Holy Water

And on the seventh day, God created the Oregon Creek Swimming Hole. What makes this swimming hole on the Middle Yuba River so heavenly? It's easy to access, yet unmarked, so not many people know about it. Oregon Creek's got everything you need for a day filled with lazy lollygagging and refreshing river-dips. On one side of the creek, smooth granite slabs are perfect for laying down a towel and lounging; on the opposite side, a 30-foot cliff covered with trees and moss provides ample shade. And in the middle, refreshing Sierra water slides through a series of boulders, creating a granite stair-step waterfall with natural mini-Jacuzzis. Farther down there's a deeper pool with three- to seven-foot rock platforms custom made for cannon balls. Who's the rotten egg?

From I-80, exit Hwy. 49 going north to Nevada City. Oregon Creek is 16.3 miles up Hwy 49 past Nevada City. Cross the bridge over the Middle Yuba River—marked by a "Yuba County Line" sign—and the Oregon Creek day use area. 1 mile past the bridge and day use area, look for a small two-car pull-out on the east (right) side of Hwy 49 at the 1.00 mile marker sign. Park here and walk down the dirt path five minutes to Oregon Creek.