Lake Cushman, Bear Gulch Day Use Area

Bear Gulch Day Use Area is a favorite local swimming hole and picnic area situated on Lake Cushman's far northwestern end just outside of Staircase and Olympic National Park's southern boundary. Protected by a dike, the waters of Lake Cushman are relatively shallow here, making for the swimming area somewhat warmer than other portions of the reservoir. That being said, during times of seasonally lower precipitation the waters in front of the day use area can sometimes be limited to only the flow of the North Fork of the Skokomish River. In total the park features few built amenities, with only a few picnic tables and a vault toilet.

If you are looking for other good swimming holes on Lake Cushman, head to The Big Rock (best for cliff jumping, up to 17 feet), North Shore West, North Shore East and Skokomish Park Beach + Day Use Area.