Dreaming of soaking in steamy pools surrounded by mossy forests and mountain peaks? Hot springs in Washington State offer hidden gems perfect for relaxing escapes into the wild.
Highlights:
Unique Hot Springs
1. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Port Angeles, WA (inside Olympic National Park)
Recommended For: Families, national park adventurers, spa lovers, and road trippers exploring the Pacific Northwest.
What I Love: ♥ "Nestled deep in Olympic National Park, Sol Duc offers that rare combo—steamy mineral pools plus mountain trails and misty forests. It's a perfect balance of soak and explore."
- Soak in three mineral-fed hot spring pools and one freshwater pool surrounded by towering evergreens.
- Stay overnight in resort cabins or campgrounds for unlimited pool access and direct trail connections.
- Visit for the day with a hot spring day pass—perfect after a morning hike to Sol Duc Falls or nearby scenic spots.
Cost: Pool access included with overnight stays; day passes available for purchase—check online for seasonal pricing and operating hours.
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for full resort access; summer for warm hiking and soaking weather.
Local tips: Book early—cabins and campground sites fill fast in peak season. Combine your visit with a hike to Sol Duc Falls just down the trail.
Distance: About 1 hour west of Port Angeles, WA; 3.5 hours from Seattle via ferry and car.
How to Get to Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort: From U.S. 101, turn onto Sol Duc Hot Springs Road (follow signs in Olympic National Park). The resort is located at the end of the road.
Address: 12076 Sol Duc-Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363
Phone: 888-896-3818
2. Goldmyer Hot Springs
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, North Bend, WA
Recommended For: Backcountry enthusiasts, hikers, off-grid soakers, and lovers of serene, wilderness retreats.
What I Love: ♥ "Deep in the Cascades, Goldmyer feels sacred—ancient trees, silence, and geothermal pools that reward the determined. With only 20 guests allowed per day, it’s a true escape into Pacific Northwest magic."
- Soak in tiered geothermal pools nestled in the forest, fed from a cave spring at nearly 111°F and cascading down to cooler temperatures.
- Hike 4.5 miles through pristine wilderness after a 15-mile unpaved road journey—adventure is half the experience.
- Relax with fewer crowds—only 20 visitors are permitted per day, preserving tranquility and the natural setting.
Cost: $20 per adult; $15 for youth (18 and under); children under 12 enter free. Cash or check only—no card payments accepted.
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for best road and trail conditions; winter access is possible but requires snow navigation skills.
Local tips: Reservations are required—book well in advance. Bring all supplies in and out. No cell service—print directions and trail maps beforehand.
Distance: About 45 minutes east of Seattle, followed by a 15-mile rugged Forest Service road and hike.
How to Get to Goldmyer Hot Springs: From North Bend, take Middle Fork Road into the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Drive 15 miles to the Dingford Creek Trailhead, then hike 4.5 miles to reach the hot springs.
Address: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, North Bend, WA 98045
Affordable Hot Springs
3. Olympic Hot Springs
Location: Olympic National Park, WA
Recommended For: Wilderness lovers, backcountry hikers, solitude seekers, and those craving a raw, natural soak.
What I Love: ♥ "Far from crowds and chlorine, Olympic Hot Springs offers a truly wild soak—no buildings, no fees, just geothermal pools hidden in a lush rainforest valley."
- Hike 2.5 miles along a gentle, wide trail starting at Boulder Creek Trailhead in the Elwha Valley.
- Soak in primitive, rock-lined pools with no man-made structures—just forest, steam, and stillness.
- Compare the wilderness experience to nearby Sol Duc Resort for a truly off-the-grid contrast.
Cost: Free to access with a valid Olympic National Park entrance pass.
Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for trail access—check road conditions and park alerts for seasonal closures or storm damage.
Local tips: These are unimproved springs—temperatures and conditions vary. Bring water shoes, and pack out everything you bring in. Be prepared for closures related to Elwha River restoration projects.
Distance: About 1 hour west of Port Angeles, WA, plus a 2.5-mile hike each way from Boulder Creek Trailhead.
How to Get to Olympic Hot Springs: From Port Angeles, drive south into Elwha Valley via Olympic Hot Springs Road. Park at the Boulder Creek Trailhead (road may be closed partway—check in advance). Hike to the springs from there.
4. Doe Bay Resort and Retreat
Location: Olga, Orcas Island, WA
Recommended For: Couples, wellness seekers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a romantic island escape with oceanfront soaking and farm-to-table dining.
What I Love: ♥ "Soak in waterfront tubs while eagles soar above, then savor organic meals grown steps away—it’s romance and renewal, island style."
- Soak in mineral-fed hot spring tubs overlooking the serene waters of Doe Bay.
- Dine at Doe Bay Café, where produce comes fresh from the resort's organic garden.
- Unwind in the sauna, book a spa treatment, or take a yoga class in the peaceful studio.
- Stay in cozy yurts, cabins, or waterfront campsites surrounded by natural beauty.
- Explore Orcas Island by kayak or foot with excursions and trails nearby.
Cost: Varies by lodging type. Soaking and spa access included for overnight guests; day-use passes available when occupancy allows.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather and full access to island activities. Winter is quieter and more intimate.
Local tips: Book in advance—especially for yurts and cabins. Bring layers, even in summer. Reservations recommended for the café. Ferries can fill up—reserve your ride early.
Distance: Accessible via ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island; ~2.5-hour drive/ferry combo from Seattle.
How to Get to Doe Bay Resort: Take WA-20 west to the Anacortes ferry terminal. Board the Orcas Island ferry. Drive ~40 minutes to Doe Bay at the eastern tip of the island.
Address: 107 Doe Bay Road, Olga, WA 98279
Romantic Hot Springs
5. Carson Hot Springs Resort - 1 hour 15 minutes from Portland, OR
Location: Carson, Washington (Columbia River Valley)
Recommended For: Couples, history lovers, and anyone seeking a rustic, no-frills soaking experience in a quiet, natural setting.
What I Love: ♥ "Soak where time stands still—original 1930s bathhouse tubs and tranquil forest views invite pure, peaceful retreat."
- Relax in the historic adults-only bathhouse with clawfoot tubs fed by natural mineral water.
- Stay in simple yet cozy rooms—some with private soaking tubs in-room for added privacy.
- Unplug in a no-frills atmosphere focused on natural healing and relaxation.
- Explore nearby Columbia River Gorge trails and waterfalls just minutes from the resort.
- Enjoy on-site spa services including wraps and massages, plus a scenic 18-hole golf course next door.
Cost: Affordable lodging with optional soaking passes; private tubs and spa services incur additional fees.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Fall offers fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. Winter is ideal for cozy soaks while it's crisp outdoors.
Local tips: Bring your own robes and slippers. The resort encourages digital detox—Wi-Fi is limited and phones are discouraged in soaking areas. Book the historic bathhouse early on weekends.
Distance: ~1 hour 15 minutes from Portland, Oregon by car.
How to Get to Carson Hot Springs Resort: From Portland, take I-84 east to Bridge of the Gods. Cross into Washington, turn left on WA-14, and follow signs to Carson.
Address: 372 St. Martin’s Springs Rd, Carson, WA 98610 , Phone: 509-427-8296
Romantic Hot Springs
6. Scenic Hot Springs - 1 hour 15 minutes from Seattle
Location: Skykomish, Washington (Central Cascades, near Steven’s Pass)
Recommended For: Adventurous couples, naturists, and serenity seekers who enjoy secluded, off-the-grid experiences in nature.
What I Love: ♥ "Earn your soak—this hidden woodland haven offers mountaintop peace, steaming tubs, and ultimate privacy."
- Reserve your spot online—Scenic Hot Springs is private and accessible by advance booking only.
- Hike 4.4 miles round-trip through stunning Cascade scenery to reach the remote soaking area.
- Soak in three handmade thermal tubs nestled on a quiet slope with sweeping forest views.
- Relax in a clothing-optional environment embraced by a community of naturists and solitude lovers.
- Revel in the simplicity—no crowds, no frills, just geothermal bliss in pristine wilderness.
Cost: Approx. $10–$20 per person; reservations must be made online in advance.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for easier hiking access; winter snowshoeing possible for experienced hikers.
Local tips: Bring towels, water, and appropriate footwear—trails can be slippery. Be respectful of privacy and quiet; no large groups or parties allowed. GPS use is limited—follow emailed directions carefully.
Distance: ~1 hour 15 minutes from Seattle by car.
How to Get to Scenic Hot Springs: Take US-2 East from Seattle. Near Stevens Pass, follow the reservation instructions and emailed coordinates to the trailhead.
Address: Scenic Hot Springs, Skykomish, WA 98288
Romantic Hot Springs
7. Sulphur Creek Hot Springs
Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Darrington, Washington
Recommended For: Solitude seekers, backcountry hikers, and off-the-beaten-path adventurers
What I Love: ♥ "Tucked away in wild woods, this primitive spring rewards the patient with true peace."
- Hike a 4-mile out-and-back trail through lush forest in remote national forest land.
- Soak in a natural, undeveloped spring surrounded by wilderness and soothing creek sounds.
- Enjoy near-total solitude—this hidden gem is rarely visited and offers true backcountry escape.
- Prepare for overgrown trails—long pants and GPS navigation are highly recommended.
- Download a trail map before your trip to safely navigate this unmarked and unmaintained route.
Cost: Free
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall—snow and runoff may block access in winter and early spring.
Local tips: Bring bug spray, water shoes, and a towel. Don’t expect signage—this is a wilderness soak. Combine your visit with the Darrington Bluegrass Festival in July for a true local treat.
Distance: ~2 hours from Seattle by car
How to Get to Sulphur Creek Hot Springs: From Darrington, take Forest Service roads deep into Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest—GPS and a downloaded trail map are essential.
Address: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA 98237
Romantic Hot Springs
8. Baker Hot Spring
Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Concrete, Washington
Recommended For: Casual adventurers, solo soakers, and travelers seeking a no-fuss nature soak
What I Love: ♥ "Easy to access, yet remote enough to feel like a hidden forest treasure."
- Walk a short, level ~1-mile out-and-back trail that’s accessible to most hikers.
- Soak in a primitive pool built from gravel and rock, warmed by natural geothermal sources.
- Choose your ideal spot—the water varies in temperature depending on proximity to springs.
- Spot painted rock markers that help guide you to the soaking area.
- Relax clothing-optional—like many wild springs in Washington, bathing suits are optional here.
Cost: Free
Best time to visit: Spring through fall—winter road conditions may limit access.
Local tips: Go early or on weekdays to avoid small crowds. The site is pack-it-in, pack-it-out—leave no trace!
Distance: ~2.5 hours from Seattle by car
How to Get to Baker Hot Spring: From Concrete, follow Baker Lake Road to Forest Road 1130. Watch for turn-offs and signage, and bring a downloaded map as service can be spotty.
Address: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA 98237
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