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4 reviews for Olympic Hot Springs
Oh, Oly Hot Springs, how I love you... how I long for you Boulder Creek and yes you too Elwha River... how I yearn for the giggles that erupt when I see fools going on down Hwy 101 to the commercialized, cemented Sol Duc "Hot Springs" as I turn off onto your little road taking me to heaven.
I have had a million gazillion incredible trips here, starting when I was a wee baby and my hippie parents lived in Port Angeles. I love to stay in the camgrounds not far inside the park entrance on the river, especially in fall when there aren't many campers and when the weather is cool enough to really enjoy the springs. Alternatively, there are a few spots in a primitive campground on the wooded bluff above Boulder Creek. This is nice and quiet, and allows for easy access to the springs in the middle of the night or early morning.
I have even forayed up on a snowy new year's eve -- the trailhead closes 7 miles down the road though, so be forewarned.
There have been countless times when I get to the trailhead and become anxious when I see the ton of cars parked precariously on the side of the mountain: "will there be room?" - "will we have to share a spring with someone?".... however, there has only been one time out of said gazillion trips where I "had" to share. I assume a lot of the cars brought hikers to the adjoining trails (Alpine Lakes, about 5 miles steep hike past the springs, is amazing by the way).
I have never personally gotten sick or had any other bad health/sanitation experiences. If the rocks are positioned correctly there is a lot of movement and the water recycles itself constantly. Nudity is common, so again be forewarned should you care about that kind of thing.
See you soon, my loves!
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I would like to start by saying that, as a Florida boy, I had no idea what to expect of a "hot springs". Where I was born and raised springs were "turtle shell" COLD (if you know what I mean).
You have to hike about 2.5 miles to get here, it's not really that bad of a hike though. It was as a bit of a pain for my crew as we were all backcountry virgins, but I imagine there are harsher ways to have one's backcountry cherry popped.
The park's "pro tips" for the trail are rather hilarious. They warn that "OMG TEH HOT SPRINGS WILL KILL YOU CUZ OF BACTERIA YALLZ!" They also warn that nudity is common but are quick to point out that "the park doesn't condone this".
We hiked in, setup our tents and went down to the springs. They smelled very sulfur-y but there were many of them and to my excitement/dissappointment we were the only ones there (the parking lot was rather full when we set out as well).
We had a good time despite my drinking a little bit too much home-distilled apple spirit and having to clean myself with Northface tent instructions after early morning commode use.
I was a little disappointed to not see wrinkly hippy bewbage and ballsacks though, maybe next time.
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This remote hot springs, high above the Elhwa River Valley in Olympic Nation Park, Just may be the most beautiful springs in the Northwest. It has everything: breathtaking mountain and forest scenery, waterfalls, a river canyon and a choice of about a half-a-dozen different springs tucked here and there along the river.
Temperatures vary from lukewarm to 138 degrees F. A resort existed in the area until 1966, when the lease expired. Heavy winter snows caused many of the old buildings to collapse. They were removed, but seeps remain. Nudity is prohibited! The impounded pools frequently fail water quality standards for public bathing. Use at your own risk.
GPS: 47.977N 123.762W
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I have to say I love this hike! It is easy and the reward at the top is great!
It is about 2.4 miles up and it can be anytime of day!
The pictures posted were taken Dec. 23rd 2007 and the hike took place in the evening hours after 9 p.m!
There are some river crossing and some only some rivers have bridges.
In the summer it is busy and it is clothing optional! This means you could find your grandmothers shuffle board partner in her bare essentials!
GREAT hike for family and friends; I would suggest keeping the clothes on if you are with your family or strange stalker/love interest.
Easy to find if you Google it I think. If not check out, "Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest" a Falcon Guide book.
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