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Upper Bidwell Park is located northeast of Lower Bidwell Park off Manzanita Avenue, just a 10-minute drive from Chico. A popular nudist hangout, it is legal and traditional to be nude anywhere in Upper Bidwell Park. Along the Yahi Trail hiking path, are five public swimming holes to play and enjoy in a beautiful natural setting.
Alligator Hole;
The first of the swimming hole, is shallow and rocky. Sheltered by trees with slight rapids that lead downstream. Not suitable for swimming as the waters are too shallow. Great for young children and a paddle. Continue on the Yahi Trail until you reach:
Bear Hole;
The walk down to the swimming hole is short, but steeper than the trail to Alligator Hole. The currents are stronger and the water is deeper. There are large boulders which are great for sunbathing, and the lower boulders are suitable for jumping off into the centre of the creek. This is also the most frequented area by naturists.
Diversion Dam;
Is man made and not suitable for swimming. Nethertheless, its worth a visit for the views.
Salmon Hole;
There is a steep hike down the cliffs with no stairs; it would not be a suitable hike for youngsters or those with mobility problems. This is noted to be the best of the swimming holes for its views, the pool, and the array of areas of which to explore. Water traverses between various boulders into the largest, of the swimming holes which measures approximately 50 foot in diameter. The water continues downstream past a large pebble beach into a forest area. The beach is a great place to set up camp, but if you want to lie down, bring some padding to protect yourself from the stony ground.
Brown’s Hole;
Still reachable by the Yahi Trail, this is the furthest away. You will have walked (or mountain biked) three and a half miles to reach it. The path down to the swimming hole isn’t as steep as Salmon Hole’s but is still difficult to hike.
Water flows past the boulders through a narrow passageway that opens up into a wider pool. There is a small waterfall and the there are two large boulders that stand about 8 feet over the water, which is deep to be able to use the boulders as diving boards. Situated in a forest area with poison oak, you feel as though you are a world away from civilization and at one with nature.
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