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Tucked away in the northwesternmost corner of the continental United States, Washington is blessed with pristine natural landscapes, a mountainous topography, and postcard-ready vistas. It is a destination that promises plenty of outdoor adventures and iconic environmental landmarks.
From intrepid mountain ridges to lush verdant forests surrounding majestic lakes, The Evergreen State is famous for its pristine environment riddled with some of the most awe-inspiring hiking trails found anywhere in the world. Along with the state’s more adventurous attractions, Washington also boasts a collection of natural hot springs.
Famous for their healing properties, these thermal pools are a must-visit destination. They serve to soothe weary muscles well-worn from the more physically demanding activities offered in the state. However, while hot springs are abundant across the state, visitors must first know where to look for these natural pools.
In total, there are eight known Washington hot springs open for public access. From rustic primitive pools hidden deep in the mountains to extensive luxury resort complexes, this is everything you need to know about Washington hot springs.
Washington Hot Springs Map
Washington Hot Springs Regions
While hot springs are found throughout the state, they tend to be more abundant in the northern regions of Washington, with only a small selection of thermal pools present in the south.
Hot Springs in Northwestern Washington
tNestled in the beautifully idyllic Olympic National Park and the San Juan Islands, Washington’s northwestern corner is home to some of the most picturesque and historically significant hot springs in the state. These geothermal wonders have long been cherished for their healing properties, offering visitors a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush forests, rugged coastlines, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Accentuating photogenic vistas and verdant natural scenery, this region is home to two resort-style hot springs, providing modern comforts while maintaining the natural beauty of the pools. Meanwhile, one remaining primitive hot spring, although currently inaccessible due to road closures, preserves the wild and untouched essence of these geothermal wonders.
|
Hot Spring |
Type |
Location |
Opening Hours |
Cost & Permits |
Planning a Visit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat |
Resort |
Check Washington Hot Springs Map |
Open year-round; hours vary by season |
Private Spa Rental: $150 for a 90-minute session (up to 15 people) | Communal Soak: $20 + tax per person for a 90-minute session, communal soaks are reserved for lodging guests only. Off-site guests may book private spa rentals, subject to availability. |
Get all the essential information on Doe Bay Resort & Retreat soon. |
|
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort |
Resort |
Check Washington Hot Springs Map |
March 21st at 4:00 pm – November 2nd at 12:00 pm |
Accommodation: Pricing varies; check availability and rates on the Booking.com website. |
Get all the essential information on Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort soon. |
|
Olympic Hot Springs |
Primitive |
Check Washington Hot Springs Map |
Currently closed due to road closures |
Access: Olympic National Park entrance fee required. Visitors must have one of the following entrance passes: Standard Pass ($15.00–$30.00), Annual Pass ($55.00), or America the Beautiful Pass (Free–$80.00). |
Hot Springs in Northcentral Washington
The Northcentral region of Washington boasts the highest concentration of primitive hot springs in the state, offering visitors a chance to experience some of the most naturally preserved geothermal pools in the country.
Located both in and to the east of Seattle, these geothermal pools sit within Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forestand North Cascades National Park, making them a perfect escape for outdoor adventurers. Many of these hot springs require reservations or long hikes, ensuring a secluded and peaceful experience. If you’re looking for more options within driving distance of the city, check out our guide to hot springs near Seattle to find additional geothermal getaways.
|
Hot Spring |
Type |
Location |
Opening Hours |
Cost & Permits |
Planning a Visit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Goldmyer Hot Springs |
Primitive |
Check Washington Hot Springs Map |
By reservation only; Limited to 20 visitors per day |
Reservation required: $20 per person; Northwest Forest Pass required for parking |
Get all details on Goldmyer Hot Springs soon. |
|
Scenic Hot Springs |
Primitive |
Check Washington Hot Springs Map |
By reservation only |
Reservation required: $25–$30 per person; Limited to small groups |
Get all details on Scenic Hot Springs soon. |
|
Sulphur Warm Springs |
Primitive |
Check Washington Hot Springs Map |
Open year-round; Daylight hours recommended |
Free to access; Northwest Forest Pass required for parking |
Get all details on Sulphur Hot Springs soon. |
Hot Springs in Southern Washington
While Southern Washington has fewer hot springs than its northern counterpart, it is home to one notable geothermal destination—the small town of Carson, along the Columbia River near the Oregon border.
The thermal waters of Carson emerge from deep underground, feeding two distinct hot springs—one in its natural, primitive state and the other incorporated into a historically rich hot spring resort.
|
Hot Spring |
Type |
Location |
Opening Hours |
Cost & Permits |
Planning a Visit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Resort |
Check Washington Hot Springs Map |
Daily: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Pool Pass: $14/hour/person; Lodging available at additional cost; No permits required |
Get all details on Carson Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort soon. |
|
|
Wind River Hot Springs |
Primitive |
Check Washington Hot Springs Map |
Open year-round; Daylight hours recommended |
Free to access; No permits required |
Get all details on Wind River Hot Springs soon. |
The Best Washington Hot Springs
Olympic Hot Springs
Nestled along Boulder Creek in the Olympic National Park, the Olympic Hot Springs are a beautiful collection of primitive thermal pools that require a long and picturesque hike to access.
Starting from the trailhead, the trek to the springs is 10 miles long and features an elevation change of 3,100 feet.
Still, while the springs are rewarding, the hike itself is a venture worth undertaking and features thick verdant forest foliage, rustic bridge crossings, and picturesque waterfalls throughout the journey.
Upon arriving at their destination, visitors soothe their hiking muscles by submerging in one of five natural mineral pools occupying the area. Each pool offers a unique soaking experience at various temperatures, with the warmest spring boasting waters of 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
While no accommodations are present at the springs, visitors looking to spend the night in the area can pitch a tent at the Boulder Creek Campground located 0.5 miles away.
EDIT: Olympic Hot Springs are currently closed due road closures.
Goldmyers Hot Springs
Located deep in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, the Goldmyers Hot Springs is a 20-acre wilderness reserve that features some of the most pristine hot springs in the state, boasting serene settings and an enhanced immersion into the wonderous natural environment.
Starting from a trailhead near North Bend, the hike to Goldmyer Hot Springs is an arduous 11.1-mile journey through rugged terrains and thick tree canopies that serve as a habitat for many local plant and animal species.
While the hike itself is beautiful, the springs at the end of the trek are breathtaking. Surrounding by dense foliage, the thermal pool is a quiet oasis fed from a horizontal mine shaft. Upon extraction from the mine, the natural waters average temperatures of 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, by the time the water enters into the cave pool, it reaches a more bearable 111 degrees, which again filters out via a waterfall into an outdoor pool, which averages a comfortable temperature of 104 degrees.
Also available within the vicinity is a cold natural spring where visitors can escape the hot waters for an enhanced soaking experience with varying temperatures.
Only 20 visitors are permitted to visit the hot springs per day. As such, guests should reserve a permit in advance to ensure their access. Additionally, visitors should pack camping gear to comfortably spend the night in the area.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
One of Washington’s most celebrated thermal pool destinations, the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers a full-service hotel and soaking complex right within Olympic National Park.
Surrounded by the thick forests of the dreamlike natural preserve, visitors to the resort are conveniently located to explore the region’s many attractions before unwinding in the site’s natural mineral waters.
The resort features three mineral soaking pools, which vary in temperature from 99 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Also located within the premises is a freshwater pool for visitors seeking a cooler dip.
Additional services within the resort complex include luxury accommodation options, primitive campgrounds, onsite dining services, and much more. Furthermore, the resort also offers a series of planned itineraries that engages in-depth knowledge of the area for a deeper exploration of the region’s many natural attractions.
Overall, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is the best all-inclusive hot spring experience for visitors seeking a hands-off vacation for a stay lavished with enhanced relaxation and a tranquil ambiance.
Types of Washington Hot Springs
While each of the state’s natural thermal pools offers unique experiences and diverse vistas to enjoy, Washington’s thermal pools can typically be classified into two varieties according to the amount of development present at the site.
Primitive Hot Springs in Washington
Primitive hot springs in Washington offer a natural way to experience the state’s geothermal waters, without the development found at resorts or commercial sites. These pools are usually located in remote areas, requiring a hike to reach, but they provide a quiet setting and a direct connection to nature. Since they are unregulated, visitors need to be prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep these places clean and accessible.
One of the most well-known primitive springs in the state is Goldmyer Hot Springs, located in the Cascade Mountains. It sits within a protected wilderness area, and access is limited to 20 visitors per day to help preserve the site. The 4.5-mile hike to reach Goldmyer follows the Snoqualmie River and leads to several soaking pools, including one inside a natural cave, where temperatures can reach 125°F (52°C). The spring is managed with basic amenities, so visitors should bring everything they need and pack out all waste.
Another popular option is Scenic Hot Springs near Stevens Pass. Once part of a historic lodge, today it is privately owned, and visitors must make reservations in advance. The hike to the springs is steep and about two miles long, gaining 1,100 feet in elevation before reaching three soaking pools with views of the surrounding mountains. Because access is controlled, the number of people at the springs is limited, making it a quieter spot compared to many others.
For a more remote option, Sulphur Warm Springs is located in the North Cascades. Unlike Goldmyer or Scenic, there are no maintained trails leading to the pools, so reaching it requires some navigation through rugged backcountry terrain. The pools are small, and the water is moderately warm, but it remains a little-known spot for those who don’t mind the effort to get there.
Wind River Hot Springs is another primitive site, located near Carson along the Columbia River Gorge. The pools sit along the Wind River, where hot mineral water mixes with the cooler river water. However, access can be uncertain due to private land ownership issues, so visitors should check current conditions before attempting to visit. When available, it’s a unique spot where the temperature varies depending on river conditions.
Since these hot springs are undeveloped, visitors should be prepared for rugged conditions. Most require hiking, and some have limited access or unclear land ownership. Checking ahead, bringing proper gear, and respecting the environment are key to keeping these places open for others. Despite the challenges, these hot springs remain a great way to experience Washington’s natural geothermal features in a simple, unspoiled setting.
Hot Spring Resorts in Washington
One of the most well-known resort experiences is Carson Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort, located in the Columbia River Gorge. This historic property dates back to the early 1900s and maintains its rustic charm while offering mineral-rich soaking tubs, a full-service spa, and the Elk Ridge Golf Course. The resort’s bathhouse features vintage clawfoot tubs, and some rooms include private hot tubs, making it a great option for those who want a more private soaking experience.
For those looking to combine hot springs with a national park visit, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort in Olympic National Park provides a relaxing retreat surrounded by old-growth forests. The resort has three mineral soaking pools with varying temperatures, a freshwater pool, and rustic cabins for overnight stays. Since the resort sits inside the park, visitors also have access to hiking trails, including the scenic Sol Duc Falls trail. The onsite restaurant and convenience store make it a convenient option for those wanting a comfortable stay within the park.
In the San Juan Islands, Doe Bay Resort & Retreat offers a waterfront escape with a focus on wellness and sustainability. The resort features outdoor soaking tubs overlooking Doe Bay, a sauna, and a yoga studio. Accommodations range from cabins and yurts to campsites, catering to different budgets. The Doe Bay Café serves farm-to-table meals, and the resort hosts events and retreats, making it a popular choice for those looking for a relaxing getaway with a community feel.
Washington’s hot spring resorts each offer a different experience—whether it’s the historic charm of Carson, the national park setting of Sol Duc, or the coastal retreat of Doe Bay. They provide a comfortable and accessible way to enjoy the state’s geothermal waters while still having the option to explore surrounding landscapes.
