Olympic Hot Springs

## Overview Olympic Hot Springs is a collection of natural geothermal pools nestled in the temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park in Washington State. Located along Boulder Creek in the Elwha River valley, these primitive hot springs have been a beloved backcountry destination for decades, drawing hikers and soakers seeking a rustic, off-grid hot spring experience surrounded by old-growth forest. The springs consist of several small, user-formed soaking pools fed by naturally heated water that emerges from the earth along the creek. Water temperatures vary from pool to pool, with some reported to range roughly between 85°F and 105°F (29°C–41°C), depending on the specific pool and seasonal conditions. The mineral-rich water has historically attracted visitors since the early 1900s, when a resort was built near the springs. The Olympic Hot Springs Resort operated for several decades before it was eventually removed by the National Park Service to restore the area to a more natural state. Today, the springs remain in their undeveloped, primitive condition — no facilities, no changing rooms, and no maintained infrastructure at the pools themselves. The springs sit at an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet within the park and are accessible only by foot. The surrounding landscape features towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and hemlock trees, with Boulder Creek cascading nearby. The area is part of the broader Elwha River watershed, which has undergone one of the largest dam removal and river restoration projects in U.S. history, with the removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams completed in 2014. ## Directions 1. From Port Angeles, Washington, head west on US-101 for approximately 8 miles. 2. Turn left (south) onto Olympic Hot Springs Road (also signed as Elwha Valley Road or Boulder Creek Road) into Olympic National Park. A National Park entrance fee or pass is required. 3. Follow the road south into the Elwha Valley. Note: Due to storm damage and road washouts in recent years, vehicle access along this road has been limited. The road may be gated well before the former Elwha Ranger Station or Boulder Creek Trailhead, significantly increasing the hiking distance. Check with Olympic National Park for current road conditions before your visit. 4. From the Boulder Creek Trailhead (if the road is open to that point), hike approximately 2.5 miles along the Boulder Creek Trail to reach the hot springs. If the road is gated earlier, the total one-way hiking distance can be 10 miles or more. 5. The trail follows Boulder Creek upstream through old-growth forest. The hot springs are located along the creek — look for short spur trails leading off the main path to the various soaking pools. **Important:** Road and trail conditions in this area change frequently due to flooding, washouts, and ongoing restoration work. Always check the official Olympic National Park website or contact the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles (360-565-3100) for the latest access information before planning your trip. ## What to Expect Olympic Hot Springs offers a truly wild and primitive hot spring experience. The soaking pools are small, natural depressions lined with rocks and gravel, formed and maintained informally by visitors over the years. Water clarity and temperature vary by pool and season — some pools are comfortably warm while others can be quite hot. Mixing with cool creek water helps regulate temperature in some of the pools closer to Boulder Creek. The setting is spectacular: dense Pacific Northwest rainforest, moss-draped trees, and the sound of rushing water from Boulder Creek. The area can be muddy and slippery, especially during the wetter months (fall through spring). Summer (July through September) offers the driest and most accessible conditions, though the springs can be busy on weekends during peak season. Because this is a backcountry destination within a national park, there are no restrooms, trash cans, or other amenities at the springs. Visitors should pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. Clothing-optional bathing is common at the pools, though it is not officially sanctioned by the park. Camping in the area requires a wilderness permit, available from the Wilderness Information Center. The hike in can be strenuous depending on current road closures — what was once a relatively easy 2.5-mile walk can now be a full-day outing of 20 miles round trip. Come prepared with adequate water, food, layers, and rain gear regardless of the forecast. The trail is generally well-defined but can have blowdowns and muddy sections. GPS coordinates for the springs area: 47.9767, -123.6883.