Swimming Holes:

A favorite swimming hole is not unlike a favorite vacation spot. They can't always be found on a map and they're not always easily accessible. In most cases they are as unusual as the people who find and enjoy them.

Remember to take precautions. Currents can be tricky, and water sometimes chilly. Of the five favorite swimming holes only Otter Beach has lifeguards.

Lewis Creek Park

Where: Sweet Home
Cost: $3 per car
Directions:  Take Hwy 20 through Sweet Home, take a left on Quartzville Rd., take a left on River Dr which leads to the park.

Mile Post 34

Where: East of Sweet Home
Cost: Free
Directions: Located just after Mile Post 34 on the corner of a turn

Cascadia State Park

Where: Cascadia
Cost:  Free
Directions: Take Hwy 20 through Sweet Home, located 14 miles East of Sweet Home

Alsea Falls

Where: Alsea Falls Recreation Site
Cost: Free
Directions: From Corvallis take Hwy 99E south; turn right on Country Road #45120, continue through the town of Alpine, located nine mile past Alpine

Otter Beach (Osborn Aquatic Center)

Where: 1940 NW Highland Dr., Corvallis. 541-766-7946
Cost: $3:30 adults, $3.00 youth (7-17); $2:50 (6 or under)
Directions: Take Hwy 34 into downtown Corvallis, take a right on 9th, take a left on Circle Blvd, take a left on Highland.