Discover the Best Swimming Holes in Californias National Parks: Muir Rock and Bass Lake

As the summer heat sets in, nothing beats a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear swimming hole nestled within a picturesque national park. Outdoor Magazine recently released its list of "9 Best Swimming Holes in Our National Parks," and two destinations in California stand out as the best. Muir Rock in Kings Canyon National Park and Bass Lake at Point Reyes National Seashore take the top two spots, respectively.

Muir Rock, named after the famous conservationist John Muir, is a massive granite boulder that serves as a makeshift diving board for park guests. The swimming hole is located along the Kings River that runs through the park's canyon, and it's a long-standing tradition to jump from the rock into the deep pool of emerald green water below. The drop is only 15 feet, making it family-friendly, but the water is cold and the canyon walls are steep. Visitors are advised to arrive mid-day to enjoy the most sun and the stunning views.

Bass Lake, tucked into an evergreen forest within the Philip Burton Wilderness at Point Reyes National Seashore, is a picture-perfect scene. The lake was formed 10,000 years ago by a rock slide, and it has several secluded coves where visitors can float and relax. A rope swing can sometimes be found hanging from a thick pine on the shore, adding to the fun and excitement.

While California takes the top two spots, other destinations in the top 9 ranking include Ely Creek Falls in Dinosaur National Monument (Colorado and Utah), Firehole Canyon in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana and Idaho), Sandbeach Lake in Rocky Mountains National Park, Doubtful Lake in North Cascades National Park (Washington), Little Falls in Little River Canyon National Preserve (Alabama), Steel Creek Campground in Buffalo National River (Arkansas), and Midnight Hole in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee).

As park visitors flock to these swimming holes to beat the heat, both Outdoor Magazine and the National Park Service urge guests to use caution and keep safety in mind. Currents can be swift, obstacles can be hidden under the surface of the water, and there could be parasites or bacteria lurking in that inviting blue pool. Visitors are advised to test the waters before jumping from any height by swimming through the landing zone first, feeling for rocks, scouting eddies where they can safely swim to if there's a current, and trying to keep their mouth closed when plunging under water to keep any water-born creatures out. Anyone with an open wound should consider staying out of the water due to infection risk.

So, whether you're looking for a family-friendly dive or a secluded spot to unwind, these top swimming holes in U.S. National Parks are sure to provide a refreshing escape from the summer heat.