The Quartzville Back Country Byway runs along the waters of Foster Lake, Green Peter Reservoir, and Quartzville Creek. A part of the byway from Green Peter Reservoir to Galena Creek in the Willamette National Forest is designated as the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System for purposes to preserve natural and recreational values. The creek received its name because of large quartz formations that have been found in this area.
While driving along the scenic corridor, you'll enjoy old-growth forest on the banks of the wild emerald river, rock outcroppings, and gorgeous vista of Cascades peaks including Mount Jefferson.
Panning for gold and rockhounding are some of the popular hobbies for recreational mineral collectors on the route. A 9.6-mile portion of the creek on a single-lane paved roadway is the most famous for white water rafting, recreational rockhounding, fishing, and swimming.
You can camp on public lands between Quartzville Road and Creek along the corridor. There may be many people along the Quartzville Recreation Corridor but there are numerous great swimming's spots where you can enjoy secluded swimming.
There are many safe pools for wading and swimming along Quartzville Drive and most of them are astonishingly beautiful. The bright green calm or rushing waters are surrounded by moss-covered rocks and cliff walls. The river water is always cold even in the peak summer season.
Drive along Quartzville Recreation Corridor and you will find your favorite swimming spot.
The first stop is located 0.6 miles upstream from the Quartzville Creek County Group Campground. It is a short easy access to the creek from the road turnout.
The deep clear water with its incredible turquoise color, flat rocks for sunbathing, underwater ledges - all of those make this spot unique.
The swimming hole is situated 0.4 miles downstream from the Dogwood Picnic Area. There is a short but steep trail to the creek on the left from the turnout.
One side of the large beach is composed of boulders and pebbles. The opposite bank is lined by a rocky wall. This spot features shallow with rapids and deep calm spots with underwater ledges areas. The crystal clear water impresses with its intensive emerald-green color.
The turnout is located 1 mile downstream from the Dogwood Picnic Area. There is a short trail to a swimming area.
The bank is lined with large boulders and pebbles. There is a rock wall across the creek. The marvelous green-water pool has shallow with rapids and deep calm spots with underwater ledges areas.
The swimming hole near turnout 4 is located 2 miles downstream from the Dogwood Picnic Area. There is a short trail to a beach that is composed of large boulders and pebbles.
The opposite bank is a rock wall. The transparent green pool has shallow and deep spots.