Swimming

About

The Washougal River is a non-motorized water body. Swim at your own risk. No lifeguards are present at any swimming location in Washougal along either the Columbia River or the Washougal River.

Hathaway Park

Hathaway Park is a great place to step into the Washougal River for a dip and is filled with amenities for a full day of summer fun. You’ll find playground equipment, ball field, barbecue, benches, scenic views, artwork, picnic shelters and more.

Sandy Swimming Hole

The historic Sandy Swimming Hole was where the local fire department would provide free swim lessons to area children in the 1940s. Locals and visitors still flock to this swim spot with its rock beach and wooden view deck.

Washougal River Milepost 3 to 5

There are several wonderful swimming options available along the Washougal River. During warm summer weekends you find many cars parked along alongside the scenic and windy Washougal River Road. Between mile markers 3 and 5 is a 2-mile stretch of the Washougal River that provides numerous sun-drenched rocky outcroppings, small pebbly beaches, and clear, pools of cool mountain water. When the water level is still high enough, you can even float this stretch on an inner tube. Be sure to have your Washington State Discovery Pass before heading out.

Big Eddy

This site features a large rocky beach with a deep pool in the river’s eddy just up river from a small waterfall. It is great for swimming and sunbathing but be sure to bring chairs and blankets to sit on the rocks. There is limited parking along the shoulder of Northeast Washougal River Road.

Dugan Falls

Located at the end of Washougal River Road Dougan Falls. Whether wading in the giant pool at the bottom of this 19-foot cascade, setting up a lawn chair in the shallow waters above the falls, or laying out a beach towel on the sandy beach below the bridge, it is a mid-summer day treat. Picnic tables and pit toilets are provided in the day use area on the far side of the bridge. The area is quite well known, so be prepared to encounter other locals. Come mid-week to avoid peak crowds.

Naked Falls

Naked Falls offers multiple cliff jumping from various heights, waterfall slides, and plenty of dry rock space for picnics and sunbathing. Aside from the challenge of the short-but-steep trail accessing the river from the road, the location is well suited for all ages. The main attraction at Naked Falls is the 30-foot cliff that gives jumpers the chance to plunge into a dark and deep spot in the river. Naked Falls has only recently been reopened to the public. A use fee is now required for those using the site. Purchase your pass at https://nakedfalls.com/ You may buy a pass from the Washougal River Mercantile at 4232 Canyon Creek Rd, Washougal, WA 98671.