Olympic Hot Springs
Swimming hole in Port Angeles, Washington · Spring
Olympic Hot Springs is a hot springs swimming hole. It is at Madison Falls Trailhead, Olympic Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA. Fee notes: Olympic National Park entrance fee; no separate soak fee (wilderness pools unmaintained). Best season: Dry, cool months for the long road walk/ride.
Typical season: Dry, cool months for the long road walk/ride
About Olympic Hot Springs
Olympic Hot Springs are unmaintained geothermal seeps in the Elwha Valley of Olympic National Park near Port Angeles, Washington. often still searched as an easy soak, but **vehicle access ends at Madison Falls** because Olympic Hot Springs Road washed out. Plan a big day: park at Madison Falls, hike or bike ~9 miles up the closed road (bypass trail around the washout), then hike another ~1.5 miles on Boulder Creek Trail to the pools. Bikes are not allowed on that final trail segment. Pools are wilderness water. not tested or treated. and may contain harmful bacteria; soak at your own risk. Olympic National Park entry fees apply. For an easier developed soak on the peninsula, use Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort when open. Confirm road/alerts on nps.gov/olym before you go. More WA options: Whatcom Falls Park and our Washington swimming holes guide.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- Madison Falls Trailhead, Olympic Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363
- Water type
- Hot Springs
- Water body
- Olympic Hot Springs
- Fee
- Olympic National Park entrance fee; no separate soak fee (wilderness pools unmaintained)
- Nearest town
- Port Angeles
- State
- Washington
- Coordinates
- 47.97600, -123.68800
- Best season
- Dry, cool months for the long road walk/ride; start very early.
- Access difficulty
- Strenuous all-day hike or bike+hike (~20 miles round-trip on foot).
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Camping
- Wilderness camping near springs by permit only; not a car-camp soak.
- Land manager
- National Park Service
- Activities
- Hiking, biking (road section), wilderness soaking
- Facilities
- Toilet at Madison Falls only; none beyond the gate. Pack water and food.
- Listing last updated
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitDry, cool months for the long road walk/ride; start very early.
- AccessStrenuous all-day hike or bike+hike (~20 miles round-trip on foot).
- FacilitiesToilet at Madison Falls only; none beyond the gate. Pack water and food.
- Camping nearbyWilderness camping near springs by permit only; not a car-camp soak.
Highlights & features
- Natural geothermal pools
- Accessible hiking trail
- Rustic and unspoiled setting
- Seasonal variations in landscape
- No fees or facilities
- 21 geothermal seeps with varied temperatures
- Untouched natural setting in Olympic National Park
- Rich biodiversity and scenic views
How to get there
Start at Madison Falls Trailhead on Olympic Hot Springs Road (Elwha), about 2 miles from US-101 west of Port Angeles inside the park boundary.
1. Pay/display your Olympic National Park entrance pass.
2. Park at Madison Falls — parking and turnaround space are limited; there are no visitor facilities beyond the gate.
3. Hike or bike the closed Olympic Hot Springs Road past the washout (use the bypass trail). Pets on leash are allowed on the road/bypass only.
4. At the former Boulder Creek Trailhead (~9 miles), continue ~1.5 miles on foot to the hot springs (no bikes on this trail).
5. Pack out all trash. Overnight near the springs requires a wilderness permit and Leave No Trace practices.
Total out-and-back is roughly 20+ miles if you hike the full way. many people bike the road section.
Plan your visit
Olympic Hot Springs works well as a day trip from Seattle or Port Angeles. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Cranberry Lake Swim Beach (about 56 mi away) or browse more Washington spring spots in our directory. For the full list in Washington, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access requires a moderate 2.5-mile hike (one-way) from the Boulder Creek Trailhead. The final 0.5-mile section is a side trail. The hot springs are unofficial and unsanctioned; visit at your own risk. No fees are required to park or access the trailhead, but always check for current National Park alerts.
Frequently asked questions
Can you soak at Olympic Hot Springs?
Yes, if you complete the long approach. The pools are natural, unmaintained seeps — not treated — so soaking is at your own risk for bacteria and hygiene.
Is Olympic Hot Springs free?
There is no separate soak ticket, but Olympic National Park entrance fees apply. Wilderness overnight stays need a permit.
Can you drive to Olympic Hot Springs?
No. Vehicles stop at Madison Falls because of a long-standing road washout. Beyond the gate the road is open to hikers, bikes, and leashed pets only.
How far is the hike to Olympic Hot Springs?
About 9 miles on the closed road to the old Boulder Creek trailhead, then ~1.5 more miles on trail — roughly 20+ miles round-trip on foot, or bike the road and hike the last section.
Are Olympic Hot Springs clothing-optional?
Wilderness soaking culture is mixed; expect some nudity. Be respectful and yield quiet space to others.
Are dogs allowed at Olympic Hot Springs?
Leashed pets are allowed on the closed road and bypass trail to Madison Falls access, but not on the final 1.5-mile trail to the springs (and not in wilderness trail segments more broadly — follow current NPS pet rules).
Is Sol Duc the same as Olympic Hot Springs?
No. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is a developed mineral-pool day use/resort on Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. Olympic Hot Springs are the remote wilderness soaks in the Elwha Valley.
Do you need a wilderness permit for a day soak?
Day hiking typically does not require a wilderness camping permit, but overnight camping near the springs does. Confirm current NPS rules before packing a tent.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Historically significant to Indigenous peoples and early settlers. A symbol of connection to the natural world.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles. Do not introduce soaps or contaminants into the pools. Respect wildlife and pack out all trash.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.