From underground lava tubes to glacier peaks, the state of Washington is home to all kinds of outdoor adventures and the many hot springs found throughout the state offer a true Pacific Northwest experience that just about anyone will find enjoyable. The ease of accessing these mineral-fed springs can vary from resort visits to backcountry hiking, with each one offering its own style and ambience. With just a bit of research and planning, both local residents and travelers alike can experience some of the best geothermal attractions in the country.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort can be found within the boundaries of Olympic National Park is one of Washington’s most appealing hot spring spots. This hot spring resort is not only great for the entire family and easy to access, but the sprawling national park surrounding it offers much more to explore before or after a relaxing soak. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort includes one freshwater pool and three mineral-fed hot spring soaking pools, which are open to overnight resort guests, as well as those staying in the campground or the cabins. Day passes are available as well.
12076 Sol Duc-Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363, Phone: 888-896-3818
Goldmyer Hot Springs
Located near the Snoqualmie Pass of Cascade Mountain range among ancient forests, the Goldmyer Hot Springs can be found around forty-five minutes from the busy city of Seattle and is one of the state’s best kept geothermal gems. It takes some work to get to these hot spring, however, requiring a fifteen-mile drive down an unpaved, non-maintained Forest Service road. This is followed by a 4.5-mile hike through a wilderness area, but the remote location helps keep the hot springs in good condition and not as crowded. Reservations are highly recommended due to the 20 visitors per day limit.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, North Bend, WA 98045
Olympic Hot Springs
The Olympic Hot Springs are another option for anyone exploring Olympic National Park. These hot springs add a bit more wilderness experience when compared to the nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort’s comfortable setting. Visitors can make the 2.5-mile hike to access the natural Olympic Hot Springs, which has no man-made structures. The hike begins at the Boulder Creek Trailhead in the Elwha Valley and the trail is wide with a very limited gain in elevation. The lack of amenities often found at hot spring resorts is part of what makes the springs appealing to so many people.
Doe Bay Resort and Retreat
The Doe Bay Resort and Retreat offers a “first-class ticket” to all the San Juan Islands of Washington have to offer. Located in Olga on Orcas Island, the resort features waterfront hot spring soaking tubs and a sauna that could be considered the centerpiece of the property. These mineral baths, however, are only just a small portion of what guests will find at the “natural resort.” The Doe Bay Resort includes the Doe Bay Cafe that gets ingredients from the on-site organic garden, kayaking excursions, a yoga studio, a spa, and accommodations options like waterfront campsites, yurts, and cabins.
107 Doe Bay Road, Olga, WA 98279
Carson Hot Springs Resort
Situated in southern Washington’s Columbia River Valley, the Carson Hot Springs Resort is a place for visitors to escape their everyday concerns and travel back to the past. Not much has changed in regards to the hot springs resort’s facade and the surrounding town of Carson, other than a few modern renovations. This provides guests with a rustic getaway and a chance to enjoy nature. A variety of rooms are offered at the Carson Hot Spring Resort, with some featuring private mineral-fed soaking tubs. The resort also includes an adults-only bathhouse dating back to the 1930’s with several mineral-fed tubs.
372 St. Martin’s Springs Rd, Carson, WA 98610, Phone: 509-427-8296
Scenic Hot Springs
Located on 40 pristine acres in the central Cascades, near Steven’s Pass, Scenic Hot Springs is a privately owned natural hot spring which is open to the public by on-line reservation only. Once you have book a date and time you can start looking forward to the opportunity to spend some time soaking in naturally healthy thermal tubs. However, you are going to have to earn your relaxing soak by hiking up a 4.4-mile out and back hiking trail. Popular with naturists, Scenic Hot Springs is a clothing-optional facility, (which includes all the trails leading to the tubs).
Skykomish, WA 98288
Sulphur Creek Hot Springs
Sulphur Creek Hot Springs is one of the many primitive, undeveloped hot springs which are dotted around Washington State. Getting to this small natural spring will require you to take a hike through some amazing Washington scenery in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest near Darrington. The hike is around 4 miles out-and-back and you are unlikely to come across any other visitors as you make your way to the spring. Because the trail is not heavily trafficked it can very overgrown and difficult to navigate in places and you are advised to dress appropriately in long pants. You can download a map online.
Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, WA 98237
Be sure to check out the Darrington Bluegrass Festival in July.
Baker Hot Spring
Baker Hot Spring is also a primitive natural spring located in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, but it is much easier to visit than Sulphur Creek Hot Spring. The primitive pool has rock and gravel sides and is fed by a few sources – the temperature of the pool will depend on the time of year and how close you are to one of the hot spring sources. You will need to take a walk to reach this spring but the approach is level and around 1 mile out and in, making it accessible to most people. Look out for painted rocks with directions to the spring. Like many other primitive hot springs, clothing is optional at Baker Hot Spring.
Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, WA 98237
