Bear Hole in Upper Bidwell Park offers a way to beat Chico’s summer heat. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

For someone who is not a big fan of cold water it was pretty amazing how long I lingered at Bear Hole.

This is one of the many pools of water along Big Chico Creek in Upper Bidwell Park in Chico.

The temperature definitely took my breath away when it got more than knee high. But soon I adjusted.

The best was sitting on a slightly submerged rock with my body half in the water and half out. With the outside temp in the 90s, I warm and cool at the same time.

People often jump from the rocks into Big Chico Creek. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

Sometimes the gates are open and it’s possible to drive here. On the first Sunday of July I walked along the road for about 2 miles from the Horseshoe Lake parking lot. It was hot with not a lot of shade.

People peeled off, going to other locations of the creek to seek their fun. I kept going.

A few others were at Bear Hole—including families.

I’m guessing on days when it’s possible to drive in it’s busier, and perhaps a more boisterous group.

On this particular day it was the perfect amount of activity with younger people jumping off the rocks into the water, couples enjoying together time and others happy to be out in nature without sweating.

Being in this canyon all the stress of the day was washed away. It’s a beautiful setting. The black basalt rock provides a contrast to the dry yellow grasses above.

On the walk out I went along the Yahi Trail because I knew I would find shade. The problem with entering this way is there are no signs telling you what watering hole you are at and I’m not familiar enough to know them by sight.

Before Bear Hole are Alligator Hole and Day Camp. The Diversion Dam, Salmon Hole, Devil’s Kitchen and Browns Hole are farther up—and not all reachable by vehicle. These are all natural swimming holes.

Big Chico Creek flows for 45 miles before it reaches the Sacramento River.