South Fork Snoqualmie River at Homestead Valley Road Bidge

The Seattle area has countless beaches that are great spots to hunker down and cool off at during the heat of the summer months. Most of them are often overcrowded and are accompanied with countless kids frolicking in the joy of being on summer break, however. While these beaches are easy to access, they unfortunately lack some of the tranquility visitors may search for in the great outdoors.

Here, along the banks of the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River 37 miles from the city, tranquility and refreshing waters can be found. In fact, this little swimming hole and pebble beach is relatively easy to access as well, being just under the Homestead Valley Road bridge right off I-90. It does require the work of fording or swimming across the water to set up a day-camp on its pebbly banks, which of course should only be attempted during the late summer months when water levels are lower and the Snoqualmie River has slowed to its end-of-season trickle. But with that little effort, under the dappled shade of red alders you'll find one of the best summer escapes in the Central Cascades.

If crossing the river isn't your cup of tea, venture up the road to South Fork Picnic Area and you'll find another incredible swimming hole on the Snoqualmie.