Author: Renee Schiavone | Published: July 30, 2024 | Category: Where-To
This article originally appeared in The Bulletin on July 30, 2024.
Four fantastic swimming holes on the John Day River.
When the heat of summer stifles the air and finding a place to swim is top of mind, you might not think of heading to the desert. While Oregon’s High Desert isn’t pulsing with waterfalls like the west side of the Cascades, the dry side of the state is home to beautiful volcanic lakes in mountain calderas and hundreds of essential waterways, including the mighty John Day River. There’s plenty of beauty — and water — worth exploring here when temperatures rise.
These four spots on the John Day River might forever change your mind about heading to the desert for a swim.