A revitalizing getaway from the city, Washington’s hot springs are encircled by soaring evergreens and snow-capped peaks. They have many health advantages, such as easing painful muscles, enhancing circulation, and lowering stress. The state is home to a number of hot springs, each with its own distinct beauty. This article covers the top hot springs in Washington, their distinctive qualities, and what makes them a must-visit location for nature lovers and adventurers.
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#1. Goldmyre Hot Springs
One of Washington’s best-kept geothermal secrets, Goldmyer Hot Springs is located close to Snoqualmie Pass among the ancient woods of the Cascade Mountains. Besides, the springs are reached after a 15-mile drive on an unmaintained, unpaved Forest Service road and a 4.5-mile hike into the forest. The use of the springs is restricted to 20 individuals per day by Northwest Wilderness Programs, and a new lottery system is in place every month through 2022.
At the hot springs, camping is possible, but guests must carry their own supplies. Visitors should check the official website before organizing a trip because trail and road conditions change depending on the weather.
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#2. Olympic Hot Springs
Around twenty hot springs and pools are available at the Olympic Hot Springs in Olympic National Park, all of which are entirely unmanaged and natural. They are situated in the park’s Elwha Valley, a remote wilderness area, and are encircled by tall trees to provide a private woodland setting. Drive inside the park and climb to the Madison Falls parking area to reach the springs. The Appleton Pass Trail and this path combine at the Boulder Creek Campsite after a 12-kilometer journey from there. Lastly, the hot springs are 8 kilometers away.
#3. Doe Bay Resort and Retreat
Your first-class ticket to the San Juan Islands’ best attractions is Doe Bay Resort and Retreat. In the southeast corner of Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands in terms of land area sits this opulent and relaxed resort. Meanwhile, the scenery in this remote country area is perfect for lazing around.
Additionally, natural resort amenities include outdoor showers, a dry sauna, and three outdoor soaking tubs at Doe Bay Resort. The spa baths are open to all overnight guests at all times during business hours, and bathing suits are not required in the pools. The resort also has a yoga studio, a one-acre organic garden, and adventurous activities. There are cabins, yurts, and beachfront campsites available. All year long, there are discounts and no-charge nights available.
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#4. Carson Hot Springs Golf and Spa Resort
Along the Columbia River Gorge, there is a luxurious spa called Carson Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort. Both mineral therapy pools and a conventional bathhouse for adults are available at the spa, where you can unwind and let your cares go.
Moreover, the bathhouse features numerous clawfoot tubs and antique therapeutic baths in a traditional 1930s style. For a soothing treatment with numerous health advantages, such as relief from stress, joint discomfort, and muscular pain, mineral water is immediately poured into the tubs. After using the tubs, you can indulge in a wonderful massage or a linen wrap.
The mineral therapy pools are also available to resort visitors who are 18 years of age or older and are kept at a temperature of 40 °C.
#5. Scenic Hot Springs
Just west of Stevens Pass, in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, are the privately owned hot springs known as Scenic Hot Springs. While the neighboring Great Northern Railway was being built, our modern civilization first became aware of the hot springs, and in the late 19th century, a resort was developed around them. The resort was still in operation until the early 1920s, after which it was abandoned for 50 years until new hot spring enthusiasts began looking for these relaxing waters.
After problems with the neighborhood’s law enforcement and the property’s private owner over overcrowding and environmental harm, fresh negotiations have started to reopen Scenic Hot Springs to the public. Visitors must obtain permission from the landowner in advance. There is a daily cap of 10 individuals who can use the facilities. If allowed, guests are required to pack out everything they brought in and contribute to keeping this stunning location accessible to tourists for years to come.
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#6. Sulphur Creek Hot Springs
In contrast to other hot spring destinations, Sulphur Creek Hot Springs near Darrington, Washington, is more isolated and undiscovered. You must enter the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and go to the Sulphur Creek Campsite region in order to reach the springs. From there, it is a 6-kilometer climb over some rough, steep slopes and across a log bridge. The springs are warmer than boiling, and there is space for two inside; however, you must fill the springs by hand first. Simply wait until the hot spring is full before entering.
#7. Gamma Hot Springs
Gamma Hot Springs, the purportedly most isolated hot springs in the state of Washington, is not the place for your first wilderness outing. Besides, Gamma Hot Springs, which is tucked away in the untamed Glacier Peak Wilderness, is almost legendary. There is no guarantee that you will find these geothermal jewels in the rough, even if you have the right tools and experience with wilderness navigation.
If you do locate Gamma Hot Springs, you’ll probably be the only person there. The trek requires careful planning, route-finding expertise, and physical fitness. The path enters a remote area with no amenities at all.
#8. Baker Hot Springs
Baker Hot Springs in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest can be the place for you if you’re not a fan of strenuous hiking trails. You can be confident that you’ll have a tranquil afternoon at this location. This is because the trail there is accessible to hikers of all ability levels and is less than a kilometer long.
By car, you can drive directly to the Baker Hot Springs Trailhead, making it simple to reach this hot spring location. But, keep in mind that this trail is not open in the winter. The springs are freely accessible to the general public and can easily accommodate five people. You can make a picnic in the forest out of your trip to the springs and turn it into a fun-filled day of activities. Even your dogs are welcome to join you and your companions on a pleasant forest walk.
#9. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
One of the most alluring hot springs resorts in Washington is the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort in Olympic National Park. It has one sizable freshwater pool and three various mineral hot spring soaking pools, with the hottest reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit. There are day permits, and all pools are open to overnight guests.
Furthermore, the resort is home to one of Olympic National Park‘s top campgrounds and offers a variety of overnight accommodations. This includes cabins and antique lodge rooms. Also, it provides access to well-known hikes in and near the Sol Duc Valley, such as the Sol Duc Waterfall Trail.
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#10. Ohanapecosh Hot Springs
Ohanapecosh Hot Springs is the place for you if you’re willing to just bathe your feet or enjoy some warm water in the center of nature. Due to their diminutive size, the hot springs could go unnoticed. Although some visitors have referred to it as a brook, there are a few pools along the way where you can dip your toes.
Does Washington State Have Hot Springs?
Washington is popular for natural hot spring pools for soaking, just like many western states. Despite being dispersed throughout the state, the bulk of them lives in Washington’s western region. Take advantage of the thermal mineral water’s health benefits while unwinding in the Pacific Northwest.
Can We Bath in Hot Springs?
A wonderful natural skin detoxification method is to soak in hot springs. It can help soften rough or dry skin because of the high concentration of silica in the water. Also, it has been demonstrated that the sulfur springs’ mineral content can aid with psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
How Long Can You Sit in a Hot Springs?
Stick to 10- to 15-minute soaks with breaks in between to let your body temperature return to normal because the great heat can lead to dehydration, fainting, and even burns depending on the temperature.