About
The Snake River Dunes Swimming Area, located near Pomeroy, WA, is a popular public access point along the Snake River. It features sandy beaches and dune-like formations, providing a scenic spot for swimming, sunbathing, and various water recreation activities.
As a natural swimming area within the Snake River, specific, consistent 'pool temperatures' are not provided. The water temperature varies seasonally and depends on river conditions, typically ranging from cool in spring to warmer in late summer.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The reviews highlight the Dunes as a great location for swimming, especially for families with young children, due to its shallow water and sandy beaches. Visitors enjoy floating, exploring the hilly dunes, and playing in the sand. While many consider it the best beach around and a favorite spot, it can become crowded and rowdy in the afternoons with a college crowd. Access involves a small hike from the parking lot over logs and driftwood, and there is no cell phone reception. Camping is mentioned, but access might depend on dam crossings. A crucial update (dated July 1, 2025, in one review) states that access to the Dunes is reportedly closed by the Army Corps of Engineers due to a lack of resources, a detail not found on their website.
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Reviews
Listing Reviews
August 22nd, 2022D E W Adventures
I just discovered this place and it looks like a great place for swimming, it's shallow with sandy beaches
August 8th, 2020Nate Norman
Great area for swimming with kids water is shallow and has sand for playing in. It is small hike from the parking lot to the beach and you have to climb over logs and drift wood. There is no cell phone reception.
July 9th, 2025Charles “Chuck” Stemke
UPDATE July 1, 2025: I called the Army Corps of Engineers, who told me that access to the Dunes is closed due to a lack of resources - I think we all know what that means. Apparently they even lack the resources to put this on their website. Such a shame! I'd lived in the Palouse for 3 years before I discovered the Dunes. Wish I had sooner, as it is the best beach around, in my opinion, and the most like I had always gone to on the East Coast growing up, and in So. CA before coming here. I love bringing my young son here and exploring all around the hilly, reed-covered dunes, swimming, floating on a raft, and playing in the sand. The college crowd usually arrives in the afternoon, and we're ready to leave as the boomboxes and beer pong tables are being carried down.
September 2nd, 2018Matt Bevington
It's amazing how shallow the water stays. This is a fun place to float and have a few beers. It can get crowded, and with some rowdy people, but is really a place I like visiting a lot.
May 8th, 2022Esther
There's some camping but check to make sure dam is open for crossings otherwise u want make it unless u have a bike :)