Table of Contents
Explore Gamma Hot Springs – Hidden Gem in Washington’s Hot Springs Scene
Gamma Hot Springs is a hidden gem in the North Cascades of Washington State. It is a natural hot spring that offers a relaxing soak in a scenic setting. Gamma Hot Springs is not easy to reach, but it is well worth the effort for those who love adventure and nature.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your next trip to Gamma Hot Springs, including its location, how to get there, accessibility, and directions with Google Maps location link.
Location of Gamma Hot Springs
Gamma Hot Springs is located in the Glacier Peak Wilderness, near the summit of Gamma Peak. Gamma Peak is a 7,048-foot mountain that lies on the border of Snohomish and Chelan counties. The hot spring is situated on the east side of Gamma Ridge, a long ridge that connects Gamma Peak with Suiattle River. The hot spring is fed by a small tributary of Gamma Creek, which flows into the Suiattle River.
The coordinates of Gamma Hot Springs are approximately 48.152619° N, 121.0634362° W. You can use this link to view its location on Google Maps. The location is not exact though.
How to Get To Gamma Hot Springs
The only way to get to Gamma Hot Springs is by hiking. There is no road access or official trail to the hot spring. The hike to Gamma Hot Springs is challenging and requires good navigation skills, climbing gear, and snow-covered experience. The hike is about 12 miles one way and involves an elevation gain of about 4,000 feet. The hike can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on your pace and conditions.
The hike starts from the Upper Suiattle River Trailhead, which is located at the end of Suiattle River Road near Darrington. From the trailhead, follow the Upper Suiattle River Trail for about 2.9 miles until you reach a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Turn right and follow the PCT for another 1.5 miles until you cross a tributary of Gamma Creek. Look for a faint trail on the left of the creek that climbs steeply up the hillside. This is the start of the Gamma Ridge Trail.
The Gamma Ridge Trail is not maintained and can be hard to follow. It is marked by occasional cairns and flagging tape, but it can be overgrown, washed out, or covered by snow in some sections. The trail switchbacks and climbs steeply through the forest until it enters the first meadow at about 4,000 feet elevation. The trail continues through the meadow and then enters another forested section. The trail can be easy to lose in this section, so pay attention to the cairns and flagging tape.
The trail emerges from the forest and enters another meadow at about 5,000 feet elevation. The trail crosses the meadow and then climbs up a rocky slope to reach the top of Gamma Ridge at about 6,000 feet elevation. From here, you can see Glacier Peak and other peaks in the North Cascades. The trail follows the ridge towards Gamma Peak for about 0.5 miles until it reaches a junction with a climber’s trail that leads to the summit of Gamma Peak.
To reach Gamma Hot Springs, you need to follow this climber’s trail for about 0.3 miles until you reach a gully that descends from the ridge to Gamma Creek. Cross the gully and start climbing up the opposite slope towards another gully that leads to the hot spring. This section can be very steep and slippery, so use caution and climbing gear if necessary. Cross the second gully and continue climbing up the slope until you reach a small pool surrounded by rocks at about 6,500 feet elevation. This is Gamma Hot Springs.
You may like to read about 9 Best Hot Springs Washington State.
Accessibility of Gamma Hot Springs
Gamma Hot Springs is not accessible for everyone. It is only suitable for experienced hikers who are prepared for a long and strenuous hike in a remote and rugged terrain. The hike involves crossing streams, climbing steep slopes, navigating through snow fields, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. The hike can be dangerous and requires proper planning, equipment, and skills.
Some of the challenges and risks of hiking to Gamma Hot Springs are:
- The hike is very long and tiring. It can take up to 12 hours one way and requires a lot of physical stamina and endurance.
- The hike is very isolated and remote. There is no cell phone service or emergency facilities along the way. You need to be self-reliant and carry enough food, water, clothing, first aid kit, map, compass, GPS device, flashlight, whistle, knife, fire starter, and other essentials.
- The hike is very exposed and subject to weather changes. You need to check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for rain, snow, wind, fog, or thunderstorms. You need to dress in layers and carry waterproof and warm clothing, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and other protection.
- The hike is very steep and slippery. You need to have good balance and coordination and wear sturdy and comfortable hiking boots with good traction. You need to use hiking poles, ice axe, crampons, or other climbing gear if necessary.
- The hike is very hard to follow and easy to get lost. You need to have good navigation skills and follow the trail markers carefully. You need to use a map, compass, GPS device, or other navigation tools if necessary.
Directions with Google Maps Location Link To Gamma Hot Springs
To get driving directions to the Upper Suiattle River Trailhead from your location, you can use this link. The trailhead is located at the end of Suiattle River Road near Darrington. The road is paved for the first 12 miles and then turns into a gravel road for the last 11 miles. The road can be rough and narrow in some sections, so drive carefully and watch out for potholes, rocks, and fallen trees. The road is usually open from May to November, but it can be closed due to snow, floods, or landslides. Check the road conditions before you go.
The hike is about 12 miles one way and involves an elevation gain of about 4,000 feet. The hike can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on your pace and conditions. The hike follows the Upper Suiattle River Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Gamma Ridge Trail, and a climber’s trail to the hot spring. The hike is not marked on Google Maps, so you need to follow the trail descriptions and waypoints.
Key Takeaways | Gamma Hot Springs
Gamma Hot Springs is a natural hot spring that offers a relaxing soak in a scenic setting in the North Cascades of Washington State. It is located near the summit of Gamma Peak on the east side of Gamma Ridge. It is fed by a small tributary of Gamma Creek.
Gamma Hot Springs is not easy to reach, but it is well worth the effort for those who love adventure and nature. It is only accessible by hiking a challenging and remote trail that requires good navigation skills, climbing gear, and snow-covered experience. The hike is about 12 miles one way and involves an elevation gain of about 4,000 feet. The hike can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours depending on your pace and conditions.
Gamma Hot Springs is not accessible for everyone. It is only suitable for experienced hikers who are prepared for a long and strenuous hike in a remote and rugged terrain. The hike involves crossing streams, climbing steep slopes, navigating through snow fields, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. The hike can be dangerous and requires proper planning, equipment, and skills.
Gamma Hot Springs is a hidden gem in the North Cascades that offers a rewarding experience for those who are willing to take on the challenge. It is a great destination for backpacking, camping, or day hiking. It is a rare opportunity to enjoy a natural hot spring in a wilderness setting.
We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to plan your next trip to Gamma Hot Springs. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you.
Happy trails!
