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Discover the 9 Best Hot Springs Washington State: A Washington Local’s Guide
Washington State is known for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. One of the best ways to enjoy the Evergreen State is to soak in its many hot springs, which offer relaxing and therapeutic benefits.
Whether you are looking for a luxurious resort, a rustic campground, or a remote wilderness adventure, you can find a hot spring that suits your preferences and budget. Here are some of the best hot springs in Washington State that you should visit.
Olympic Hot Springs Washington State
What to Expect: Olympic Hot Springs are natural, unmaintained hot water seeps located in the Olympic National Park, about 2.5 miles from the Boulder Creek Trailhead. The springs have several pools with different temperatures, ranging from lukewarm to 138°F. The pools are surrounded by old-growth forest and offer a serene and secluded setting.
Don’t Miss: The nearby Sol Duc Falls, a spectacular waterfall that cascades into a deep gorge. You can hike to the falls from the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort or the Sol Duc Falls Trailhead.
Good to Know: The springs are only accessible by foot and no pets or bicycles are permitted. You need to boil or treat all drinking water and practice Leave No Trace ethics. The springs may contain harmful bacteria and use of these pools is at your own risk. You also need to obtain a wilderness permit if you plan to camp overnight.
Goldmyer Hot Springs Washington State
What to Expect: Goldmyer Hot Springs is a hidden gem in the Cascade Mountains, about 25 miles east of North Bend. The springs are located inside an old horizontal mine shaft, where water flows steadily from the source at 125°F. The ambient temperature of the “cave” is around 111°F. There are also two pools outside the cave with cooler water.
Don’t Miss: The old-growth forest and the wildlife along the trail to the springs. You may spot deer, elk, bears, cougars, bobcats, and various birds.
Good to Know: You need to make a reservation in advance to visit Goldmyer Hot Springs, as they limit the number of visitors to 20 per day. You also need to obtain a Northwest Forest Pass for parking at the trailhead. The hike to the springs is about 4.5 miles one way and may require crossing streams and snowfields.
Carson Hot Springs Resort Washington State
What to Expect: Carson Hot Springs Resort is a historic and charming hotel along the Columbia River Gorge, near the town of Carson. The resort offers comfortable rooms with antique furnishings and private bathrooms with clawfoot tubs. The resort also has a bathhouse where you can enjoy mineral hot spring baths in vintage wooden tubs.
Don’t Miss: The Elk Ridge Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course that offers stunning views of the gorge and the mountains. You can also explore the nearby attractions such as Beacon Rock State Park, Bonneville Dam, and Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center.
Good to Know: The resort also offers spa services such as massages, facials, and body treatments. The bathhouse is open to guests and day visitors, but reservations are required.
Scenic Hot Springs Washington State
What to Expect: Scenic Hot Springs are three man-made pools perched on a wooden deck atop a steep hill near Stevens Pass. The pools are fed by hot water piped from a natural spring below Gamma Peak. The pools have different temperatures, from 85°F to 105°F, and can fit up to 10 people.
Don’t Miss: The breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and the pine forest below. You can also enjoy hiking or skiing at Stevens Pass Ski Area or visit Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-themed town.
Good to Know: Scenic Hot Springs are located on private property and you need to make a donation and get permission from the owner before visiting. You also need to hike about 2.2 miles one way to reach the springs, which may involve crossing snowfields or steep slopes.
Baker Hot Springs Washington State
What to Expect: Baker Hot Springs are two small and simple pools near Mount Baker in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The pools are made of concrete and have wooden covers. The water temperature is around 104°F and can be adjusted by opening or closing a pipe. The pools can fit about 3 people each.
Don’t Miss: The spectacular views of Mount Baker and the surrounding peaks. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, or skiing in the area, or visit the nearby towns of Concrete or Sedro-Woolley.
Good to Know: The road to the springs is rough and may require a high-clearance vehicle. The springs are also popular and may be crowded or dirty at times. You need to bring your own drinking water and practice Leave No Trace ethics.
Gamma Hot Springs Washington State
What to Expect: Gamma Hot Springs are one of the most remote and challenging hot springs in Washington State. They are located below Gamma Peak in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, about 16 miles from the Suiattle River Trailhead. The springs consist of two small pools with water temperature around 100°F. The pools are surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offer a rewarding and adventurous experience.
Don’t Miss: The pristine wilderness and the wildlife along the trail to the springs. You may encounter deer, elk, bears, goats, and marmots. You can also enjoy the views of Glacier Peak, one of the most active volcanoes in the state.
Good to Know: You need to have backcountry hiking and mountaineering skills to reach Gamma Hot Springs, as the trail is long, steep, and sometimes unclear. You also need to obtain a wilderness permit and a Northwest Forest Pass for parking at the trailhead. The springs are only accessible during late summer or early fall, when the snow melts.
Wind River Hot Springs Washington State
What to Expect: Wind River Hot Springs are two bedrock pools along the Wind River near Carson. The pools are fed by hot water bubbling up from the bottom of the riverbed. The water temperature ranges from 102°F to 107°F. The pools can fit about 4-5 people each and offer a relaxing and scenic setting.
Don’t Miss: The beautiful forest and the waterfall upriver from the springs. You can also enjoy fishing, rafting, or kayaking on the Wind River, or visit the nearby Gifford Pinchot National Forest or Columbia River Gorge.
Good to Know: Access to the springs is difficult because of private property issues. You need to park at a safe spot along Wind River Road and walk up the river for about half a mile to find the pools. You may also need to swim across the river or cross a bridge that is illegal.
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Sulphur Creek Hot Springs Washington State
What to Expect: Sulphur Creek Hot Springs are two small and shallow bedrock pools along the Sulphur Creek near Darrington. The pools are very primitive and have mud and rock bottoms. The water temperature varies from 85°F to 105°F. The pools are very secluded and offer a rustic and natural experience.
Don’t Miss: The scenic drive along the Mountain Loop Highway, which passes through old-growth forest, alpine lakes, and historic sites. You can also hike to nearby attractions such as Monte Cristo Ghost Town, Gothic Basin, or Big Four Ice Caves.
Good to Know: The trail to the springs is about 2 miles one way and is poorly maintained. You may need to cross a log bridge and walk upstream to find the pools. The springs are not tested or treated by the park and may contain harmful bacteria.
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat Washington State
What to Expect: Doe Bay Resort & Retreat is a scenic and peaceful destination on Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, from cabins and yurts to campsites and domes. The resort also features a spa with three clothing-optional outdoor soaking tubs overlooking the ocean, a dry sauna, and massage services.
Don’t Miss: The hiking trails and viewpoints at Moran State Park, the largest public park in the San Juan Islands. You can also enjoy kayaking, whale watching, biking, and fishing on the island.
Good to Know: The resort has a two-day minimum stay policy and reservations are strongly recommended. The spa is open to guests and day visitors, but priority is given to guests. The resort also has an organic cafe that serves locally sourced food.
Key Takeaways | Hot Springs Washington State
- Washington State has many hot springs that offer relaxing and therapeutic benefits in various settings.
- Some hot springs are located in resorts or campgrounds that provide amenities and services, while others are located in wilderness areas that require hiking and camping skills.
- Some hot springs are open year-round, while others are seasonal or dependent on river levels.
- Some hot springs require reservations, permits, fees, or donations, while others are free or donation-based.
- Some hot springs are tested or treated for safety and cleanliness, while others are not and may pose health risks.
- All hot springs require respect for nature, property owners, and fellow soakers.
