Ohanapecosh Hot Springs
Ohanapecosh Hot Springs flows at 122 degrees within Mount Rainier National Park at 1,920 feet elevation, emerging 74.5 degrees above ambient just 79 meters from State Route 123. USGS analysis shows sodium-chloride chemistry with 950 mg/L sodium, 960 mg/L chloride, and pH 6.6 in waters reaching 45.8 degrees Celsius.
The springs emerge in old-growth forest along the Ohanapecosh River on Rainier's southeast side, surrounded by towering Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock. Annual precipitation reaches 74.5 inches with 283.9 inches of snowfall. The pristine river, fed by glacial meltwater and snowmelt, flows through moss-covered boulders and fallen logs in a classic Cascade forest setting.
Visit the springs May through October when State Route 123 is open. Ohanapecosh Campground sits 1 kilometer away with reservable sites beneath old-growth forest. The Grove of the Patriarchs trail remains closed pending bridge replacement, but Silver Falls and other hikes offer excellent alternatives. Winter brings road closures and deep snow.
The name Ohanapecosh derives from a Taidnapam word whose exact meaning remains debated, though connections to the river and landscape are clear. Early park visitors bathed in these springs before facilities closed in the 1960s to protect the thermal features and surrounding environment. An interpretive boardwalk now allows observation while preventing damage to the fragile spring area.
The water at Ohanapecosh Hot Springs is slightly acidic (pH 6.6). It is notably rich in sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration) and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).
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Overview Ohanapecosh Campground, on the southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park, is surrounded by old growth forest and crossed by an exceptionally beautiful snow-fed river. Close to Ohanapecosh are popular hikes to Silver Falls. The Grove of the Patriarchs trail is closed to public access until the bridge accessing the Grove is replaced. The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, a glacier-clad volcano of immense proportions. At 14,411 ft., it dominates...
Ohanapecosh Hot Springs is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water runs hot, so extra hydration is key.
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