7 Washington Hot Springs So Remote, You’ll Feel Like the Only One There

Washington state hides some of America’s most secluded natural hot springs among its mountains, forests, and islands. These thermal treasures reward adventurous souls willing to venture beyond the beaten path. Pack your hiking boots and sense of adventure as we explore seven hidden hot springs where you can soak in steamy, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by nothing but wilderness and the sounds of nature.

1. Gamma Hot Springs (North Cascades)

Nestled in the heart of Glacier Peak Wilderness, Gamma Hot Springs stands as the crown jewel of backcountry soaking spots. The journey demands serious wilderness navigation skills and determination to bushwhack through unmarked terrain.

Your reward? A pristine natural pool perched amid alpine meadows, where you’ll likely be the only human for miles. Steam rises from crystal-clear waters while mountain peaks tower in the distance.

Few modern adventurers ever reach this sacred spot, making it perhaps the most isolated hot spring experience in the continental United States. The challenging 20+ mile round-trip ensures you’ll earn every moment of your soak.

2. Scenic Hot Springs (Near Stevens Pass)

Tucked away on private property near Stevens Pass, these magical springs offer a perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion. Three cedar tubs of varying temperatures await after a challenging 1.5-mile uphill trek through dense forest.

Morning visitors might witness ethereal mist rising from the pools against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The property owners maintain a strict reservation system and visitor limit, preserving the peaceful atmosphere.

Winter visits transform the experience into a surreal snow-soaking adventure when steam billows dramatically against the frozen landscape. Just remember – permission is mandatory, and trespassing is strictly prohibited.

3. Olympic Hot Springs (Olympic National Park)

Mother Nature crafted these scattered pools along a babbling creek deep within Olympic National Park’s ancient forests. The 5-mile hike follows an abandoned road through towering cedars and moss-draped maples before revealing a series of natural rock-lined pools.

Each pool maintains a different temperature, allowing soakers to find their perfect heat level. Seasonal changes dramatically alter the experience – summer brings wildflowers and easier access, while winter transforms the area into a magical snow-covered retreat.

The pools remain beautifully undeveloped, with no facilities or maintenance, creating a truly wild hot spring experience. Midweek visitors often find themselves completely alone in this primeval setting.

4. Baker Hot Springs (North Cascades)

Hidden down a bumpy forest road near Mount Baker, these rustic springs offer an accessible wilderness experience without demanding a marathon hike. Three primitive concrete tubs nestle among ferns and moss-covered logs, fed by a scalding natural spring that visitors regulate by adding cold creek water.

Local soakers have created a system of pipes and valves to control temperatures. The surrounding forest buzzes with life – listen for woodpeckers tapping overhead or watch for deer passing silently between the trees.

Visit on a foggy morning when steam merges with mist, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

5. Sulphur Creek Hot Springs (North Cascades)

Forgotten by time and barely known even to locals, Sulphur Creek offers Washington’s most authentic wilderness soaking experience. The springs emerge along a remote creek bed, creating small, shifting pools that change location with each season’s floods.

Finding these springs requires detective work – overgrown trails and minimal markings protect their location from casual visitors. The smell of sulphur guides final navigation, growing stronger as you approach the source.

Soakers must sometimes rebuild pools using river rocks after winter storms wash them away. This hands-on connection to the landscape makes each visit unique and personal, as if you’re discovering the springs for the very first time.

6. Goldmyer Hot Springs (Cascade Mountains)

An emerald paradise awaits those who make the 5-mile journey to this historic hot spring sanctuary. The main attraction—a cave with steaming 110°F water cascading into multiple pools—feels like something from a fantasy novel.

Managed by a nonprofit, Goldmyer’s strict 20-person daily limit ensures tranquility. The surrounding old-growth forest creates a cathedral-like atmosphere, with sunlight filtering through massive trees onto crystal-clear soaking pools.

Once a mining claim, evidence of the area’s human history blends seamlessly with natural beauty. The caretakers who live on-site year-round maintain the delicate balance between accessibility and preservation, making this one of Washington’s most pristine hot spring experiences.

7. Doe Bay Hot Tubs (Orcas Island)

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Salish Sea, these open-air cedar soaking tubs create an island escape unlike any other Washington hot spring experience. While technically developed, Doe Bay’s remote island location and limited capacity maintain an uncrowded atmosphere even during peak seasons.

Stargazing reaches new heights here – on clear nights, the Milky Way reflects in the still waters while seals occasionally surface in the bay below. The clothing-optional policy adds to the sense of freedom and connection with nature.

Morning soaks often include orca sightings as pods travel through nearby channels. The unique combination of hot mineral water and cool sea breezes creates a sensory experience that mainland springs simply cannot match.