Written byBrad Lane
Updated October 14, 2022
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Hot Springs in Washington adds to the state's long list of top adventures. From glacier-clad peaks to underground lava tubes,Washington is full of unique adventures. And the state's many mineral-fed hot springs are an iconic Pacific Northwest attraction for all to enjoy.
Access to these various hot springs varies in ease depending on the region. From nature walks to holiday and spa visits – each hot spring offers its own atmosphere and style.
Some of the best places to swim are also suitable for other adventures, such ashikeAndCamping. And some hot springs, like Sol Duc Hot Springs, are surrounded by world-class adventure playgroundsOlympic National Park.
Hot springs are popular attractions in the state. They also represent a fragile environment. When visiting any hot spring, whether commercial, wild, or accessed from private property, it is important to exercise caution when avoiding these amazing attractions.
Find the best places to visit and relax with our list of the best hot springs in Washington.
1. Goldmyer Hot Springs
Goldmyer Hot Springs is one of the best-preserved geothermal gems in all of Washington State. It is located in the old growth forests of the Cascade Mountains near Snoqualmie Pass, about 45 minutes east of Seattle.
Visitors must work to enjoy Goldmyer Hot Spring. It is a 15 mile drive on an unmaintained dirt logging road and a 4.5 mile hike into the desert to get to the springs. This long approach helps keep this hard-to-reach place in good condition.
Northwest Wilderness Programsalso help to keep the natural area untouched. This non-profit organization owns and operates the wells and enforces green policies to protect the fragile environment. Northwest Wilderness Programs restrict use of Goldmyer Hot Springs20 people a day.
Reservations are now required to visit Goldmyer Hot Springs, and a new lottery system will be in place every month until 2022. Occasionally, a last-minute spot may become available due to a cancellation. The lottery starts two months before the actual registration month. For example, the lottery for April is open from February 1stand February 29Th.
Camping is available near the hot springs among the huge trees scattered throughout the area. Camping is considered primitive and visitors must pack (and unpack) all their own supplies. Track and road conditions to reach Goldmyer vary depending on weather conditions. Therefore, visitors should consult the official website before planning a trip.
Adresse: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Goldmyer Hot Springs Trail, North Bend, Washington
Official site:http://www.goldmyer.org/
2. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort in Olympic National Park is perhaps one of Washington's most attractive hot springs destinations. Not only is Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort easy to get to and perfect for the whole family, but given the sheer size of Olympic National Park surrounding the mineral pools, the hot springs are just one small part of a grand adventure.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort has three different thermal pools with mineral springs and a large freshwater pool. The temperature of each pool varies, with the hottest reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit. All pools are open to overnight guests at the resort and the adjacent campsite. Day passes are also available.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort has several lodging options, including cabins and historic cabin rooms. It is also home to one of theThe best campsites in Olympic National Park: Sol Duc Hot Springs campsite.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort also offers access to famous hikes in and around the Sol Duc Valley, includingSol Duc Falls Trail. It doesn't take long to reach this trail's namesake, and for those who want to go even further, the route continues up into the park's famous Seven Lakes Basin.
Adresse: Olympic National Park, 12076 Sol Duc Hot Springs Road, Port Angeles, Washington
Accommodation:Sol Duc hot springsWay out
3. Doe Bay Resort and Retreat
Doe Bay Resort and Retreat is your premium ticket to everythingSan Juan Islandshas to offer. This luxurious and relaxed resort is located on the southeast corner of Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands by area. This remote part of the country offers an excellent backdrop to end the day.
TheBath and sauna right by the wateris a key experience when visiting Doe Bay Resort. The spa at Doe Bay has three outdoor tubs, a dry sauna and outdoor showers. All overnight guests at Doe Bay Resort have unlimited access to the hot tubs during opening hours. Clothing is optional in the pools. Currently, use of the resort's grounds and pools is reserved for overnight guests only.
And the mineral baths are only a small part of what this nature resort has to offer. The resort also has a 1-hectare organic garden that supplies the ingredients for the on-site cuisineMake Bay Cafe. The facility also has aYoga-Studioto perfect a pose, as well as adventure opportunities such asguided kayak tripexcursions inPugging soundor walk on the nearby trailsMoran State Park.
Accommodations at Doe Bay Resort include waterfront cabins, yurts and campsites. The resort often offers special offers throughout the year, including special packages and free nights with a minimum booking.
Adresse: 107 Doe Bay Road, Olga, Washington
Official site:https://doebay.com/
4. Olympic hot springs
Olympic Hot Springs is another option to enjoy hot water during your visitOlympic National Park. It offers far more wilderness experiences than the comfortable accommodation at the nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
A similar resort like Sol Cuc operated the Olympic Hot Springs until 1966 when its lease from the National Park Service (NPS) expired. Since then, the NPS has removed all man-made structures from the area. After the resort closed, hikers hiked a 2.5-mile trail to this natural spring.
Recently, Olympic Hot Springs Road was closed indefinitely due to road flooding, making vehicular access to the route's trailhead impossible. This means that it is now closer to one20 km round tripHike or bike ride starts near the Madison Falls Trailhead, mostly along the old road. That jump in distance has made Olympic Hot Springs a rarely visited destination and an almost guaranteed pool to have all to yourself.
The Olympic Hot Springs pools are not maintained by the park and visitors should exercise caution when swimming. You won't find the same amenities at Olympic Hot Springs as at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, but for many, that's exactly what makes these natural wonders worth exploring.
5. Carson Hot Springs Resort
I amColumbia River ValleyIn southern Washington, Carson Hot Springs Resort transports tourists to the past and away from their present concerns. The facade of Hot Springs Resort and the surrounding small town of Carson has received several fresh coats of paint over the past century. Apart from that and some modern renovations, not much has changed in this rustic retreat and sanctuary.
The 1930s bathhouse at Carson Hot Springs is oneFacility for adults onlyand has several tubs of mineral water pumped directly into the pools. The resort also offers all types of rooms, some of which even have onePersonal mineral-fed hot tubsfor private enjoyment
There is also an 18-hole golf course at Carson Hot Springs ResortElk Ridge Golf Courseon the property. The surrounding Columbia River Gorge is worth exploring, including many of thesebest waterfall in oregon.
Accommodation:Carson Hot Springs Golf and SpaWay out
6. Picturesque hot springs
Picturesque hot springs situated on 100 acres border the townAlpine lake wildernesswest of Stevens Pass is oneprivate hot springLocation with a long and lasting history in the state.
Our civilization's first recorded interest in the hot springs dates back to the construction of the nearby Great Northern Railway, and in the late 19th century a resort was built around the hot springs. The lodge remained a commercial enterprise until the early 1920s and then fell into obscurity for 50 years, until new hot springs enthusiasts began to seek out these soothing waters.
Overcrowding and damage to the natural environment eventually led to problems with local law enforcement and the private owner of the property. New arrangements have been made in recent years to reopen Scenic Hot Springs to the public.
Prior permission from the landowner is required to visit Scenic Hot Springs.The facility is limited to 10 people per day. You can get a permit for Scenic Hot Springs by visitingPicturesque hot springsVisit the website and complete the required reservation request.
The story of the Scenic Hot Springs is still a work in progress. So if you get permission to visit this natural attraction, be sure to pack whatever you bring and help keep this pristine place open to visitors for years to come.
7. Gamma hot springs
Pronounced asthe most remote hot springsGamma Hot Springs in Washington State is not the place for your first ever wilderness adventure. Tucked away in the middle of the rugged countrysideGlacier Peak Wilderness, Gamma Hot Springs has an almost mythical status. Even with the necessary equipment and navigational experience to search for these geothermal diamonds in the rough, there is still no sure bet that you will find them.
If you find Gamma Hot Springs, you most likely want it to yourself. The trip requires proper precautions and experienced route finding skills. The route leads into the deep hinterland without amenities.
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Other hot springs to explore: South of Washington state, Oregon may be the true hot springs hotspot of the Pacific Northwest. Our guide tobest hot springs in oregonlists the best places to enjoy the state. What an adventure inland it isbest hot springs in montanaincludes several fantastic commercial resorts and weekend getaways.
More to explore in Washington:Washington State is full of adventure. There are several good places to start exploringState and National Parks in Washington. Likewise the oneTop hiking trailsin the state also lead to some great places to visit. For overnight adventures, our guide toPlaces to Camp in Washingtonyou can pitch a tent under the stars (or park an RV) in no time.
FAQs
The 7 Top-Rated Hot Springs in Washington? ›
The Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
Perhaps the most famous hot spring in the world, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is as soothing as it is picturesque. The water temperature hovers between 98 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, making it an inviting place to take a dip.
The Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
Perhaps the most famous hot spring in the world, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is as soothing as it is picturesque. The water temperature hovers between 98 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, making it an inviting place to take a dip.
Like many western states, Washington is also blessed with natural hot spring pools for soaking. While they are spread around the state, the majority reside in the western part of Washington. Reap all the benefits of the thermal mineral water while you relax away your worries in the Pacific Northwest.
Which hot springs have the highest mineral content? ›Crystal Hot Springs claims to have the highest mineral content hot spring in the world (46,000 mg/L) – with pretty much everything in there except sulfur, so you'll come out smelling as sweet as when you went in, and your bones, muscles, and mental health will have absorbed some goodness to take home with you.
What state has the best natural hot springs? ›Out of all the states, Idaho has the most known hot springs for soaking, over 100 (a reported 130). While there are many hot springs that offer something different to enjoy, here are ten of our favorites dotted around the western United States.
What time of year is best for hot springs? ›The best time to visit Hot Springs is August to October and February to April. Many of the attractions in and around Hot Springs revolve around the water, so travelers will be most comfortable visiting during the warmer months, when drying off won't immediately induce shivering.
What is the second largest hot spring? ›Boiling Lake—Dominica
Located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica, Boiling Lake takes the title for the second-largest hot spring in the world.
5. Don't take a shower after you have finished bathing. Medicinal components in the water will get washed off in the shower, and their effects will be reduced. If your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, please do rinse yourself off with fresh water.
Is it safe to swim in natural hot springs? ›Hot springs are often considered to be natural tools for rest and relaxation. However, not all of these geothermal sites provide the same spa-like experience. Many are dangerous to bathe in or even touch, containing near-boiling water that can cause serious harm.
What do you wear to natural hot springs? ›Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout your visit. Wear proper swim attire. No street clothes, underwear, pajamas, sweats or anything deemed inappropriate as swimwear by staff is allowed in the pools. Fabric discoloration is possible.
What does sulfur from hot springs do to your body? ›
Improve Circulation—They are thought to help with blood circulation, hypertension, nervous imbalances and atherosclerosis. Treat Skin Infections—Sulfur is a mineral present in every cell of your body and is used to make collagen, which keeps your skin smooth and healthy.
Do hot springs have a lot of bacteria? ›Thermophilic bacteria are those that thrive within high temperatures, usually between 45 and 80 C (113 and 176F) and are found in environments such as hot springs, peat bogs, and near deep-sea hydrothermal vents. One type of "hyperthermophile", Methanopyrus kandleri, can even survive temperatures up to 122°C.
What are the side effects of sulfur hot springs? ›Hydrogen sulfide in a high concentration has toxic effects and can be fatal due to the blocking of cellular respiratory enzymes causing cell anoxia and cell damage. Do not bathe in unknown wild hot springs, particularly, if it smells like "rotten eggs". Sulfur can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
How long should you stay in hot springs? ›The intense heat can cause dehydration, fainting, and even burns depending on the temperature, so stick to 10- or 15-minute soaks with breaks in between to allow your body temperature to return to normal.
Are hot springs good for you? ›Soaking in hot springs can be a great way to naturally detox your skin. Thanks to the high amount of silica in the water, it can also soften rough or dry skin. Plus, the mineral content of sulfur springs has been shown to help persisting skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and eczema.
What is the oldest hot springs in the US? ›Warm Springs Pools, America's Oldest Spa, Returns to Its Former Rustic Glory. A rendering of the Gentlemen's Bathhouse. Having had Thomas Jefferson and Franklin D. Roosevelt soak in its geothermal waters is enough to qualify any natural hot springs as a landmark.
Should you shower before or after hot springs? ›For good clean fun, hit the shower before you soak! Relaxing hot springs pools feel like a luxurious bathtub soak. But they're not bathtubs. That's why you need to take a shower before you soak.
What not to do in a hot spring? ›Also, do not bathe or use soap in the hot springs.
Hot springs typically don't have a way to drain, so what ends up in there, stays there. Using soap, even biodegradable soap, in lakes, rivers, and hot springs, is a no-no according to Leave No Trace because it can disrupt the balance of minerals in the water.
One of the best may be to take a break from all of the adventure by soaking in a hot spring. Nevada has more hot springs than any other state in the country, with more than 300 occurring naturally. Many can be found in Northern Nevada.
What state has the deepest hot springs? ›Pagosa Springs, Colorado is home to the Guinness World Record's certified, world's deepest geothermal hot spring aquifer. At a depth of over 1002', the mother spring is a natural wonder and a fabulous natural resource for the town of Pagosa Springs.
What is the deepest hot spring in the US? ›
Pagosa hot springs (Ute: Pah gosah) is a hot spring system located in the San Juan Basin of Archuleta County, Colorado. The town of Pagosa Springs claim they are the world's deepest known geothermal hot springs.
Should you eat before hot springs? ›We recommend a light meal and plenty of fluids. The mud bath is an intense heat treatment, so hydrating before and after is important .
Should I eat before or after hot springs? ›If you enter a bath on an empty stomach, you're bound to suffer from a loss of blood. So eat the sweet or snack provided in your room. But make sure not to enter a bath on a full stomach either. If you've eaten a lot then your blood pressure might lower or you might suffer from indigestion.
Should you get a massage before or after hot springs? ›It is essential that the hot springs are kept clean, so all guests need to shower thoroughly before entering. Since many massages involve oils, it is best to get your massage treatment later so that none of the massage oils will get in the onsen.
Who should not go to hot springs? ›Those with a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, heart conditions, or are pregnant women should be particularly cautious. Never drink and bathe. Hot springs and alcohol should never mix – you'll feel drunker a lot faster than you expect because the springs dehydrate your body in next to no time.
Why do I feel dizzy after hot springs? ›High water temperature or long-time bathing in hot springs may result in insufficient blood supply, which may lead to hypoglycemia and blood pressure fluctuations, causing fainting.
Can you wear a bathing suit in hot springs? ›The minerals in the hot springs water is no more damaging to bathing suits than chlorinated pools, saltwater or hot tubs. However, there are a few keys to keeping it in pristine condition. After you're done enjoying the soothing and rejuvenating waters, be sure to thoroughly rinse your swimsuit in cool water.
Can you put your hair in hot springs? ›Welsh advises completely wetting your hair and slathering it with leave-in conditioner before you get into the water. (Many hot springs locations provide conditioner.) "Hair that is already wet will absorb less of the water when you are in the spring," she explains.
Do people wear towels in hot springs? ›Clothes and bathing suits can bring dirt and soap into the hot spring waters from outside and are, therefore, considered unhygienic. Instead of bathing suits, people use small towels to hide their private parts whilst manoeuvring the hot spring baths.
What are the health benefits of natural hot springs? ›- Boron strengthens bones and aids in brain function.
- Calcium promotes healthy bones and overall health.
- Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a pivotal role in enzyme operations and nerve and muscle function.
- Sulfate relieves pain and is essential for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails.
What are the side effects of natural hot springs? ›
Harmful microorganisms
Natural springs contain many different microorganisms that can lead to waterborne diseases like infection, skin rash, and gastrointestinal illness.
Immersion in warm water produces hydrostatic pressure on the body that results in reduced joint inflammation and increased mobility. The Arthritis Foundation notes, “soothing warmth and buoyancy of warm water makes it a safe, ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness.”
What are the symptoms of too much sulfur in the body? ›Sulfur is low in toxicity to people. However, ingesting too much sulfur may cause a burning sensation or diarrhea. Breathing in sulfur dust can irritate the airways or cause coughing. It can also be irritating to the skin and eyes.
How sanitary are hot springs? ›Hot-spring water is usually fairly safe from the standpoint of carrying disease-causing organisms, but some is not (see below under "Stay healthy"), and the surface water that cools a scalding spring to usable temperatures will be prone to the same bugs and pathogens as any other surface water.
Why does my skin itch after hot springs? ›Sulfur spring dermatitis. Sulfur spring dermatitis manifests with pinhead-sized, punched-out erosions with peripheral erythema on the bathing areas, especially the sites of preexisting skin disorders, scratching, or xerotic skin vulnerable to the chemical irritants, within 24 hours after sulfur spring bathing.
Can you get fungal infection from hot springs? ›Yang Chin-yi (楊靜宜), a dermatologist at Taipei Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, said that the warm and wet environment of hot springs can cause skin infections or aggravate existing wounds and fungal infections on the skin.
Are hot springs bad for high blood pressure? ›And the new analysis revealed that those seniors who routinely opted for a hot spring dip after 7 p.m. appeared to have a 15% lower risk for high blood pressure.
Why are hot springs bad for high blood pressure? ›6. As heat from the water can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to a drop in blood pressure, people should also avoid getting out of the water too fast, as they might faint and even possibly drown, she said.
Are hot springs safe for high blood pressure? ›Stay on the safe side
Both saunas and hot baths (or hot tubs) seem to be safe for people with stable heart disease and even mild heart failure. But people with unstable chest pain (angina), poorly controlled high blood pressure, or other serious heart issues should avoid them.
You do not have to shower before getting out.
The effects of hot springs last for about 3 hours, so it is actually more effective not to rinse off before getting out. However, because Unzen hot springs are sulfuric and strongly acidic, those with sensitive skin should rinse off with fresh water.
Can you drink the water in hot springs? ›
Congress first protected the hot springs in 1832, and it intended for the water to be used. Drinking the hot springs water is perfectly normal, even encouraged.
Why does my heart race after a hot bath? ›When your body gets superheated: Your blood vessels dilate to try to help cool off the body. Blood diverts to the skin, away from the body core. Heart rate and pulse increase to counteract a drop in blood pressure.
Does your body absorb minerals from hot springs? ›During a mineral hot springs soak, ionic minerals such as iron, zinc, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, and lithium are absorbed by the body, correcting deficiencies and providing healing effects to various body organs.
Do you burn calories sitting in hot springs? ›The authors concluded that an hour soak burns as many calories as a half-hour walk, helps control blood sugar, and boosts anti-inflammatory activity.
How many calories do you burn in hot springs? ›As body temperature rises in the spa pool, the heat shock proteins come into action and more energy expenditure occurs. It is generally thought that a 150-pound person can burn about 17 calories in a spa pool within 15 minutes.
What is the most famous hot spring in the world? ›The Blue Lagoon (Iceland)
Perhaps the most famous hot spring in the world, the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is as soothing as it is picturesque. The water temperature hovers between 98 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit at all times, making it an inviting place to take a dip.
Iceland is the hot spring capital of the world
An envelope.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the most famous because it's home to the world's largest mineral hot springs pool. Iron Mountain Hot Springs features a bathhouse and 16 geothermal pools overlooking the Rocky Mountains.
A geyser is a rare kind of hot spring that is under pressure and erupts, sending jets of water and steam into the air. Geysers are made from a tube-like hole in the Earth's surface that runs deep into the crust.
What is the most famous hot spring in Yellowstone? ›Old Faithful may be more famous, but the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is the most photographed thermal feature in Yellowstone. That's because of its crazy-bright colors and enormous size.
Where is the largest hot spring located? ›
Located in the Echo Crater of the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley in New Zealand is Frying Pan Lake (aka Waimangu Cauldron), a natural hot spring with an approximate surface area of 3.8 hectares (9.3 acres).
What is the biggest swimmable hot springs in the world? ›Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is the home of the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, Spa of the Rockies and Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge. The historic thermal spring water has been drawing visitors from all over the world since 1888.
What is the deepest natural spring in the United States? ›Welcome to Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Home to one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs, the sapphire water of Wakulla Springs boasts manatees, alligators and a host of diverse wildlife that can be viewed from a riverboat or the diving platform.
Thermophilic bacteria are those that thrive within high temperatures, usually between 45 and 80 C (113 and 176F) and are found in environments such as hot springs, peat bogs, and near deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
What is the oldest hot spring? ›A quick history crash course
Dogo is officially the oldest hot spring in Japan – its history stretches back an astonishing 3,000 years. According to the onsen legend, its soothing waters once healed the illnesses of one of the area's main deities in ancient times.
Dōgo Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a history stretching back over 1000 years. The springs are mentioned in the Man'yōshū (written c. 759) and, according to legend, Prince Shōtoku (574–622) used to partake of the waters.
Is it safe to swim in Yellowstone Hot Springs? ›But Yellowstone's thermal features don't flow cold water like you're used to. Don't touch any water in or around thermal features. Never swim, soak, or wade in thermal features. More than 20 people have died from intentionally entering or falling into hot springs.
Can you soak in Yellowstone Hot Springs? ›A Breathtaking Setting for Relaxing and Recharging
Yellowstone Hot Springs is a soaking experience unique in the world. Settled between two mountain ranges, and nestled on the bank of the Yellowstone River, peace and serenity are the keynotes of this location.
Mammoth Hot Springs is just south of the North Entrance to Yellowstone (near Gardiner, Montana). The area is accessible by car year round.