsible for your own safety.
Todd Mc Intyre/Google
Alltrails User/Alltrails
Wear some water shoes, and be aware that the rocks at the top of the falls, and those along the banks of the river can be very slippery.
Branden Summers/Alltrails
Anabel Hernandez-Mejia/Google
Please remember to always practice the principles of Leave No Trace when enjoying Oregon’s beautiful nature spots. Pack out your picnic trash to keep this place pristine for future visitors.
If you’re looking for another awesome swimming hole with a waterfall, check out Steelhead Falls on the Deschutes River.
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Address: Wildwood Falls, Oregon 97434, USA
