Soaking in Washington’s Hot Springs: My Favorite Relaxing Escapes

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Sol Duc Hot Springs – Olympic National Park

If you want to combine comfort and nature, Sol Duc is the perfect place to start. Nestled in the lush heart of Olympic National Park, this resort offers clean, well-maintained pools, changing rooms, and nearby lodging. The scent of the forest mingles with the mist rising from the water, creating pure relaxation.

Directions:
From Port Angeles, drive west on Highway 101 for about 29 miles, then turn left onto Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. Follow it for about 12 miles to the resort.

Tips:
Pair your soak with a short hike to nearby Sol Duc Falls. Arrive early to avoid crowds, and don’t forget your towel and sandals for the walk between pools.

Goldmyer Hot Springs – Hidden in the Cascades

For those who love the journey as much as the destination, Goldmyer is a dream. It’s a 4.5-mile hike through old-growth forest to reach these natural, terraced pools fed by a steaming waterfall. The hike in ensures it stays peaceful, and soaking here feels like being wrapped in the heartbeat of the forest.

Directions:
Take I-90 east from Seattle and exit at North Bend (Exit 34). Follow Middle Fork Road (Forest Road 56) for about 12 miles, then turn onto Forest Road 5620 for roughly 5 miles to the trailhead. From there, it’s a moderate 4.5-mile hike to the springs.

Tips:
Reservations are required, and visitor numbers are limited—plan ahead. Bring layers, a headlamp if you’re hiking late, and pack out everything you bring in.

Scenic Hot Springs – A Private Alpine Escape

Perched above Stevens Pass, this private retreat offers one of the best views in the Cascades. Three cedar tubs sit on a forested slope with mountain vistas that seem to stretch forever. The steep hike keeps the experience serene and rewarding.

Directions:
Drive east on Highway 2 toward Stevens Pass. After booking your reservation, you’ll receive detailed directions to the private trailhead, which is not marked from the road. Expect about a one-mile uphill hike on uneven terrain.

Tips:
This hot spring is on private land and open by reservation only. Space is limited, so book early. Bring traction footwear in winter—snow and ice linger late into spring.

Doe Bay Hot Springs – Orcas Island

There’s something soulful about soaking with an ocean view, and Doe Bay captures that feeling perfectly. Overlooking a tranquil inlet on Orcas Island, this small resort offers hot pools, a sauna, and a peaceful setting that feels far removed from the rush of daily life.

Directions:
Take the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. From the ferry landing, drive east along Orcas Road and turn onto Olga Road, then continue to Doe Bay Road and follow it to the resort. The drive takes about 45 minutes from the ferry dock.

Tips:
This is the perfect getaway spot—complete with cabins, yoga classes, and a cozy café. Sunrise soaks are incredible here, especially with a cup of coffee in hand.

Carson Hot Springs – Historic Mineral Retreat

Down in the Columbia River Gorge, Carson Hot Springs combines vintage charm with mineral magic. The resort features clawfoot tubs, a historic bathhouse, and a rustic setting that’s been drawing visitors since the early 1900s. After a soak, you can explore nearby waterfalls or relax under shady oaks with a good book.

Directions:
From Portland, drive east on I-84 to the Bridge of the Gods, cross into Washington, and follow Highway 14 east to Carson. Turn left on Hot Springs Avenue and continue about a mile to St. Martin’s Springs Road.

Tips:
Stay overnight to enjoy the full experience, and don’t skip the sauna and massage options—they’re the perfect way to end a day of adventuring.

Baker Hot Springs – Rustic and Remote

If you’re after solitude, this one’s for you. Baker Hot Springs sits in the forest at the base of Mount Baker—just a few simple rock pools tucked beside a creek, surrounded by silence and moss-covered trees. It’s not fancy, but it’s wonderfully peaceful.

Directions:
From Concrete, drive north on Baker Lake Road for about 18 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 1130, cross Boulder Creek, then take Forest Road 1144 for nearly 4 miles to the trailhead. A short, easy walk leads to the pools.

Tips:
There are no amenities here, so bring everything you need—towels, sandals, and drinking water. Arrive early in the day and leave no trace so others can enjoy the wild serenity, too.

My Tips for Visiting Washington’s Hot Springs

• Reservations matter: Goldmyer and Scenic require them, and spots fill quickly.

• Leave no trace: Respect the environment—pack it in, pack it out.

• Bring comfort items: Towels, sandals, and a change of clothes make all the difference.

• Pair it with adventure: Add a hike, scenic drive, or waterfall visit for the perfect day outdoors.

Washington’s hot springs are little pockets of peace, tucked between rivers, forests, and mountains. Each one has its own personality—some wild and rustic, others polished and cozy—but they all share a quiet kind of magic.

If you’re looking for a place to slow down and reconnect with nature, choose one of these incredible spots. Every time I leave a hot spring, I find myself wondering the same thing: when can I come back?

Final Thoughts