The illinois River runs through a very steep, rocky gorge to the West of Grants Pass. There are several places people dive, and many people camp, fish, and swim in the river as well during the summer.
Take Hwy. 199 West of Grants Pass until you come to the town of Selma. There is a single yellow blinking traffic light over the highway here at the gas station, where you'll turn right (heading North) up the access road. This road follows the canyon along the river. It's a scary drive - 1 lane at times with steep cliffs. Drive carefully!
You can stop at many areas along the river, and there are sure to be some good dive spots all along the canyon. One of the most popular spots is at Swinging Bridge, which is immediately at the end of the paved road, then about 1/2 mile down a dirt & gravel road. You'll drive across a wooden bridge to the main parking area, and dive under the 65 foot suspended foot bridge. The diving is great, and at the end of the summer, you won't need a wetsuit. It's gravel bottom and rock walls mean there's little silt to kick up, and diving here is like flying through the Grand Canyon. Vis is good. Many classes go here in the summer for checkout dives. There is not a strong thermocline here, but some notice some change in temperature deeper in the canyon. Depths up to 60 feet.
In the late summer (July-September), you can dive with just a shorty (or less). Winter, the water can get rough, and will get down into the upper 40's to low 50's. This is a good-weather dive site and only diveable in Spring, Summer and Fall.
