As a child to escape the heat my parents would take me to The Basin to go swimming. The Basin is an amazing collection of natural water formations that are more fun than any water park could ever be. I had always wanted to take a waterproof camera to the cascades and see what things looked like underwater. On a very hot I day I made my wish come true with a cheap underwater disposable camera.

The cascades surrounding The Basin are pretty much always cold. I don’t think I’ve ever been in them when they have felt comfortable.

Spring water on water slide taken on Kodak Ektar

Things To Know

You can’t actually swim in The Basin, which is good because it would kill you.
Echo Lake is nearby, colder and costs money. Avoid it.
The cascade trail to Lonesome Lake is one of the best hiking trails on earth if you like water.
The water here can be so cold that it burns to the touch but as you walk away from the parking area it gets warmer.
Kinsman falls is straight out of a Romancing the Stone.