Olympic Hot Springs
Olympic Hot Springs flows at 118 degrees within Olympic National Park at 2,000 feet elevation, emerging 72 degrees above ambient in the remote wilderness of the northern Olympics. The springs contain 21 separate seeps near Boulder Creek reaching temperatures up to 138 degrees, requiring an 8.1-kilometer backcountry hike.
The springs sit in dense temperate rainforest along Boulder Creek, a tributary of the Elwha River. Annual precipitation reaches 71.3 inches with 96.5 inches of snow, supporting Douglas fir, western hemlock, and lush understory vegetation. The surrounding terrain features steep mountain slopes, clear-running streams, and the characteristic moss-draped forests of the western Olympics.
The springs served Indigenous peoples for centuries before Euro-American discovery. A resort operated at the site from 1907 until Olympic National Park acquired the property in 1966. Park facilities were removed in the 1990s to restore wilderness character. Visitors now find primitive soaking pools maintained informally along the creek, accessed via the former road-turned-trail from Appleton Pass trailhead.
Hike the 8.1-kilometer trail year-round, though winter snow increases difficulty. The trail gains modest elevation along the Boulder Creek valley. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground, 13.1 kilometers away, offers developed camping and commercial hot spring pools. Pack out all waste and practice leave-no-trace principles in this wilderness setting.
Is Olympic Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Backpacking adventures
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Day trips with young children
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Overview For up to date pool schedule information, please visit our website here. Pool access fees are $19 for adults, $15 for children ages 4-12 and $15 for seniors over 62 years old per session. Towel rentals are $5. You may bring your own towel. Lockers are available, but locks are not provided. Located along the Sol Duc River, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground is on the "edge of the backcountry in the heart of the Olympic National Park" with hot spring pools and access to many hiking...