Washington Hot Springs

A protected natural hot spring deep in the Cascade foothills east of North Bend, requiring a moderate 4.5-mile hike and advance reservations through the volunteer nonprofit that manages the site. Hot water cascades from a cave into a series of hand-built soaking pools surrounded by old-growth forest, with a strict 20-person daily limit preserving its pristine character. Goldmyer is widely considered the finest hot spring in Washington state.

Hidden in the old-growth rainforest of Olympic National Park, these primitive pools require a moderate hike through ancient forest. Multiple small pools of varying temperatures are scattered along a creek in a mossy, enchanted setting.

Perched high on a mountain slope above the town of Skykomish, these pools offer sweeping Cascade Range views. Access requires reservations and a steep hike, keeping crowds minimal at this well-managed private spring.

Perched high on a forested mountainside near Stevens Pass with sweeping Cascade views, Scenic Hot Springs offers three small soaking tubs fed by a natural geothermal source on private land that has seen intermittent public access over the years. The alpine setting and mountain panorama from the tubs are breathtaking, especially in winter when surrounding peaks are snowcapped. Access status changes frequently, so visitors should check current conditions before making the steep hike.

A backcountry hot spring on the slopes of Mount Baker in the North Cascades, reached by a strenuous unmaintained trail through old-growth forest. The small rock pool overlooks the Baker River valley and offers one of the most dramatic volcanic hot spring settings in Washington State.

Three mineral pools and one freshwater pool surrounded by the lush rainforest of Olympic National Park. Sol Duc has operated since 1912 and offers a civilized soaking experience with cabins, dining, and nearby waterfall hikes.

A historic mineral bath resort on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge that has been operating since 1876, offering old-fashioned claw-foot tub soaks in naturally heated mineral water followed by towel wraps. The experience is deliberately retro — the bathhouse retains its early-20th-century character with minimal modernization. Recently renovated hotel rooms and a new restaurant complement the timeless soaking tradition.

A historic mineral bath resort in the Columbia River Gorge dating to 1876. The no-frills experience features old-school clawfoot tubs, mineral baths, and towel wraps in a charmingly unchanged setting.