{"id":4556,"date":"2023-08-11T15:41:48","date_gmt":"2023-08-11T15:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/?p=4556"},"modified":"2023-08-17T22:22:39","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T22:22:39","slug":"the-5-best-hot-springs-in-washington-you-need-to-check-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/11\/the-5-best-hot-springs-in-washington-you-need-to-check-out\/","title":{"rendered":"The 5 Best Hot Springs in Washington You Need to Check Out"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Washington State boasts an abundance of unforgettable nature experiences. Not least among these are natural hot springs where you can soak in hot geothermal pools in the middle of beautiful old-growth forests!<\/p>\n

Get ready to soothe your muscles along with your soul. We\u2019ve got everything you need to know about the best natural hot springs in Washington below. Read on to see our top picks and learn all about how to plan for your trip!<\/p>\n

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Best Hot Springs in Washington\u2019s Olympic National Park<\/h2>\n

Some of the best hot springs in Washington are found inside Olympic National Park, a popular recreation destination frequented by state residents and visitors alike.<\/p>\n

Be prepared: since these hot springs are located on national park grounds, you\u2019ll need to pay for park entry in addition to any costs required for the hot springs themselves. Purchase a national parks pass<\/a> in advance of your trip or pay a single-day park entry fee on the day of your visit.<\/p>\n

Keep reading for more details about the best hot springs to visit in Washington state\u2019s Olympic National Park!<\/p>\n

1. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking for hot springs in Washington where you can enjoy on-site amenities, you need to check out Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Sol Duc offers overnight lodging, but the main attraction is the sulfur soaking tubs that you can also visit via day pass. There are restrooms, picnic areas, a restaurant, and a gift shop on site that are available to all visitors.<\/p>\n

The short, easy hike from check-in to the soaking pools passes through a stunning rainforest. Make sure you stop by Sol Duc waterfall while you\u2019re there! Then, settle in to soak in one of the resort\u2019s several geothermal pools at a variety of temperatures.<\/p>\n

Thinking about staying overnight? You can camp at one of their campsites or rent a private cabin. Just know that the cabins are very rustic, with minimal commodities and lots of dust.<\/p>\n

Reservations are required for day visits to the hot springs as well as camping or cabin rentals. Sol Duc books pretty far in advance, so check their availability today before you start planning your visit.<\/p>\n

2. Olympic Hot Springs<\/h3>\n

Olympic Hot Springs<\/a> is another destination for hot springs to visit in Washington\u2019s Olympic National Park.<\/p>\n

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The natural geothermal pools at Olympic Hot Springs range from warm to hot. They vary in size as well, and while some are located right along the trail, others are slightly more secluded.<\/p>\n

You can access these hot springs by way of an easy 2.4 mile road walk on a wide, flat mountain trail. This scenic hike is known for beautiful foliage and frequent wildlife sightings, and is passable for children and seniors.<\/p>\n

There are outhouses located at the nearby Boulder Creek campground, but there are no other amenities available at Olympic Hot Springs. These pools are naturally occurring water features that are not maintained by the park. Be careful entering and exiting the rugged pools, whose surfaces might be slick with algae.<\/p>\n

No reservation is required to visit the hot springs, but that also means you might find them more crowded than you\u2019d prefer, depending upon when you visit.<\/p>\n

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Best Hot Springs in Washington\u2019s Cascade Mountains<\/h2>\n

Another area where you can find gorgeous natural hot springs in Washington is the Cascade Mountain region. There are several great places in this area where you\u2019ll find natural sulfur pools or man-made geothermal soaking tubs.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn all about our top picks for the best hot springs in Washington\u2019s Cascade Mountains.<\/p>\n

3. Scenic Hot Springs<\/h3>\n

One of the most unique hot springs in Washington is Scenic Hot Springs<\/a>. Located on a private property in the central Cascades near Stevens Pass, this destination is pretty remote. But it offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience to visitors, who can soak in geothermal waters on the side of a scenic mountain slope.<\/p>\n

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You will need to make reservations several months in advance to visit Scenic Hot Springs, but it is worth the wait!<\/p>\n

The experience begins with a moderately challenging hike through the mountains that takes most visitors about two hours to complete. You\u2019ll be rewarded at the end with stunning views from three man-made soaking tubs situated on the mountainside overlooking a gorgeous pine forest. The tubs are pumped full of mineral-rich geothermal water from nearby hot springs, and kept at three different toasty temperatures.<\/p>\n

The owner of this property caps daily occupancy at ten people max, so it doesn\u2019t get too crowded in this little sliver of paradise. Clothing is optional, so you can reasonably expect some nudity.<\/p>\n

4. Goldmyer Hot Springs<\/h3>\n

A list of the best hot springs in Washington would not be complete without mention of Goldmyer Hot Springs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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This oasis in the Cascade foothills near North Bend, Washington, has three hot springs as well as one cool spring for soaking. The immediate area around the pools also features some modest amenities including picnic tables, outhouses, and campsites. Hiking trails that start near the springs meander through a beautiful old-growth forest and boast views of multiple waterfalls.<\/p>\n

Getting to this gorgeous spot takes some effort, though! Start by planning your trip early and booking an advanced reservation with the nonprofit organization that owns the site.<\/p>\n

The drive to the wilderness preserve requires an AWD vehicle that can get you over rough terrain. The last six miles of Forest Service road to the trailhead are unpaved and notoriously riddled with potholes upon potholes. Goldmyer Hot Springs\u2019 management also advises travelers to bring road-clearing equipment such as saws, axes, or chainsaws for clearing road obstructions.<\/p>\n

The hike from the trailhead to the wilderness preserve and hot springs is about 4.5 miles each way. Make sure you are prepared for this trek with proper hiking gear and plenty of water.<\/p>\n

Clothing is optional at Goldmyer Hot Springs. Reservations limit occupancy to a maximum of sixteen guests per day to prevent the pools from becoming overcrowded and assure you a tranquil experience.<\/p>\n

5. Baker Hot Springs<\/h3>\n

Looking for hot springs in Washington that you can visit for free? Check out Baker Hot Springs<\/a>, a primitive hot springs destination in the North Cascades, not far from quaint Bellingham, Washington.<\/p>\n

Baker Hot Springs is free and open to the public with no fees or reservations required. This means, though, that there are absolutely no facilities nearby, including restrooms of any kind.<\/p>\n

The two natural geothermal pools at Baker Hot Springs are more warm than hot, usually around a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with a few hot spots in each. The pools are easily accessible from the road, requiring only an easy half-mile hike through the woods.<\/p>\n

Visitors do often report finding Baker Hot Springs in disrepair when they arrive. With no staff to provide maintenance, the task of keeping these hot springs safe and clean falls to those who come to soak in the pools. Bring trash bags with you, and be advised: you might encounter garbage or human waste left behind by less courteous visitors.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Springs in Washington<\/span><\/h2>\n

Still have questions about hot springs in Washington? Keep reading for answers!<\/p>\n

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A natural hot spring in Olympic National Park.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are hot springs safe?<\/h3>\n

The most important rule for soaking in hot springs safely is to keep your head above water.<\/p>\n

This is because warm or hot (but not boiling) geothermal water can house all kinds of bacteria. One such organism, known as a \u201cbrain-eating amoeba<\/a>,\u201d can infect swimmers by entering through the nose and traveling up into the brain. Though rare, these infections are almost always fatal.<\/p>\n

Other safe practices include taking breaks between hot soaks and staying hydrated. Bring plenty of clean, potable water with you. It\u2019s also recommended that those who are pregnant, have high blood pressure or have a heart condition avoid soaking in hot springs.<\/p>\n

Does Mount Rainier have hot springs?<\/h3>\n

While Mount Rainier technically does have hot springs, they are not the type that you can soak in.<\/p>\n

There is geothermal water underground at Mount Rainier, but it is only above ground in the form of shallow puddles. There are neither natural nor man-made soaking pools for hot springs seekers in the Mount Rainier area.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t worry \u2013 some of the best hot springs in Washington are not very far from Mount Rainier. Our #4 pick, Goldmyer Hot Springs, is closest to this area, about two hours from Mount Rainier National Park.<\/p>\n

What is so special about hot springs?<\/h3>\n

Hot springs can be found all over the world and have been used for centuries to promote health and relaxation.<\/p>\n

Most hot springs are found in areas where there are fault lines in the earth or volcanic activity nearby. The water in a hot spring is warmed geothermally, usually up to around one hundred degrees or higher.<\/p>\n

The high temperature of the water makes it possible for it to hold high concentrations of solid minerals. All those minerals give the hot spring water a soft texture and make you feel weightless when floating in it.<\/p>\n

Are there health benefits to hot springs?<\/h3>\n

Here\u2019s a breakdown of the most noteworthy health benefits you may receive from soaking in geothermal hot springs.<\/p>\n

Hot Springs and Stress Relief<\/h4>\n

Studies show that spending time in nature can have immediate and lasting positive impacts on mental health. Spending just ten minutes in a green space can boost endorphins and trigger the release of dopamine while also reducing cortisol production. Add to that the well-known benefit of hot water soaks for relieving muscle tension, and you\u2019ve got a recipe for relaxation!<\/p>\n

Minerals and Skin Health<\/h4>\n

Hot springs in Washington are dense with sulfur, silica, and other minerals that absorb into your skin while you\u2019re soaking.<\/p>\n

Silica specifically improves skin elasticity and hydration.<\/p>\n

Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium are just a few other minerals found in high concentrations in hot springs. These can all soothe skin irritation and reduce redness, itchiness, and pain caused by conditions like acne and eczema.<\/p>\n

Sulfur, the mineral that gives hot springs in Washington their distinctive \u201crotten egg\u201d smell, provides many benefits for the body. In addition to softening and healing skin, sulfur can also stimulate your immune system, improve respiratory health, and support healthy blood pressure.<\/p>\n

You may also find relief from dry, itchy scalp problems after soaking in hot springs. If your hair gets dried out in the process, don\u2019t worry. It will recover after a cool fresh water rinse and a dose of conditioner.<\/p>\n

Other Health Benefits of Hot Springs<\/h4>\n

Other benefits of soaking in hot springs include improved blood circulation, reduction of nasal congestion, and pain relief for musculoskeletal problems like arthritis.<\/p>\n

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<\/span>Time to Visit the Best Hot Springs in Washington!<\/span><\/h2>\n
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With advance reservations required for most of these incredible hot springs in Washington, you\u2019ve got no time to waste! Start planning your trip today to check out one or more of these can\u2019t-miss destinations. <\/p>\n

Ready to discover more sights and experiences in the Evergreen State? We\u2019ve got all you need to know about the best places to hike and camp in Washington. Start by checking out our post on the best Beach Camping in Washington<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Washington State boasts an abundance of unforgettable nature experiences. Not least among these are natural hot springs where you can soak in hot geothermal pools in the middle of beautiful old-growth forests! Get ready to soothe your muscles along with your soul. We\u2019ve got everything you need to know about the best natural hot springs […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4558,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4556"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4556"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4556\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4562,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4556\/revisions\/4562"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4558"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/highermag.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}