COOLING OFF WHERE THE INFLUENCERS HAVEN’T RUINED IT YET
Let’s face it: when Sacramento hits those 105-degree summer days, the American River Parkway looks like the state fair minus the corn dogs. Every sandbar is packed with portable speakers, White Claw cans, and influencers doing photoshoots with those giant inflatable flamingos.
But there are still sacred, blissfully quiet spots to cool off without starring in someone’s TikTok background. I’ve spent 15 summers exploring Sacramento’s waterways, talking to old-timers, and occasionally trespassing (legal disclaimer: don’t do that) to find the swimming holes that haven’t been geotagged to death.
Here’s your guide to the secret spots – with one critical rule: Don’t share these locations on social media. Don’t geotag them. Don’t ruin them like Paradise Beach and Tiscornia Park have been ruined. Just enjoy them respectfully and keep the secret.
WHY THE POPULAR SPOTS SUCK NOW
First, let’s acknowledge why we need alternatives to the obvious swimming spots:
• Paradise Beach: Now features more White Claw cans than sand particles and a permanent soundtrack of competing Bluetooth speakers.
• Tiscornia Beach: The “hidden gem” that 157,000 Instagram posts destroyed. Now requires arriving by 8 AM to find parking within a mile.
• Discovery Park: Great if you enjoy swimming in a mixture of E. coli and jet ski fumes while dodging beer cans.
• River Bend Park: The official meeting place of every high school kid in Sacramento County and their questionable portable speakers.
These places aren’t bad inherently – they’re just victims of their own popularity, especially in the social media era when one viral post can transform a peaceful spot into a weekend nightmare.
THE HIDDEN GEMS WORTH SEEKING
1. THE FORGOTTEN SLOUGH
Location: Yolo County, west of Sacramento
What makes it special: A deep, cool slough fed by underground springs that maintains comfortable temperatures even during heat waves. Surrounded by ancient oak trees providing crucial shade, with small sandy beaches perfect for families.
How to find it: Take West Capitol Avenue west past the industrial area. Look for a small dirt parking area near the agricultural fields. Follow the path through the oak grove for about half a mile. You’ll hear the water before you see it. Check out the Yolo County Visitor’s Guide for more on the region’s natural spots, and use Google Maps – Yolo County to pinpoint your starting point.
The catch: Technically on private property, but the landowner allows respectful visitors. Pack out EVERYTHING you bring in, or this arrangement will end.
2. THE GRANITE POOLS
Location: Eastern Sacramento County, foothills area
What makes it special: A series of granite-lined pools created by an old mining operation, now reclaimed by nature. Crystal clear water, depths ranging from 3-15 feet, and smooth rock surfaces perfect for sunbathing.
How to find it: Take Folsom Auburn Road north past the suburbs. Park at the equestrian trailhead and hike east on the unmarked trail for approximately 1.2 miles. Listen for the small waterfall that feeds the upper pool. The Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is nearby, and Google Maps – Folsom Auburn Road can guide you to the trailhead.
The catch: Difficult access keeps crowds away, but also means it’s a solid hike in. Bring proper shoes and plenty of water for the trek.
3. THE RIVER BEND BACKWATERS
Location: Rancho Cordova area
What makes it special: While the main beach at River Bend Park is a teenager magnet, few people know about the network of calm backwater channels on the park’s eastern edge. These channels offer gentle currents, surprisingly deep swimming holes, and natural privacy screens of willow trees.
How to find it: Enter River Bend Park, but instead of following the crowds to the main beach, take the equestrian trail east for about a mile. Look for small paths leading toward the river through the dense vegetation. Plan your trip with Google Maps – River Bend Park.
The catch: The mosquitoes can be biblical in the evening hours. Bring serious repellent.
4. THE CONFLUENCE COVES
Location: Where the American and Sacramento Rivers meet
What makes it special: Everyone knows the main confluence area, but few explore the series of protected coves just upstream on the American River side. These coves feature deep, cool water, natural shade, and fascinating river hydraulics that create gentle whirlpool effects.
How to find it: Park at Discovery Park but walk east along the American River instead of heading to the main beach. Continue past the fishing area until you see the series of small beaches tucked into the riverbank curves. Check American River Flow Data before going, and use Google Maps – Discovery Park to start.
The catch: Water levels vary dramatically based on dam releases. Check the flow reports beforehand.
5. THE FORGOTTEN QUARRY
Location: Southeastern Sacramento County
What makes it special: An abandoned quarry that’s filled with groundwater over decades, creating a surprisingly large and deep swimming area surrounded by dramatic rock walls. The depth keeps it cool even during heat waves.
How to find it: Take Jackson Highway east past Rancho Murieta. Look for the unmarked dirt road near the old processing facility. Park at the gate and walk the remaining quarter mile. Explore the broader area via Sacramento County Regional Parks and locate it with Google Maps – Jackson Highway.
The catch: No facilities whatsoever, and the access road can be rough. High-clearance vehicles recommended.
6. THE WILLOW CREEK POOLS
Location: Southwestern Sacramento County
What makes it special: A series of deep pools formed where Willow Creek slows and widens before joining the Sacramento River. Ancient trees provide complete shade coverage, and the water is surprisingly clear for the Delta region.
How to find it: Take River Road south past Freeport. Look for the small county park sign (often missing) and the gravel pullout. Follow the barely visible trail through the blackberry bushes for about 300 yards. Learn more about the Delta at Sacramento River Delta, and navigate with Google Maps – River Road, Freeport.
The catch: The blackberry gauntlet protecting this spot will shred exposed skin. Wear long sleeves for the approach, even in the heat.
7. THE COSUMNES PRESERVE BACKWATERS
Location: Southern Sacramento County
What makes it special: While the Cosumnes River Preserve is known for birdwatching, few people explore its hidden swimming areas. Several deep, cool pools form along the river’s bends, protected from view by dense riparian forests.
How to find it: Park at the Cosumnes River Preserve lot but avoid the main boardwalk. Instead, take the maintenance trail south for approximately a mile until you hear the river. Follow the sound to find multiple access points. Use Google Maps – Cosumnes River Preserve for directions.
The catch: This area is a nature preserve, so extra respect is required. No alcohol, no speakers, minimal impact.
SAFETY FIRST, PEOPLE
Before you rush off to these spots, some critical safety notes:
• Never swim alone in rivers or unfamiliar waters.
• Check water conditions before going. The American and Sacramento Rivers can change dramatically based on dam releases and can have dangerous currents even when they look calm.
• Understand that rescue may be difficult in remote locations. If you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to the more accessible spots.
• Bring basic first aid supplies, especially if heading to the more remote locations.
• Tell someone where you’re going if you’re heading to the more isolated spots.
THE LOCAL ETIQUETTE
Want these spots to stay special? Follow these unwritten rules:
• Pack out everything you bring in. Everything. That apple core is not “biodegradable” in the short term.
• No speakers. Nature’s soundtrack is better than yours. Use headphones if you must have music.
• Keep groups small. A crowd of 20 people is a party, not a peaceful swim.
• Respect private property boundaries where they exist.
• No geotagging on social media. This is how good spots become ruined spots.
• Yield to wildlife. If you see evidence of nesting birds or other animals, find another spot.
THE GEAR THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Having the right gear can transform your secret swimming hole experience:
• Proper water shoes: Many of these spots have rocky or uneven bottoms. Those $5 flip-flops won’t cut it.
• Dry bag: Worth its weight in gold for keeping phones, car keys, and snacks dry.
• Insulated water bottle: Sacramento heat is no joke. That water will be lukewarm in 20 minutes without insulation.
• Microfiber towel: They pack tiny, dry quickly, and don’t get as heavy when wet.
• Portable shade: A small pop-up sun shelter can extend your stay by hours during peak heat.
THE BEST TIMES TO GO
Timing is everything for enjoying these spots without crowds:
• Weekday mornings: The holy grail of empty swimming holes.
• Late afternoons on Sunday: Most weekend warriors have headed home by 4 PM.
• Slightly overcast days: Sacramento locals often stay home if it’s not perfectly sunny, even when temperatures are in the 90s.
• Early season (May) and late season (September): The water is still comfortable, but the crowds are significantly reduced.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Sacramento’s waterways offer incredible relief from our brutal summers, but finding peaceful spots requires effort and discretion. These hidden gems exist because people have protected them from overexposure.
If you visit these places, become part of the solution: enjoy them quietly, leave them pristine, and resist the urge to broadcast their locations. The best swimming hole is the one that stays secret.
And if you see me at one of these spots? No, you didn’t. I wasn’t there, this article doesn’t exist, and I certainly didn’t tell you where to find the perfect swimming hole. That’s between you, the river, and the ancient oaks keeping watch overhead.
P.S. Climate change and water management decisions are affecting our waterways. Water levels, temperatures, and conditions change yearly. Always check current conditions before heading out, and have a backup plan if your destination isn’t swimmable.
If you would rather hike, check out our post on the top Sacramento hikes here!
