THE QUARRY

About The Quarry

Tucked into the forested hills between Medford and Ashland in the Rogue River National Forest, The Quarry is one of southern Oregon's most intriguing unofficial swimming destinations. What was once an active mining site has quietly transformed over the decades into a deep, clear swimming hole ringed by rocky ledges and draped in the dense greenery of the Siskiyou foothills. Getting here takes a bit of effort and careful navigation — the access road winds in a looping, '@'-shaped path through the trees — but that moderate challenge is exactly what keeps this spot feeling wild and unspoiled.

The Setting and Landscape

When you arrive at The Quarry, the landscape feels like something discovered rather than visited. The old quarry walls rise in irregular shelves of pale stone, worn smooth in places and rough-edged in others, surrounded by the tall conifers and mixed woodland typical of the Rogue River National Forest. Sunlight filters through the canopy and catches the surface of the water below, turning it a deep blue-green that shifts with the angle of the afternoon light. Birdsong fills the air, and in spring the surrounding hillsides are lush and vivid with new growth. By autumn, the same slopes glow amber and gold, giving the site a completely different but equally striking character. The biodiversity of the area is quietly remarkable — keep your eyes open along the trail and you may spot resident wildlife going about their day completely unbothered.

Swimming and Jumping

The water at The Quarry is the main event. Fed by the natural water table and sheltered from direct sun by the quarry walls, it stays refreshingly cold even at the height of summer — the kind of cold that makes you gasp on entry and feel completely alive seconds later. The depth and clarity are hallmarks of old quarry pools: you can peer down and watch the light dissolve into blue-green darkness below your feet. Swimming here feels meditative and a little thrilling in equal measure. For those with a taste for adrenaline, the rocky edges and cliff faces offer natural jumping platforms at varying heights. There are no lifeguards or safety staff on site, so jumpers should assess each entry point carefully and never jump without checking the water depth below. This is an unofficial site within national forest land, and visitors are responsible for their own safety.

Plan Your Visit

There are no facilities at The Quarry — no restrooms, no picnic tables, no on-site camping — so come prepared with everything you need, including water, snacks, and a way to pack out your trash. Access requires navigating uneven terrain and following detailed directions; do your research before you leave the car. There is no confirmed entry fee. The best time to visit is during the summer months of June through August when the weather is warm and the water is at its most inviting, though late spring and early autumn offer their own rewards in the form of solitude and seasonal color. The Quarry sits conveniently between two of southern Oregon's most beloved towns: Medford, with its full range of dining, lodging, and outdoor outfitters, and Ashland, home to the acclaimed Oregon Shakespeare Festival and a thriving arts and food scene. Both make excellent bases for a day trip to this hidden corner of the Rogue River National Forest.