The 6 best hot springs in Washington

Why these made the list

1. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

   A resort inside Olympic National Park with three hot mineral pools between 98-107°F and a freshwater pool. Day-use soaks are sold in timed sessions. Cabins, a restaurant and a campground make it an easy base for a rainforest trip.

2. Baker Hot Springs

   Two log-and-rock pools fed by water around 108°F, a short walk from the Swift Creek trailhead near Mount Baker. Free and popular, so expect company. The road is rough and high clearance helps.

3. Scenic Hot Springs

   Two natural stone pools at 111-122°F near Stevens Pass, reached by a steep 2-mile climb gaining 1,100 feet. Reservation only, which keeps it quiet. Worth it for a proper mountain soak.

4. Carson Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort

   A historic mineral-water resort in the Columbia River Gorge, operating since the early 1900s. Day visitors can book a traditional bathhouse soak with a linen wrap, or use the indoor therapy pool. Easy and relaxed.

5. St. Martin's Hot Springs

   Two bedrock pools at 102-105°F on the far bank of the Wind River near Carson. Free, and clothing-optional is the norm. You must ford the river, so only cross at safe levels and never alone.

6. Olympic Hot Springs

   Natural seeps along Boulder Creek in the Elwha Valley, with shallow rock pools at about 85-105°F. It is a 10.5-mile trip each way on foot or bike, so go for the journey, and read the Park Service bacteria warning first.