Quick FactsOverview
About Scenic Hot Springs
Scenic Hot Springs, Washington is a paid private geothermal spring on privately owned land in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 10 miles east of Skykomish on US Highway 2. Advance reservation and a trail use fee are required. Walk-ins are not permitted and a caretaker patrols the property daily. Three pools sit on a steep forested hillside at the end of a 2-mile uphill hike. The pools are fed by two source vents. Lobster Pot, the hotter source, produces water at approximately 110 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. The second source, Bear Den, runs approximately five degrees cooler. Pool temperatures across the three pools typically range from 105 to 118 degrees.
The site was significantly upgraded in 2024 with new stone pools, additional soaking capacity, improved pathways, and better changing structures. The property is open year-round, though winter conditions require snowshoes or skis and additional preparation. Visitors are permitted during daylight hours only under county regulations. Children under six are not permitted. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Location & Access
Getting to Scenic Hot Springs
Scenic Hot Springs is located approximately 10 miles east of Skykomish on US Highway 2, in the Stevens Pass corridor of the Cascade Mountains. Detailed driving directions and the exact trailhead location are provided only after a reservation is confirmed. The parking area is on a steep driveway off Highway 2, and vehicle registration is required. Unauthorized vehicles are towed. From Seattle, the drive takes approximately two hours depending on traffic. From the parking area, the hike to the springs is approximately 2 miles one-way with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. The first portion of the trail climbs through a section with power lines before entering denser forest for the final stretch. The steepest section occurs in the last third of a mile before the pools.
During winter, typically December through April, the driveway to the upper parking area is inaccessible. An alternative lower parking area is available with directions provided at booking, which adds additional distance to the approach. Snowshoes or skis are required for winter visits, and the approach involves steep slopes that can be icy and avalanche-prone. Always check Highway 2 road conditions and weather forecasts before visiting. For those seeking natural hot springs near Skykomish Washington, Scenic Hot Springs is the only reservation-access private spring in the Stevens Pass area, offering a more controlled and maintained experience than public springs elsewhere in the Cascades.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and Accessibility of Scenic Hot Springs
Scenic Hot Springs suits physically fit adults and older teenagers who can complete a moderate-to-difficult 2-mile uphill hike with 1,100 feet of elevation gain and who are comfortable booking in advance and following the property's conditions of access. The hike is rated moderate in summer but becomes significantly more challenging in winter when snowshoes or skis are required and the terrain can be icy and avalanche-exposed. The steepest section near the top requires sure footing. Standard hiking shoes are sufficient in summer but waterproof boots with good traction are recommended.
Children under six are not permitted at any time. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. The site is not recommended for children given the remote location, steep hike, high pool temperatures, and clothing-optional environment. Clothing is optional throughout the soaking area. Visitors who prefer a private experience can book an exclusive use reservation for a flat fee covering up to 10 people in spring and summer and up to 15 people in fall and winter.
Three stone pools accommodate small groups of three to four people each at a range of temperatures. The property is not wheelchair accessible. For those seeking natural hot springs near Skykomish Washington with a structured, well-maintained visit experience, Scenic Hot Springs offers one of the most reliable and improved private spring experiences in the North Cascades region.
Safety & Etiquette
Scenic Hot Springs Safety Tips
Scenic Hot Springs is privately managed with a caretaker patrolling the property daily during visiting hours. Pool temperatures range from approximately 105 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit, which is above the standard safe soaking limit of 104 degrees. Limit time in the hottest pools and exit immediately if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or overheated. The cooler of the three pools at around 105 degrees is the most suitable for extended soaking. Stay hydrated throughout your visit as there is no potable water on site.
The hike has 1,100 feet of elevation gain in 2 miles. This is a real aerobic effort, particularly in warm weather. Arriving well hydrated before the hike is important given that you will soak in hot water at the destination. Allow enough time for the round trip, rest, and soak within daylight hours. Visitors are not permitted after dark under county regulations.
In winter, the upper section of the trail involves steep slopes with avalanche exposure. Do not visit in winter without snowshoes or skis and without checking the Northwest Avalanche Center forecast for the Stevens Pass area. Highway 2 through Stevens Pass requires chains or traction tires during and after snowfall. The parking area is on a steep driveway and can be icy. Check highway conditions via WSDOT before setting out.
Pool water quality at Scenic Hot Springs can vary. Floating particles and some sliminess are reported by visitors, particularly in warmer seasons when algae growth increases. A scrubber and net are provided on site to clean pools before soaking. Do not drink the water. Leave no trace: pack out all waste and do not disturb the natural mineral rock structures around the pools.
