Los Angeles has real freshwater swimming spots, but they’re mostly creek pools in the mountains and canyons around the city, not a tidy list of lakes with lifeguards. The best-known ones are Malibu Creek’s Rock Pool, Switzer Falls in the San Gabriel Mountains, and, a longer drive south, Cedar Creek Falls near San Diego. I’ve pulled together what each one is like, what it costs to park, and the closures and water-quality notes that change how you plan your day.
TL;DR
- Malibu Creek State Park’s Rock Pool is the closest classic swimming hole to LA, with all-day parking at $12 per car. Swimming comes with water-quality cautions, and diving is against state law.
- Switzer Falls (Angeles National Forest) needs an Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, and you can reach Arroyo Seco Creek from the picnic area.
- Eaton Canyon’s waterfall trails remain closed until December 31, 2027 after the Eaton Fire, so skip it for now.
- Cedar Creek Falls requires a permit and is best in fall, winter and spring, not summer.
- For a lifeguarded swim, LA County runs three designated freshwater swim beaches, normally open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Table of Contents
- What a “swimming hole” means around LA
- Malibu Creek Rock Pool
- Switzer Falls, Angeles National Forest
- Eaton Canyon: still closed
- Cedar Creek Falls: the day-trip worth planning
- Lifeguarded options when you want an easy swim
- Deep Creek and Aztec Falls
- Quick comparison
- Before you get in the water
- Our take on finding the good stuff
- Get your business in front of SoCal explorers
- Make it a whole weekend
- FAQ
- Sources
What a “swimming hole” means around LA
If you’re picturing a deep, clear pool with a rope swing, adjust your expectations a little. Around Los Angeles, swimming holes are usually wide spots in a creek, often at the bottom of a hike, and what you get depends on the season and the last rainstorm. In a dry summer some are shallow and warm. After winter storms they can be cold and fast.
There’s also a safety reality. The LA County Department of Public Health says that many places where people get in the water, including swimming holes, creeks, ponds and rivers, aren’t designated swim areas. They usually have no restrooms or lifeguards, and runoff can carry high bacteria counts from animal and human sources. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a great day. It means you pick your spot, check conditions and go in with your eyes open.
Malibu Creek Rock Pool
This is the one most people mean when they say swimming hole in LA. The Rock Pool sits inside a volcanic rock canyon in Malibu Creek State Park, about an hour from much of the city depending on traffic, and it’s popular with hikers and climbers. The park is at 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302, and the gates open 8am to 10pm.
Parking and fees
State Parks lists parking per car at $12 all day, $9 for 3 hours, $6 for 2 hours and $3 for 1 hour. Bring a plan for how long you’ll stay, because the hike in and the time at the pool add up faster than you expect.
Rules and water quality
Here’s what I’d want you to know before you pack the car:
- Dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails or at the Rock Pool, per the park’s visitor page. Leave them home.
- Diving at the Rock Pool is against state law because of shallow water and submerged rocks. Same page, same message: no jumping or diving.
- California State Parks’ 2018 brochure notes poor water quality from urban runoff in Century Lake and the Rock Pool and describes swimming there as unhealthy because of bacteria levels.
- On the other side, Heal the Bay’s 2025 River Report Card gave Malibu Creek at Rock Pool an A+, with a median E. coli concentration of 41 MPN/100mL, below the state health standard.
Those findings come from different years and different testing, so the practical move is to check the latest numbers on the day. More on that below.
Why it’s worth the trip anyway
The canyon scenery is the draw. There are climbs from 5.8 to 5.10c around the pool, including Planet of the Apes Wall, plus some fun bouldering, according to the park’s visit guide. Even if you only wade in to your knees, it’s a gorgeous place to spend a few hours. If you’re making a whole day of it, the park also has a 62-site main campground with flush toilets and heated showers.
Switzer Falls, Angeles National Forest
Switzer Falls is a classic San Gabriel Mountains outing above La Cañada Flintridge. The Forest Service manages the Switzer Picnic Site, which has 26 picnic sites with tables and BBQ pedestal grills and access to Arroyo Seco Creek for swimming.
What you need to know
- Day use runs 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- The cost is $5 per vehicle per day or $30 annually.
- You need an Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass displayed in your vehicle.
- The site connects to the Gabrielino National Recreation Trail and has a view of Switzer’s Falls.
All of that comes from the official Forest Service page. For questions, the Los Angeles Gateway District office is at 12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Road, San Fernando, CA 91342, and you can call 818-899-1900.
This is a creek you’ll enjoy in spring after rain, when it’s flowing and lively. In late summer, expect less water. If you like waterfall hikes in general, our guide to Los Angeles waterfall hikes sorts them by who they suit best, from families to swimmers.
Eaton Canyon: still closed
Eaton Canyon was a go-to waterfall for decades. The January 2025 Eaton Fire changed that. According to the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation, Eaton Canyon and surrounding trails remain closed until December 31, 2027, including the Eaton Canyon Waterfall, Altadena Crest Trail, Chaney Trail and Hasting Debris Basin Trail.
If a blog or map app still points you there, trust the county. Go to Malibu Creek or Switzer Falls instead, and check the county page before any trip in that area.
Cedar Creek Falls: the day-trip worth planning
Cedar Creek Falls in Cleveland National Forest is a bit of a drive from LA, so I’d treat it as an overnight or a big day. It features an 80-foot waterfall dropping into a large swimming hole, and the hike is 5 to 6 miles round trip, with trail access in Julian and Ramona.
Permit and timing
This one doesn’t let you wing it. Recreation.gov lists a $6 non-refundable reservation fee per permit, which covers the permit holder and up to four additional group members. Permits for the next calendar year are released December 1 of the previous year. The cliffs above and around the falls are closed to climbing, jumping and diving.
Season matters too. The same page says the falls typically don’t flow in the summer, and the pool at the base becomes stagnant and filled with algae. Fall, winter and spring are the better seasons. It also strongly recommends at least one gallon (four liters) of water per person. Plan a cooler-weather visit and book your permit early.
Lifeguarded options when you want an easy swim
Sometimes you just want to swim without wondering about bacteria or rocks. LA County maintains three designated freshwater swim beaches, at Puddingstone Lake, Santa Fe Dam and Castaic Lake. They have restrooms, lifeguards and chlorinators, and they’re normally open for swim season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
They’re not wild and hidden, but they’re a solid pick for kids, big groups or anyone who wants a relaxed afternoon. Check the county page for current hours and conditions before you go.
Deep Creek and Aztec Falls
Aztec Falls near Lake Arrowhead shows up in plenty of lists. Before you make plans, know that the Forest Service has listed an active Deep Creek Area Closure (Aztec Falls) alert. Check the San Bernardino National Forest page for the current status. If hot water sounds good instead, our roundup of Southern California hot springs covers soaking spots.
Quick comparison
| Spot | Best for | Cost or permit | Heads up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malibu Creek Rock Pool | Scenery, climbing, a short outing from LA | $12 all day per car | No dogs at the pool, no diving |
| Switzer Falls | Creek wading, picnics, hiking | $5 per vehicle per day, or $30 annually; Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required | Less water in dry months |
| Cedar Creek Falls | A big waterfall and deep pool | $6 permit fee covering up to five people | Needs a permit, best outside summer |
| LA County swim beaches | Easy, lifeguarded swims | Check county page | Normally open Memorial Day to Labor Day |
| Eaton Canyon | Not available | None | Closed until December 31, 2027 |
Before you get in the water
This is the checklist I run through every time.
- Look up the water quality. The LA County Department of Public Health says high bacteria counts can happen at any time and risk increases for 72 hours after significant rainfall. It recommends checking a site’s water quality history at Heal the Bay or the LA County Public Works Watershed page before you go.
- Stay out of the water after rain. If it rained in the last three days, wade or hike instead.
- Wading beats dunking. The same county guidance notes that swimming and getting your head in the water is riskier than wading.
- Skip the jumps. Diving and jumping are off the table at Malibu Creek’s Rock Pool and at Cedar Creek Falls, and shallow water can hide rocks anywhere.
- Carry water. Take a gallon per person if you’re hiking in. Cedar Creek’s permit page makes the same call.
- Pack your pass. If you’re heading into a national forest, keep your Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass on the dash.
- Have a backup. If a spot is crowded or the water looks murky, a shaded trail is a fine plan B. Our best hikes in Los Angeles guide has options for every mood.
If you’re bringing little ones
Creek pools and kids can be a great combination with the right setup. A swim aid is only one part of it, and it helps to know common mistakes with swim aids so that you pick and fit them well. Keep little ones within arm’s reach and stick to the shallow edge, especially at spots with no lifeguard.
Our take on finding the good stuff
We started SoCal Sights because there’s too much information out there and not enough of it comes from people who actually go. Swimming holes are a perfect example. One blog says a spot is a paradise, another says it’s closed, and the map app has no idea.
Our approach is to lean on local knowledge and the agencies that manage the land. That’s why we keep pointing you to the official page, the county alert or the park’s own visit guide, then add the stuff only locals tell you: which spot to try on a mild weekday, which to save for after the rain, which to skip this year.
We also love hearing from you. If you’ve found a creek, pool or quiet corner that works, send it our way. The best tips we publish tend to come from the community, and they’re the ones that never make the mainstream lists.
Joshua
Get your business in front of SoCal explorers
Run a campground, outfitter, café or tour company near the trails? Readers use SoCal Sights to plan outdoor days, and local businesses and event organizers can reach them through memberships, featured placements and advertising. Learn more on our advertise with SoCal Sights page.
Pricing isn’t published on the page, so reach out through the site to ask what fits your business.
Make it a whole weekend
Once you’ve picked your swim spot, build a trip around it. Our weekend getaways from Los Angeles list is useful if you’re heading toward Cedar Creek’s side of the region. If you’d rather get salt water instead, try Malibu’s legally accessible hidden beaches for a tide-aware alternative.
FAQ
Can you swim at the Malibu Creek Rock Pool?
People do, but the guidance is mixed. California State Parks’ 2018 brochure calls the water unhealthy for swimming because of high bacteria levels, while Heal the Bay’s 2025 report card gave the creek at Rock Pool an A+. Diving is against state law, and dogs aren’t allowed at the pool. Check the latest water-quality data before you go and avoid the water for 72 hours after rain.
Are there swimming holes near Los Angeles open in summer?
Switzer Falls and Malibu Creek are accessible in summer, though water levels vary. Cedar Creek Falls typically doesn’t flow in summer and its pool can become stagnant, so save it for cooler months. For a guaranteed swim, LA County’s three designated swim beaches are normally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Do I need a permit or pass for LA swimming holes?
It depends on the spot. Switzer Picnic Site requires an Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, and costs $5 per vehicle per day or $30 annually. Malibu Creek charges for parking, at $12 all day per car. Cedar Creek Falls needs a $6 permit that covers you and up to four others.
Is Eaton Canyon Falls open?
No. Eaton Canyon and the surrounding trails damaged by the January 2025 Eaton Fire remain closed until December 31, 2027, according to the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation. Check the county trail alert page for updates.
Sources
- Angeles National Forest, Switzer Picnic Site (U.S. Forest Service)
- Cedar Creek Falls permits (Recreation.gov)
- Malibu Creek State Park (California State Parks)
- Malibu Creek State Park 2018 brochure (California State Parks)
- Plan Your Visit, Malibu Creek State Park
- Eaton Canyon trails and ANF closures (LA County Parks and Recreation)
- Fresh Water Swim Areas (LA County Department of Public Health)
- River Report Card 2025 (Heal the Bay)
- Deep Creek area alert (San Bernardino National Forest)
- Dive Into the 8 Best Swimming Holes in the US (GearJunkie)