Sandy beach
Yes
Cliff jumping
Yes
Hike-in Required
Yes
Sensitive Habitat
Yes
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Elephant Rock is a great little pocket on the Chetco River for those that enjoy cliff jumping, turquoise water, and river bars. Located just about 12.5 miles up the Chetco from Brookings, this little gem sits between Nook Bar and Redwood Bar. The pull off is extremely easy to miss because as there is only space for a few cars on the road to park. Roughly 0.6 miles after Nook Bar, a small stream on the right side of the road will pass under the road itself. Park here and cross the road to see the small trail that leads down to the river. You will need to use the ropes to assist you in areas, as the trail is slippery and steep. You'll shortly find yourself standing on a giant rock that practically sits in the Chetco River itself. The rocks can be walked/laid upon until you find your jumping spot. Be aware of smaller rocks below, but there are some great, clean jumps to be had here from maybe as high as 12 feet. If you swim across the river, you will find yourself on a great gravel bar. It is common to float out supplies like a cooler to the beach on the other side.

This is a great spot if you are camping at Harris Beach and need a little drive into the forest.

Logistics + Planning

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Multiple jumping spots. Different heights. Low traffic.

Cons

Easy to miss. Not good for large groups.

Features

Sensitive Habitat

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Southern Oregon Coast + Rogue River, Oregon
Ludlum House Recreation Area
Southern Oregon Coast + Rogue River, Oregon

Comments

People shoot guns here so beware. Great spot if you are local but if you have out of state plates the vehicles become targets for vandalism
09/19/2020
Due to the "Chetco Bar Fire" this area looks crazily different but it is still gorgeous and great for jumping. There have been heavy road repair so there is a larger pull out.
07/29/2018
I was so excited to go here. My family likes to stay in Brookings and there are not a whole lot of swimming holes that we know of. I found this one and the directions popped up right on Google maps.
Unfortunately, upon driving to the area, it is all burned. The trees in the entire area are sparse and still recovering from a fire. The trail was spotted, but the area looks completely different from the photos. The rope on the trail is completely gone and parts of the trail are blocked by fallen trees. There are also fallen trees inside the swimming hole.
The directions to the trail were very clear and precise, but I wish this spot was what it used to be, it looks like it was a fun spot at one time. Unfortunately, we were not able to swim here due to traveling with an 11 year old and did not want to take a chance with the burned ground shifting and being slippery, as well as the trees in the swimming hole.
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