Jump in the Water Find the right spot — pool, stream, lake or river — to cool off & relax BY JOANNA BASTIAN
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aughing with friends, cannonballs off the dock, and sunshine glistening off the ripples in the
water. The sweet smell of trees and grass along the shoreline. A lazy summer day spent swimming is where memories happen. The Methow Valley is home to rivers and lakes with iconic swimming holes. Some spots include overnight camping, others are day use only, and the most scenic swimming holes are a reward at the end of a hiking trail. A Discover Pass is often required for use at some of the parking areas. Alta Lake State Park is a hidden gem near the mouth of the Methow Valley. This alpine lake is 2 miles long, half-a-mile wide and has a large sandy beach with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is open to trout fishing, water skiing and wind surfing. A roped-off area is
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Pearrygin Lake is one of the favorite local swimming holes. PHOTO BY LAURELLE WALSH safe for swimmers of all abilities. A pleasantly cool and grassy picnic area has covered tables, restrooms and showers. The snack shack serves up polish hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pizza, ice cream and cold beverages. Hiking trails traverse the surrounding mountains, and there is horseback riding and boat rentals. Along the Methow River there are three main swimming holes: McFarland Creek, Gold Creek, and the everpopular Carlton Hole. Shallow shorelines are perfect for kids to explore and poke around in pools. Be aware of river currents in the deeper sections of the river and nearby rapids. The McFarland parking area has a boat ramp leading down to a wide sandy beach. A gentle eddy encircles an ample swimming hole. Hop on an
inner tube and follow the flow round and round the edge of the pool, dipping over one small but exciting rapid. The shallow shoreline is good for wading. The parking lot has grill gates, a restroom, and interpretive signs. Nearby, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a rotary-style fish trap used to estimate the number of Chinook and summer steelhead in the Methow River Basin. Interpretive signs placed by Okanogan National Forest and Methow Valley Water Planning Pilot Project tell the geologic story of “The River’s Work,” explaining how glaciers carved out this valley and how to read the history in the lines of the rocks and the bends of the river. A Discover Pass is required for use of the McFarland Creek Recreational Area.
At the south end of Gold Creek Loop Road is a small parking area with a steep footpath down to a rocky beach and a sandy swimming hole. Enormous cottonwoods shade the pebbled beach. Large boulders perched above a deep pool are perfect for cannonballs. Small kids will enjoy small side streams and shallow areas perfect for floating toy boats and building rocky dams.
LOCAL FAVORITES The Carlton swimming hole at the Carlton Bridge is a local favorite for families. Small children enjoy the eddy by the sandy beach where they can wade and build sand castles and collect pebbles. Across the river from the beach is a current that attracts stronger swimmers who enjoy floating Methow Valley News