Bear Hole

I did get the opportunity to swim here when the weather was blistering. It was crazy full of happy (er, drunk) young people in the water and spread out on the rocks like a bunch of sea lions. If you're in Chico this is one of the must-visit places. It's just up the dirt road in Upper Bidwell park. It's fun, and simply beautiful. If mobs of people aren't your forte, there are plenty of other equally gorgeous swimming holes that a short hike up or down the creek will reveal.