Wow! An eye-popper of a place, Three Pools is really a legion of green-hued pools and streams that shift and chute through volcanic walls and sedimentary layers. This is the grandest swimming hole complex on a superlative swimming stream. Unfortunately, the place is oftentimes hopelessly trashed by mindless users. The Forest Service has tried to spruce up the area, only to see improvements vandalized. It is a pity that such a truly wonderful place is so badly treated. Watch out for slippery rocks, and take care if jumping from the rocks. There have been many accidents here.

	Three Pools Rating: 10 Location: Willamette National Forest Water quality: Excellent; transparent to bottom Vital statistics: 60' wide; at least 11' deep; moderate current; 64' F (July); light algae; sand and gravel on bedrock bottom; heavy use Setting: Forested valley at 1360'; heavy litter Swim skill: Moderate Amenities: No drinking water; pit toilets Entry fee: No Topo: Elkhorn 7-1/2'

Driving Instructions

Three Pools is 39.7 miles east of Salem. Follow the driving instructions for Swimming Hole #133 to the recreation-area turnoff. Turn left and continue as for Swimming Hole #135 to the fork of Forest Roads 2209 and 2207. Go right to the Three Pools turnoff, 0.9 mile, on the right. Take the turnoff and drive to parking, 0.2 mile.

Hiking Instructions

The trail from parking down to the pool is short but steep and slippery, 250 feet.