Soaking in Washington’s Hot Springs: My Favorite Relaxing Escapes
Discover the best hot springs in Washington State with relaxing soaking destinations, travel tips, directions, family packing ideas, safety advice, and what to expect before you go.
WASHINGTON TRAVEL
Get Outside and Play USA
1/22/20257 min read
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One of my favorite ways to relax and recharge is by visiting Washington’s natural hot springs. There’s something magical about sitting in a warm pool surrounded by towering evergreens, misty mountains, or even a starlit sky. Whether it’s after a long hike or just a weekend escape, Washington’s hot springs always leave me feeling both grounded and renewed.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit several of the state’s best hot springs, and each has its own unique vibe. Here are some of my favorites:
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, ch
anging 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.
What to Pack When Visiting Hot Springs
There’s something magical about soaking in a Washington hot spring while cold mountain air rolls through the trees. But if you’ve ever tried balancing barefoot on slippery rocks while carrying your clothes in a grocery bag and praying your phone survives the steam, you already know a little preparation makes the experience a whole lot more relaxing. Over time, I’ve figured out what’s actually worth packing — not just for comfort, but for staying warm, dry, safe, and keeping the “peaceful forest soak” from turning into “why are my socks floating downstream?”
A quick-dry swimsuit is one of those things you don’t think about until you’re driving home wrapped in a damp towel because your regular swimsuit is still holding half the hot spring water in Washington. Pair that with water shoes or sturdy sandals, especially at rustic springs where slick rocks and muddy trails are part of the adventure. Nothing ruins a peaceful soak faster than slipping around like a newborn deer trying to reach the water.
I also never skip bringing a compact microfiber towel anymore. They dry ridiculously fast, don’t take up much room, and won’t leave your entire backpack smelling like wet laundry after the trip. A lightweight robe or cover-up is another underrated luxury — especially when you’re walking back to the car in cold air wondering why you suddenly feel like a human popsicle.
For hygiene and cleanup, I usually toss in some natural soap or biodegradable wipes and a small toiletry kit for rinsing off afterward. Hot springs can leave you feeling amazing… but also slightly sulfur-marinated depending on where you go. A hair tie or swim cap comes in handy too, especially if you’ve ever spent the next three hours trying to untangle wind-whipped hot-spring hair. And if you’re soaking in sunny areas or exposed pools, a little reef-safe sunscreen helps protect your skin without harming the environment around the springs.
One thing I learned the hard way: regular backpacks and hot springs don’t mix well. Steam, mud, puddles, surprise rain showers — Washington always finds a way. A waterproof or water-resistant daypack makes life easier, and dry bags for clothes and electronics are worth every penny when you’re trying to keep your warm clothes dry while everything around you is damp. I also highly recommend a reusable waterproof phone pouch if you’re taking photos. It protects your phone from steam, splashes, and that terrifying moment when your phone starts sliding toward the water in slow motion.
If you plan on soaking after sunset — which honestly can be one of the most peaceful times to go — a headlamp or flashlight is a lifesaver. Forest trails look very different in the dark, and “I’ll just use my phone flashlight” becomes less convincing when your battery hits 6%. I also keep a small first aid kit in my bag because remote soaking spots can mean scrapes, blisters, or random little accidents. And don’t underestimate the importance of a refillable water bottle. Sitting in hot mineral water for long periods can dehydrate you faster than people realize, especially in summer. An offline map or GPS app is another thing I’d strongly recommend because many Washington hot springs are tucked deep into mountain areas where cell service disappears completely.
One of the weirdest but best parts of hot spring trips is the contrast between icy mountain air and steaming water. It feels incredible… until you step out dripping wet into 35-degree weather. That’s where an insulated jacket or lightweight puffer becomes your best friend. I also pack cozy socks or slip-on camp shoes because warm feet somehow improve your mood instantly after soaking. And if you’re visiting during colder months, a beanie or knit hat helps keep your body heat from escaping while you sit around cooling off between dips.
For the full cozy experience, I love bringing a few comfort extras too. An insulated travel mug filled with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate just feels right in the mountains. A lightweight camp chair or sit pad makes those in-between moments more comfortable, especially at crowded springs where you may wait for space or want to relax nearby. And honestly, a journal or good book pairs perfectly with hot spring trips. There’s something about sitting in the middle of the forest, steam rising through cedar trees, that makes you want to slow down for a minute and just exist without rushing anywhere.
Final Thoughts
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?
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.
Making Hot Springs Fun (and Comfortable) for Kids
Taking kids to hot springs can be a wonderfully relaxing experience when it’s planned with their comfort in mind. Short soak times, plenty of water breaks, and cozy layers afterward help little bodies adjust to the warm water. Turning the visit into a calm nature experience—listening to birds, watching steam rise, or spotting nearby trees and rocks—keeps kids engaged without overstimulation. Packing familiar snacks, soft towels, and warm clothes helps the transition from soaking to relaxing feel safe and enjoyable. When kids feel cozy, hydrated, and included, hot springs become a peaceful family memory instead of a stressful outing.
Hot Springs Mini Essentials for Kids
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