# Kennedy Hot Spring, Washington

Kennedy Hot Spring in Washington. 100°F (38°C). Backcountry · Public Land. Snohomish County.

- Page: https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/washington/kennedy-hot-spring
- Source: Soaking Springs, researched and maintained by Armen Suny
- Updated: 2026-09-14

## Can you soak at Kennedy Hot Spring?

The water leaves the ground at 100°F, a comfortable soaking temperature. It sits deep in the backcountry. It's on US Forest Service land. We haven't confirmed whether it has a pool or charges a fee.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Source water temperature | 100°F (38°C) (USGS record; developed pools are often cooled) |
| Elevation | 3,520 ft |
| Access | Backcountry · Public Land, 5.7 mi from the nearest road (Sloan Creek Road) |
| Land | Mt. Baker National Forest, US Forest Service |
| County | Snohomish County |
| Nearest town | Darrington |
| Coordinates | 48.11800, -121.19200 |
| Best months to soak | December, February, January (largest gap between water and average air temperature) |
| Nearest campground | Sulphur Creek Campground, 9.0 mi |

## About Kennedy Hot Spring

Kennedy Hot Spring is a backcountry spring in Snohomish County, Washington, on Mt. Baker National Forest ground, twenty-one miles or so from Darrington. The temperature listed is right around body heat, soaking warm with no chance of a burn. Access is open per the record. Nearly six miles lie between the spring and Sloan Creek Road, the last road in, and the approach is on foot the whole way.

Mid-elevation Cascades, around thirty-five hundred feet. The climate figures show precipitation near a hundred inches and snowfall measured in the hundreds, so the route spends a good chunk of the year buried. Forest Service ground inside a national forest, nothing recorded for a fee. Six miles each way from Sloan Creek Road is a serious distance with a pack on.

Winter months are listed as best, a strange fit for a place with this much snow. Plan around conditions on the ground. Sulphur Creek Campground sits about nine miles away and is the camping the record names. The water is comfortable for soaking and poses no burn risk. Nearly six miles of backcountry each way calls for overnight planning.

## Nearby

- Nearest city page: [Hot springs near Gold Bar](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/near/washington/gold-bar), 17 mi away
- State page: [Hot springs in Washington](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/washington)
- [Gamma Hot Springs, WA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/washington/gamma-hot-springs): 140°F source, Backcountry, near Darrington, Snohomish County, primitive pools, parking or permit fee
- [Sulphur Creek Hot Springs, WA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/washington/sulphur-creek-hot-springs): 99°F source, Hike, near Darrington, Snohomish County, primitive pools, pools 90°F, parking or permit fee
- [Garland Mineral Springs, WA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/washington/garland-mineral-springs): 84°F source, Short Walk, near Gold Bar, Snohomish County
- [Scenic Hot Springs, WA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/washington/scenic-hot-springs): 122°F source, Short Walk, near Leavenworth, Chelan County, primitive pools, pools 111–122°F, $30 day pass, year-round
- [Goldmeyer Hot Springs, WA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/washington/goldmeyer-hot-springs): 127°F source, Hike, near Tanner, King County, primitive pools, pools 98–111°F, $30 day pass, year-round
- [Baker Hot Spring, WA](https://www.soakingsprings.com/hot-springs/washington/baker-hot-spring): 108°F source, Short Walk, near Agassiz, primitive pools, pools 100–101°F, free

## Questions

**What is the water temperature at Kennedy Hot Spring?**
Kennedy Hot Spring has a water temperature of 100°F (38°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

**Where is Kennedy Hot Spring located?**
Kennedy Hot Spring is located in Snohomish County, Washington at 3,520 feet elevation, near Darrington. Coordinates: 48.1180°N, 121.1920°W.

**How do I get to Kennedy Hot Spring?**
Kennedy Hot Spring has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Sloan Creek Road (5.7 mi from the road).

**Is Kennedy Hot Spring free to visit?**
Kennedy Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.

**Can I camp near Kennedy Hot Spring?**
Yes, Sulphur Creek Campground is located nearby (9.0 miles away).

## Sources

- USGS thermal springs records, Water Quality Portal lab analyses, OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia/Wikidata, NOAA climate normals