Olympic Hot Springs, Washington

What it is

Olympic Hot Springs is a true wild soak, a cluster of natural pools in the Elwha Valley of Olympic National Park. There is no resort infrastructure and no maintenance. Pool sizes and temperatures change with seasons, storm cycles, and how much water is running through the area.

What makes it different

The approach is the whole story. Since the road washout, this is not a simple drive-up spring. You earn it with distance, and you should plan like it is a backcountry day: extra food, headlamp, rain layers, and enough time to turn around if conditions feel off.

When the pools are in good shape, the setting is classic Olympic Peninsula forest, damp air, mossy banks, and river sound. When they are not, you may find scalding water, silty pools, or spots that are best skipped. Go in expecting variability, not guarantees.

Access right now

Vehicle access stops at the Madison Falls area. Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed to vehicles due to a washout, but it remains open for pedestrians and bicycles. That closure adds distance and changes how long your day feels, even if the elevation gain is modest.

Route notes

From the last drivable point, you travel the closed road and then continue on trail. Conditions can include washouts, wet footing, and seasonally muddy sections. Plan for a long day with early daylight starts in fall and winter.

What to bring

Bring a swimsuit, a warm layer for cooling off, and footwear you can walk in on wet ground. Pack a small first-aid kit, a way to filter water, and a waste system (or at minimum, a plan to deal with toilets and trash responsibly). There are no services at the springs, and cell coverage is unreliable.

Best for

This one is for strong hikers and patient planners. If you want a quick soak between other park stops, pick Sol Duc instead. Olympic Hot Springs makes sense when the hike is part of the goal and you are comfortable with a natural, unmanaged setting.

Families

For most families, the combination of distance, wet weather risk, and variable pool temperatures makes this a poor fit. Even if older kids can handle the miles, the on-site environment is not controlled, and you are responsible for every safety decision.

Mobility realities

The old road surface can be easier than a typical singletrack for a short stretch, but it is not a fully accessible experience and the route transitions to uneven trail conditions. Treat this as non-wheelchair accessible in practice unless you have very specific, current information about your intended turnaround point.

Expectations vs reality

Photos often show a perfect pool. In real life, you may need to walk past several pools to find one with a safe temperature and clean water, and sometimes the smartest call is to skip soaking entirely.

Water quality and bacteria risk

The Park Service has warned that these pools are not monitored or maintained and may contain high levels of fecal coliform bacteria. That is not a small detail. Do not submerge your head, avoid swallowing water, and skip soaking if you have open cuts.

Temperature and scalding

Natural hot springs can be dangerously hot at the source. Test water carefully with a hand or foot before you sit down. Keep kids out of any pool that feels even slightly “too hot,” because scalds happen fast.

River dynamics

Elwha Valley weather can swing quickly. Heavy rain can raise creeks, shift channels, and make the approach feel harder on the return. Turn around early if water crossings or footing deteriorate.

Etiquette

Keep it quiet, pack out everything (including food scraps), and leave pools as you found them. Avoid soaps of any kind. If others are waiting, rotate soaks fairly. Stick to swimwear behavior even if you see otherwise, it keeps conflict low in a national park setting.

Can I drive to Olympic Hot Springs?

No. Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed to vehicles due to a washout, so the approach starts from the last accessible parking near Madison Falls.

Are there toilets?

There is a toilet at the trailhead area, but there are no facilities at the hot springs. Plan your bathroom strategy before you hike in.

Is the water safe?

The pools are unmonitored and may have high bacteria levels. Avoid getting water in your mouth, do not put your head under, and skip soaking if conditions look questionable.

Is this clothing optional?

It is not a managed facility with enforced rules. If you want predictable norms, choose a developed hot springs pool instead.