Olympic Hot Springs

Tucked deep within the temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park, Olympic Hot Springs is one of Washington's most rewarding backcountry secrets. These primitive geothermal pools are not a resort or a spa — they are raw, untouched expressions of the earth's inner heat, hidden at the end of a hiking trail and surrounded by old-growth forest, mossy boulders, and the kind of silence that reminds you how small you really are. If you're looking for a chlorinated pool with a snack bar, this isn't it. If you're looking for something genuinely wild, you've found it.

The Setting and Landscape

The trail to the springs winds through a lush, green corridor of fir and hemlock, crossing streams and threading past ferns that crowd the path in every direction. Olympic National Park's signature dampness is everywhere — the air smells of earth and cedar, and the forest canopy filters light into soft, silvery columns. As you approach the springs, you'll begin to notice wisps of steam rising through the trees, and the faint mineral tang in the air signals that you've arrived somewhere truly geological. The 21 geothermal seeps are scattered across a relatively compact area, each with its own temperature and character. Some are barely warm; others will make you gasp and ease in slowly. The setting is deliberately rustic — there are no developed facilities here, no changing rooms, no signage beyond what the park provides.

The Hot Springs Experience

Soaking at Olympic Hot Springs is a completely immersive sensory experience. The water carries that characteristic mineral warmth of true geothermal springs — heavier and more enveloping than a bathtub, with a gentle sulfuric note that quickly becomes part of the atmosphere rather than a distraction. Temperatures vary from pool to pool, so you can migrate between hotter and cooler seeps to find your comfort zone. The pools themselves are shallow, naturally formed depressions — this is not a place for swimming laps, but for settling in, looking up at the forest canopy, and letting your muscles unknot. Because these springs are unsanctioned and undeveloped, visitors should approach them with a wilderness mindset: pack out everything you bring in, respect other soakers, and understand that conditions can change.

Plan Your Visit

The trail is rated moderate, with uneven terrain and potential water crossings that make sturdy footwear a smart choice. The best conditions run from late spring through early fall, when the trail is clear and the air is warm enough to make the walk back comfortable after a soak. Winter visits are possible and rewarding — there's something deeply satisfying about soaking in geothermal heat while snow dusts the surrounding forest — but require additional preparation and caution on the trail. There are no fees to access the springs, though standard Olympic National Park entry fees apply to the park itself. Primitive backpacking camping is available near the pools for those who want to linger, and developed camping can be found at Elwha Campground. The nearest major town for supplies and lodging is Port Angeles, roughly 40 miles away, which serves as the primary gateway to this part of the park. Seattle, about three hours to the east, is the closest large city for travelers flying in or planning a longer Pacific Northwest itinerary.

Historically significant to Indigenous peoples and early settlers. A symbol of connection to the natural world.

Follow Leave No Trace principles. Do not introduce soaps or contaminants into the pools. Respect wildlife and pack out all trash.