Clear Creek lives up to its name — a sparkling tributary of the Klamath River near Happy Camp, California, with some of the cleanest, most crystal-clear swimming holes in this remote northern corner of the state. Tucked into the wild forests at the edge of the Siskiyou Wilderness, it's a cold, refreshing, and blissfully uncrowded place to beat the summer heat.

The reward here is a series of clear, cold pools strung along the creek amid beautiful forest. The water stays remarkably clear and cool even on the hottest days, and because it takes a bit of effort to reach, you'll often have a pool largely to yourself. There's excellent wild berry picking along the way in late summer, and lovely forest nearby for those who want to camp and make a weekend of it.

Getting there is a backcountry drive followed by a short hike. From Happy Camp, take Highway 96 about 5 miles to the Wingate Bar area, then follow a series of Forest Service dirt roads to a small campground and trailhead at road's end (a higher-clearance vehicle helps on the rougher stretches). From there, walk the trail upstream along Clear Creek about a mile to a bridge — the best swimming holes are right around the crossing. The long-distance Clear Creek National Recreation Trail continues deep into the Siskiyou Wilderness for those who want to explore further.

Summer is prime swimming season, once the snowmelt has eased and the water has warmed enough for a (still bracing) dip. Bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and a map, watch for changing creek levels, and pack out everything you carry in. For those willing to make the drive, Clear Creek is one of the most pristine and peaceful swimming spots in far northern California.