After a long hike on the Ridge Trail, cool off your feet or take a full plunge at some of our favorite swimming spots near the trail. Be sure to double check swimming hours and conditions beforehand, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Bothe Napa Valley State Park’s Spring Fed Pool
County: Napa
Located in the heart of wine country, this 1,900-acre park features features over 10 miles of multiple camping options. On hot summer weekends, bring a swimsuit and enjoy a cool plunge in the park’s spring fed swimming pool. Be warned, the water from the spring comes out a little chilly, but is perfect for a hot day.
Bothe Napa Valley State Park Swimming Info
Ridge Trail outings near Bothe:
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park Entrance to Traverso Homestead Map
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park: Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail to Palisades
Hood Mountain Regional Park
Other resources:
Bothe Napa Valley State Park Info
Bothe Napa Valley Park Map
Lake Anza, Tilden Regional Park
County: Alameda
Tilden Regional Park is home to some of the best views, as well as a perfect spot for a fresh water swim. Hidden in the Berkeley Hills, Lake Anza’s sandy beach is open to the sun and sheltered from the wind, with lifeguards posted during the swim season. If a heated pool is more your speed, UC Berkley’s Strawberry Canyon Pool is also just outside the park.
Tilden Regional Park Swimming Info
Strawberry Canyon Recreation & Pool Info
Ridge Trail outings near Tilden:
Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area to Tilden Regional Park (Inspiration Point)
Tilden to Redwood Regional via Skyline Trail, Sibley and Huckleberry
Other resources:
Tilden Regional Park Info
Tilden Regional Park Map
East Bay Regional Parks Swim Facilities Info
Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon, Spring Lake Regional Park
County: Sonoma
Part of the Sonoma County Regional Parks, Spring Lake is a perfect spot for all water lovers. The summer swimming lagoon features a sandy beach, lawns shaded by redwoods, and picnic sites; plus a floating water park and areas for recreational swimming. And they haven’t forgotten about your four-legged swimmers – each September the lagoon hosts a multi-weekend off-leash dog party known as the Water Bark.
Spring Lake Lagoon Swimming Info
Ridge Trail outings near Spring Lake Regional Park:
Spring Lake to Trione-Annadel State Park
Hood Mountain Regional Park
Other resources:
Spring Lake Regional Park Info
Spring Lake Regional Park Map
Cull Canyon Lagoon, Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area
County: Alameda
A beloved spot among locals, Cull Canyon Lagoon is perfect for swimmers of all abilities. Whether your swimming out to their floating docks to do cannon balls or just want to splash around in the shallows and make a castle on the white sand beach, Cull Canyon is a perfect warm weather destination.
Cull Canyon Lagoon Swimming Info
Ridge Trail outings near Spring Lake Regional Park:
East Bay Municipal Utility District Lands to Cull Canyon
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Other resources:
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area Info
Cull Canyon Park Map
Looking for more curated adventures? Check out the Official Guide Book to the Bay Area Ridge Trail – it’s packed full of useful information for planning hikes, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trips with maps, detailed trail descriptions, curated trips and more.
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