Gamma Hot Springs

Snohomish County, Washington · Near Darrington
48.1500°N, 121.0620°W · 5,397 ft
140°F 58°F air · Good soaking weather 5,397 ft Open Backcountry US Forest Service Camping nearby (9.1 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 140°F, the source water at Gamma Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking. Always test the water temperature before entering.

Gamma Hot Springs is a remote hot spring deep in the Mt. Baker National Forest in Snohomish County, Washington, about twenty-six miles from Darrington. The water on file is hot enough to scald, right at the top of the hot range. Public access is open, but reaching it is a backcountry trip. OpenStreetMap carries it under the same name.

Location

The nearest road is Suiattle River Road, almost nine miles away, and everything past that is on foot through national forest. Mid-elevation Cascades, average temperature in the mid thirties, snowfall in the hundreds of inches, heavy rain. Sulphur Creek Campground is the closest camping on record, about nine miles out.

Winter months score best on the record; how that squares with hundreds of inches of snow on a nine-mile approach is something to work out before you go. The water will burn at the temperature on file. Open Forest Service land, no fee listed. Chemistry has never been sampled that the record shows.

Monthly Climate
23°
Jan
22°
Feb
26°
Mar
31°
Apr
39°
May
44°
Jun
53°
Jul
55°
Aug
48°
Sep
36°
Oct
26°
Nov
21°
Dec
Annual Precip: 85.3 in Annual Snow: 440.9 in
Best Time to Visit
February Air 22°F · Water 140°F · +119° contrast
December Air 21°F · Water 140°F · +119° contrast
January Air 23°F · Water 140°F · +117° contrast
February offers 34°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
58°F
NE 7.2 mph 58% Good soaking weather
Labor Day 49° Low 40° Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Light Rain 15% precip
Spring is +91° warmer
Tuesday 62° Low 40° Sunny
Spring is +78° warmer
Wednesday 66° Low 46° Sunny
Spring is +74° warmer
Thursday 56° Low 49° Mostly Sunny 11% precip
Spring is +84° warmer
Friday 52° Low 41° Mostly Sunny then Chance Light Rain 35% precip
Spring is +88° warmer
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Sulphur Creek Campground 9.1 mi away

Overview Sulphur Creek Campground is a primitive site in a beautiful forest along the banks of the scenic Suiattle River and Sulpher Creek. It is a remote haven set amongst towering old growth Douglas fir trees in the Mt. Baker-Snoquamie National Forest. Hikers frequently camp here to explore the many trails surrounding the facility. It has moderate, enjoyable summer temperatures throughout the camping season.Recreation The biggest draw to Sulphur Creek Campground is hiking. The well-known...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 5,397 ft

Gamma Hot Springs sits at 5,397 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 22% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
140°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 140°F (60°C)
Avg Air Temp 35°F
Above Ambient +105°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road Suiattle River Road
Distance to Road 8.8 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Mt. Baker National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Gamma Hot Springs?
Gamma Hot Springs has a water temperature of 140°F (60°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Gamma Hot Springs located?
Gamma Hot Springs is located in Snohomish County, Washington at 5,397 feet elevation, near Darrington. Coordinates: 48.1500°N, 121.0620°W.
How do I get to Gamma Hot Springs?
Gamma Hot Springs has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Suiattle River Road (8.8 mi from the road).
Is Gamma Hot Springs free to visit?
Gamma Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Gamma Hot Springs?
Yes, Sulphur Creek Campground is located nearby (9.1 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Gamma Hot Springs?
With care. At 140°F Gamma Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.
Sources: OpenStreetMap