Cool off at Lane County's best swimming holes

First up: Triangle Lake

Just north of the lake off Highway 36 are these deep pools, a rope swing, jumping rocks and fish ladders that create mini-waterfalls.

But the main attraction? The Slides.

"It's funner than any waterslide I've gotten on," said Nikki Gore.

The Slides are solid rock with a slip-and-slide effect. One tip: Wear sturdy shorts or you could rip your trunks or get hurt.

This hot spot also has a long list of rules like no dogs, no alcohol, no camping and no glass.

John Miller with Lane County Search and Rescue warns that Triangle Falls, while fun, is also full of dangers.

"Standing up on the way down there is just asking to fall down and get your head injured," he said. "We like people to have fun but just be careful on how you play."

Next up: Wildwood Falls near Cottage Grove.

Folks sunbathe on the rocks, wade in the shallow waters above the falls -- and the wild ones jump right over the 20 foot drop.

What's the technique?

"Just don't hit the rocks!" said Kiah Lawson.

The water is about 15-feet deep.

"Wildwood Falls used to be a very dangerous place," Miller said. "We could count on a drowning very year or two there."

Along the bottom of the falls is a cave Miller said people go down to check out. Some don't come back out.

Alcohol-related deaths also plague the popular spot. Miller advised going in pairs to keep an eye on each other.

So where's the best family-friendly spots?

Miller said some of the safest swimming holes are at Fall Creek, like the one at the Bedrock Campgrounds.

"We don't tend to have as many water-related incidents up there simply because it's not very deep," Miller said.

Fall Creek's shallow waters make it a great spot for kids. A bonus: Miles of hiking trails.

There are dozens of swimming holes around the area, from McKenzie Bridge to Dexter Lake down to the North Umpqua River east of Roseburg.

Some of the fun is in finding them.

Do you have a favorite? Post a comment.