Hot springs are formed when ground water heats up by volcanic pockets below the earth’s surface. Infused with ground minerals, the water reaches its boiling point and then rises back to the surface to cool in the pools we know as hot springs.
Washington State boasts 30 hot spring locations.(Hot Springs Enthusiast) Many of these hot springs sites are extremely remote, do not have very hot water, or are poorly maintained. There are certain risks involved when trekking to natural spring water sources. The locations below were chosen mainly for their accessibility, cleanliness and popularity, so that the average person can enjoy them.
Olympic Hot Springs was voted by Evening Magazine’s “The Best Northwest Escapes” as the Best Place to Skinny Dip for 2012. (Evening Magazine) Located in the Olympic National Park, there is a 2.5 mile hike to the springs from the Appleton Pass trailhead above the Elhwa River Valley. Several pools of hot mineral water with breathtaking mountain scenery and natural beauty await as reward after a laborious but fulfilling hike. This is a graphic YouTube video that displays the scenic surroundings of the Olympic Hot Springs: Olympic Hot Springs Video
*Carson Hot Springs is located in Carson, Washington. Take a step back in time to this 1901 originally built hotel/ resort. Spa services include a mineral bath, warm wrap and therapeutic massage. Experience the nostalgic feel of the St. Martin Hotel and original bath house. This resort is not a luxury spa treatment resort and does not claim to be. The 28 hot springs rooms are blended with old tradition and modern comforts. For more information or to plan a vacation visit Carson Hot Springs Resort.
Goldmyer Hot Springs are nestled at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just 25 miles away from North Bend. The springs emerge from an old mine shaft, and there is a cave that you can enter into. Nearby rock pools sustain the cascading waters from the descending spring. The site is surrounded by forest trees over 800 years old, seemingly guarding this relaxing and picturesque getaway. For more detailed information visit Goldmyer.org.
*Bonneville Hot Springs is a resort and spa getaway, located in Bonneville Washington within the Columbia River Gorge. Included are several amenities such as a dry sauna, a mini golf course, high speed internet, a European style spa with more than 40 spa treatments, fine and casual dining, a 25 meter lap pool filled with natural mineral waters, along with indoor and outdoor jetted soaking pools also filled with mineral hot springs water. Special packages are offered for your unique situation. Bonneville Hot Springs
