With summer temperatures in the 80s and 90s (and sometimes higher) in Corvallis, one thing you're probably looking to do is hit a swimming hole. You're in luck - Corvallis has lots of options! Both the Willamette River and the Marys River wind through town, offering lots of great little spots to jump in, plus we have a pretty awesome water park at the Osborn Aquatic Center.
Here's a few spots where you can get in the water and cool off around Corvallis. Click on the titles or images below for more information.
Avery Park is a great swimming hole right in Corvallis. It's just south of the OSU campus, at 1200 SW Avery Park Drive. Head behind the Corvallis Parks and Recreation office on the northwest side of the park, following the path on the left of the building. You'll find a rocky outcrop and full access to the Marys River, a slower, usually warmer river with lots of shallow and deep areas, perfect for kids and pets. Also, it has a rope swing!
Another great spot to swim in the Marys River is the Marys River Natural Area. You can access the area off SW Brooklane Drive. There's a lovely raised boardwalk - follow that to the end and from there the river bank is just a few yards away, with an access point down to the perfect swimming hole.
You can jump into Marys River at Pioneer Park, also. Pioneer Park is located right by Avery Park, off 15th and Avery Park Drive. In the summer when the water level drops you can find a little sandy beach, near the railroad trestle, on the north side of the river. You'll also find another rope swing there, but that one doesn't get used as often so use it with caution.
The Alsea Falls Recreation Site offers camping, fishing, miles of hiking and biking, and swimming in the Alsea River. This is the perfect spot for a hot day, since it's a cold river and it's almost always cooler at Alsea Falls than in Corvallis. Alsea Falls is located off 99W, to Alpine Road, to Fall Creek Access Road, about 45 minutes south and west of Corvallis.
Irish Bend Park is located in southeast Benton County about 3 miles northeast of Monroe and 16 miles south of Corvallis, and if you want to dip into the Willamette River, you can do it here. It's a great little spot for picnicking, too, plus there's a boat launch (although, not a great one - there's a sand bar that's kind of in the way). There's camping available too, with an overnight permit from Benton County.
If you're looking for somewhere a little less nature-y to swim, you're looking for the Osborn Aquatic Center. They've got four individual swimming pools, both indoor and outdoor, as well as Otter Beach, their famous outdoor water park that offers a water slide, toys, jet features, and all kinds of fun. Admission is $3-$6 depending on age, and the Osborn Aquatic Center is located at 1940 NW Highland Drive in Corvallis.
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