10 Hot Springs Near Olympic National Park
I love Washington for the wild coast, only rainforest in the U.S. and it’s rugged hot springs. The Olympic Peninsula is a land of moss-draped silence and jagged, rain-shadowed peaks. It is a place where the Pacific Ocean collides with the Olympic Mountains, creating a temperate rainforest so dense it feels primordial. There are so many options for hikes in Washington, like the Hoh Rainforest or Cape Flattery.
Unlike the high-desert pools of the Southwest, the hot springs near Olympic National Park are defined by the "Green Soak"—the experience of bathing while surrounded by ancient cedar, hemlock, and the relentless humidity of the Washington wilderness.
From the developed resort basins of the Sol Duc Valley to the primitive, "lost" pools of the Elwha, this region offers a thermal spectrum that balances luxury with rugged, deep-forest exploration.
1. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
Located deep within Olympic National Park’s northwest corner, Sol Duc is the premier destination for those who want the "miracle water" of the S'Klallam people with the convenience of a historic resort.
The water is naturally alkaline and chemical-free, emerging at a scalding 128F before being cooled into three distinct mineral basins.
The hot springs are nice to soak in but as the pools are small they are extremely crowded. They do limit the number of guests in each timed slot (usually 90 minutes), but we were all shoulder to shoulder in the main two pools (the third hot spring pool is less than a foot deep). We loved the evening pool session, stars twinkled above us as folks talked and reviewed their day with one another.
They have three hot spring pools besides a regular swimming pool. The sulphuric smell was strong. Be prepared for that, especially if you have a sensitive nose.
There are showers and dressing rooms to change in.
There are trails right at the resort and all over Olympic National Park - the one to Mink Lake is lovely. All of the lodging facilities were within walking distance at Sol Duc Lodge where their hot springs are located.
The rooms were simple, but cozy. It had everything necessary for comfort — a soft bed, ample towels, in-room coffee, warm lighting, and the quiet stillness that only comes from being far off the beaten path. No wifi/phone service or TV, a true get away - but bring games and books if you stay overnight or try a nighttime .
Water Quality: 5 stars. The resort uses sophisticated natural filtration and high turnover; the water is pristine and lacks the heavy sulfur scent found in volcanic springs.
Ease of Access: 5 stars. Fully paved access via Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. It is the most accessible thermal experience in the park.
Ability to be Alone: 1 star. As the park's primary thermal hub, it is rarely quiet. Expect families and a bustling, social atmosphere.
Water Temperature: 5 stars. Features three mineral pools ranging from 99 to 104F, plus a large freshwater pool for cooling off.
Health Benefits: 5 stars. High mineral density (alkaline) that is historically noted for soothing the nervous system and easing muscular tension.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars. Full-service restaurant, gift shop, massage therapy, and rustic cabins are all on-site.
2. Olympic Hot Springs
Once a bustling resort in the early 20th century, Olympic Hot Springs has returned to a wild state. Located in the Boulder Creek drainage, these natural rock-lined pools offer a "primitive" soak that requires a significant journey due to ongoing road washouts and the historic Elwha River restoration.
There are at least 20 pools - some pools are right along the trail, others are a bit more secluded. When you find one you like, be sure to test the temperature; some can be as high as 118 degrees. The problem is that many are muddy and may not feel worth the time.
It's a primitive hot springs deep in the Olympic mountains where not many people go, so expect nudity.
You are supposed to have a National Park pass to park at Madison Falls, but there is not gate or anyone taking fees. Restrooms are open at the Madison Falls parking lot, but the restroom at Glines Canyon overlook and at the hot springs trailhead have both been locked for years.
Getting there is a choose your own adventure - the shortest route is a 2.5-mile hike with the longest being over 20 miles. Several years ago the road washed out and you can no longer drive to the trailhead. You must park at Madison Falls and hike or bike the rest of the way (if you have a bike, you are not allowed to ride on the bypass trail or on the hot springs trail).
Water Quality: 2 stars. These are unmaintained, sediment-heavy pools. While natural, there are recurring concerns about high bacteria counts (e.g., E. coli) due to lack of flow and high user volume.
Ease of Access: 2 stars. Currently requires an 8-mile (one-way) hike or bike ride from the Madison Falls trailhead due to road closures, plus a final 2.5-mile hike.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars. The long approach filters out casual crowds, but it remains a popular destination for backpackers.
Water Temperature: 4 stars. Varies by pool; you can usually find a spot ranging from 85 to 105F.
Health Benefits: 3 stars. Moderate mineral content; the primary benefit is the profound psychological recovery found in the deep backcountry.
Nearby Amenities: 1 star. Zero. This is a "Pack-In, Pack-Out" wilderness area. No potable water or facilities are available.
3. Goldmyer Hot Springs
While located east of the Peninsula in the foothills of the Cascades, Goldmyer is the "gold standard" for Washington enthusiasts. Managed by a non-profit, it limits visitors to 20 per day to ensure the ecosystem is never "loved to death."
Goldmyer Hot Springs is a gem of the wilderness found nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, roughly 25 miles east of North Bend, WA. Goldmyer Hot Springs is owned and operated by Northwest Wilderness Programs, a Washington State nonprofit organization established in 1976.
Water flows steadily from the source of the spring at 125ºF (52ºC), with the ambient temperature of the "cave" hovering around 111ºF (44ºC). This water cascades into nearby pools with progressively cooler temperatures, down to 104ºF (40ºC). A cold water pool is located adjacent to the hot spring pools for cool downs.
Yes, wilderness, so be prepared for a trek - that’s why it made our list of favorite hot spring hikes. It’s 4.5 miles of hiking and you need to pack in and pack out so you don’t pollute the springs.
Water Quality: 5 stars. Crystal clear water emerges from a horizontal mine shaft (cave) into tiered outdoor pools. It is meticulously maintained.
Ease of Access: 2 stars. Requires a high-clearance vehicle for the forest road and a 4.5-mile hike. Reservations are required months in advance via a lottery.
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars. The strict 20-person limit ensures you will never feel crowded. It is a sanctuary of silence.
Water Temperature: 5 stars. The cave pool is hot (111F), while the outdoor tiered pools cool as they descend toward the river.
Health Benefits: 4 stars. Excellent mineral profile and the therapeutic benefit of "cave soaking," which provides a unique sensory deprivation experience.
Nearby Amenities: 2 stars. Primitive campsites and an outhouse are available, but no food or electricity.
4. Skincare Suites Spa
If you orefer an urban spa and city day, Skincare Suites Spa is for you. This is right next to the entrance to Olympic National Park, so you can always send your partner out into the wilderness while you get pampered.
For those who prefer their "mineral journey" to be clinical and controlled, this Port Angeles sanctuary provides a modern wellness counterpoint to the rugged park. It is the largest full-service spa on the Peninsula, utilizing specialized "cocoon therapy" and steam. I also liked the 60 minute sensory deprivation session where water in the tank is heated to body temperature and saturated with Epsom salt. This helps reduce stress, anxiety, chronic pain and muscle tension.
Stay nearby on the water at Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor with a seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant and lounge and spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi. In a 4 minute walk you can jump onto a ferry departing to Victoria, British Columbia.
Water Quality: 5 stars. Uses medical-grade filtration for all hydrotherapy and steam treatments.
Ease of Access: 5 stars. Located in downtown Port Angeles with easy paved parking and ADA accessibility.
Ability to be Alone: 4 stars. Private treatment rooms and scheduled sessions ensure a high degree of solitude.
Water Temperature: 4 stars. Precision control over steam and body treatments, though it lacks the variety of multiple soaking pools.
Health Benefits: 3 stars. Focused on dermatological health and lymphatic drainage rather than deep-earth mineral immersion.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars. You are in the heart of the city with hotels, breweries, and the park’s main visitor center nearby.
5. Doe Bay Resort & Retreat
If you want to escape the city but don’t feel like a hike, Doe Bay Resort is for you! Accessible via a ferry from the Peninsula/Anacortes, Doe Bay is a legendary "soak with a view."
Their soaking tubs overlook the Salish Sea, offering a maritime thermal experience that is quintessentially Northwest. They are clothing optional and include a sauna.
You can stay in cabins and yurts. The cabin was well equipped with a full kitchen and all the necessary pots, pans, dinnerware, and utensils. Our dog was welcome as well.
It can get chilly, so bring slippers and a robe. They do have a tiny store for things you might forget.
Water Quality: 4 stars. Clean, filtered water used in cedar-scented soaking tubs.
Ease of Access: 3 stars. Requires a ferry ride and a drive across the island; very easy once you are on the property.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars. The spa area is "clothing optional" and social; however, they offer private rental slots for groups.
Water Temperature: 4 stars. Tubs are kept at a consistent, comfortable soaking temperature (102-104F).
Health Benefits: 3 stars. Primarily focused on the relaxation of the "island vibe" and the therapeutic properties of the salt air.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars. Renowned "seed-to-table" cafe, yoga studio, and diverse lodging from yurts to luxury cabins.
6. Scenic Hot Springs
A privately owned gem that sits on a ridgeline overlooking the Cascades. Like Goldmyer, Scenic Hot Springs operates on a strict reservation-only system to prevent environmental degradation. This is a popular hot spring and booking is needed months in advance.
The hike isn’t too bad. Short and steep. It's a moderately strenuous hike of 1.5 miles and 1000feet of elevation gain.
The hot springs facilities include a pit toilet, changing area, cleaning station, a warm pool, hot pool, and “cold” plunge. The warm pool is beautifully well done. Nice new rock and bench features.
Stay down the road at the cute little Squirrel Tree Resort. If it’s too cold they have a game room with pool, darts, and foosball.
Water Quality: 5 stars. Stunningly clear water captured in clean, high-elevation tubs with no sulfur odor.
Ease of Access: 2 stars. A steep 1.5-mile hike with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. It is a "workout for a soak."
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars. Limited to 10 guests per day. It is one of the most private settings in the Pacific Northwest.
Water Temperature: 4 stars. Usually kept around 105F in the tubs, providing a stark contrast to the often-snowy surroundings.
Health Benefits: 3 stars. Moderate mineral content; the primary benefit is the "top of the world" psychological reset.
Nearby Amenities: 1 star. No facilities at the springs. You are in the alpine wilderness.
7. Carson Hot Springs Resort
Located at the southern end of the Washington "thermal belt," Carson Hot Springs Resort offers a glimpse into the 1930s era of wellness. There’s a really big mineral hot tub, open to the public with a cold plunge tub as well. They have multiple soaking areas - Hot therapy pool 104 °F, cold spring avg. 60 °F; hot tub 104 °F, bathhouses- have option to add cold spring water - naturally 110-126 °F.
The bath and wraps are held in the bathhouse, with a personal tub filled with hot, unchlorinated mineral springs water followed by a wrap. Clothing is optional in the bathhouse.
The therapy pool is a large communal pool of hot, chlorinated mineral springs water with a smaller cold plunge pool. Swimsuits are required in the therapy pool.
Walk-ins: It costs $11 per person for an hour.
It is famous for its clawfoot tub "soak and wrap" ritual. The cedar and the steam in the bathhouse smelled heavenly.
The Resort is less than an hour from Portland International Airport. It offers spa facilities, a sun terrace, a swimming pool, a hot tub, fitness center, and outdoor seating areas.
Fun breweries in the surrounding towns. Stevenson has cute shops. A lot of great hiking trails, and you are practically on the Columbia River.
Water Quality: 4 stars. Naturally carbonated mineral water that is slightly cloudy but chemically rich.
Ease of Access: 5 stars. Effortless paved access in the Columbia River Gorge area.
Ability to be Alone: 2 stars. The "bathhouse" style is semi-communal, and the mineral pool is a shared social space.
Water Temperature: 5 stars. The individual clawfoot tubs allow you to mix hot mineral water and cold water to your exact preference.
Health Benefits: 5 stars. Exceptionally high in minerals; the traditional "hot towel wrap" after the soak is legendary for detoxification.
Nearby Amenities: 4 stars. On-site golf course, hotel, and nearby dining in the town of Carson.
8. Harrison Hot Springs Resort
Just across the border and a favorite for Peninsula residents, Harrison Hot Springs Resort is the "grand dame" of the region’s thermal resorts, featuring five distinct mineral pools.
Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers on-site dining, a marina with powerboat rentals, an indoor mineral pool and a large spa bath with a 30-foot high pavilion.
There are 3 outdoor pools, one of which is a 1,000 square feet adults-only mineral pool.
It is sometimes hard to get access to the robes you are required to wear at the pools, so maybe bring your own.
EV Charging is ~$0.2 a minute (~$12 an hour) so if you're driving an electric car, I highly recommend charging it somewhere else, there's EV Chargers outside of the parking lot and around the restaurant street which is $2 an hour.
Water Quality: 5 stars. Highly concentrated minerals (1,300 ppm) kept perfectly clear through professional resort management.
Ease of Access: 5 stars. A premier destination resort with full parking and accessibility.
Ability to be Alone: 2 stars. A large, bustling resort. However, "Quiet Zones" are enforced during morning and evening hours.
Water Temperature: 5 stars. Five different pools ranging from 87 - 104F.
Health Benefits: 5 stars. Some of the most concentrated mineral waters in North America, believed to aid in metabolic health and skin recovery.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars. Full luxury resort amenities, lakeside dining, and marina activities.
9. Gamma Hot Springs
The "Holy Grail" for the extreme hot springs junkie. Gamma is one of the most remote hot springs in the United States, buried deep in the heart of the Cascades. Gamma hot springs is anothe rone that made our list of favorite hot springs hikes.
Gamma Hot Springs are undeveloped, remote, and very hot natural springs located in Washington state's North Cascades, accessible only via a long, challenging, 19-mile hike starting near Glacier Peak.
Gamma’s soaking pool is rather small and close to the creek, which allows a nice way to regulate the temperature of the 140F spring. If you go, you will definitely be the only people there and there is a black plastic tube near the spring containing notes from previous visitors and a guest log.
Water Quality: 3 stars. Small, primitive pools that are subject to forest debris and river silt.
Ease of Access: 1 star. Requires a multi-day, 30+ mile round-trip trek through some of the most rugged terrain in the lower 48.
Ability to be Alone: 5 stars. You will likely be the only human for miles.
Water Temperature: 3 stars. Varies wildly based on the season and how the user-built pools are holding water.
Health Benefits: 4 stars. The mineral benefits are augmented by the absolute lack of anthropogenic noise and light pollution.
Nearby Amenities: 1 star. Absolute wilderness.
10. The Fireside Spa at Kalaloch
While not a hot spring, the wellness experience at Kalaloch Lodge—perched on the edge of the Pacific—utilizes the "Blue Mind" theory of water wellness. It is the southern anchor for park-based recovery.
Water Quality: 5 stars. Pristine filtered water used for all spa and lodge facilities.
Ease of Access: 5 stars. Located right on Highway 101 with easy parking and beach access.
Ability to be Alone: 3 stars. The lodge is popular, but the vastness of the adjacent Ruby Beach allows for deep solitude.
Water Temperature: 3 stars. Standard luxury temperatures; lacks the geological variety of a thermal vent.
Health Benefits: 2 stars. Primarily sensory—focused on the negative ions of the ocean spray and the rhythm of the tide.
Nearby Amenities: 5 stars. Iconic lodge dining, general store, and stunning coastal cabins.
