Best Swimming Holes in Big Bear
5 natural swimming holes · 2026 guide
Up in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear country trades desert heat for pine forest and cold alpine water. The lake itself has beaches, but the real swimming holes are the creek pools and mountain lakes scattered through the surrounding national forest — all within a couple of hours of Los Angeles.
Top swimming holes
- Deep Creek Hot Springs
Deep Creek Hot Springs is a set of six natural hot pools along Deep Creek in the San Bernardino National Forest, reached by a 1.75-mile hike from Bowen Ranch.
- Aztec Falls
Aztec Falls is a small cascade on Deep Creek in the San Bernardino National Forest, about a mile's hike from the Splinter's Cabin trailhead.
- Boulder Bay (Big Bear Lake)
Boulder Bay Park gives Big Bear Lake a public swim beach among the granite boulders at the lake's west end.
- Lake Gregory Swim Beach
Lake Gregory in Crestline runs a staffed summer swim beach with lifeguards, a rare amenity among mountain lakes.
- Silverwood Lake Swim Beach
Silverwood Lake's swim beach sits in the San Bernardino National Forest with mountain views in every direction.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to swim near Big Bear?
July through September. At 7,000 feet, the water stays cold — August is the sweet spot for the warmest creek pools.
Do Big Bear swimming holes require reservations or permits?
An Adventure Pass is required for parking at most national forest trailheads and day-use areas around Big Bear Lake. The swimming spots themselves are free.
Can you swim in Big Bear Lake?
Yes, at designated swim beaches — but note the lake is also a busy boating lake. The quieter experience is usually the creek pools in the surrounding forest.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026