Olympic Hot Springs
Port Angeles, Washington
Details
Distance
21.52 miles
Elevation Gain
3556 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Matt Williams
Enjoy a hike through the old growth forests of Olympic National Park and soak in one of 22 natural hot springs. Take advantage of the local clothing optional tradition and go au naturel in one of the many pools secluded from the trail - if you want.
A local favorite, this moderate day hike winds its way uphill from the Appleton Pass trailhead through old growth stands of fir, hemlock and cedar for 2.2 miles to a cluster of hot springs interspersed among the trees. Note: This route is now closed due to a washed out road. The current route is via the Madison Falls Trailhead.
Located in the Olympic National Park, the trailhead lies at the end of Olympic Hot Springs Road, several miles above the old Glines Canyon Dam (now removed).
The hike itself consists mostly of a long abandoned road that has since converted into a broad trail. The old asphalt has been removed and replaced with shredded wood to encourage plant growth, making for a smooth and pleasant path.
As you near the hot springs, the old roadway gives way to narrower trail. Here you will cross a newly-built suspension bridge at Crystal Creek. At the top of the slope after the bridge, you'll enter a flat meadow (once a parking lot). Bear right at the fork and follow your nose to the hot springs. Keep an eye out on both sides of the trail, as some of the best pools are tucked away among the trees.
Camping is also available at Boulder Creek Campground adjacent to the hot springs.
Note that the NPS does not monitor the water quality of the hot springs.
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Reviews
Too hard to get to without a 20 mile hike. But we went about 1/4 of the way. Some cool views around.
1.0
Nudity is called naturism in America and FKK - in Europe which is everywhere. Just wanted to note that it safe. Children are to scared or have PTSD from it. 75 percent of 11 year olds are being exposed to porn. Celebrate your beautiful bodies in a natural experience and model a shame free state of mind. That is the greatest gift you can give your kids
5.0
The two washouts have closed the main 10 mile road but that leaves you the perfect opportunity to turn this into either a day bike uphill with a small 2.2 mile hike in to the hot springs, or a weekend bike and hike in a beautiful campground that used to belong to a 1920’s resort. once you’re done simply get back on your bike and coast the entire way downhill for 10 miles rather than hiking out. Along the way, you pass the old remnants of a dam with an amazing view of the valley. Trust me, it’s worth the uphill bike ride.
5.0
07/10/2019 road is still closed due to washout. Can’t drive past Madison Falls trailhead.
1.0
We weren’t sure if a 3 hour drive for a soak in a hot spring would be worth it during our short trip to Seattle - I’m so glad we did. Not only is hiking through Olympic a life changing experience on its own, these were some of the best hot springs I’ve been to - and that’s a LOT! We went in the fall (oct) and passed maybe 3 people the entire time, had the springs to ourselves. While some pools are tucked away, the ones pictured were the biggest/deepest we could find. So freaking gorgeous. The water is clear, the top pool was hella hot but the lower, deeper one was very comfortable. Definitely want to go again & go camping!
5.0
We were so happy to find the road open to the hot springs! The hike up is beautiful and on a Sunday morning there were only a couple people there. Make sure to check out the hot springs farther up the trail for a more private option.
5.0
With the road closed it makes for a tidy 21mi round trip hike, possible to do it in a day (we did). That being said, the road was 95% clear of snow two days ago when we did it and the trail itself was snowy but not bad! I would suggest bringing a good pair of road-running shoes for the hike/jog up and the jog back down on the road, if it's going to be closed! There were a few trees down and a spot that looked like it might slide soon, so I could understand why it was closed. Hot springs were lovely!! Very sulfur-y, as to be expected, but perfectly hot and amazing to soak in for a bit before heading back down! They're all a bit spaced and hidden around once you cross the log bridge (hang a left and stay left [towards the little outhouse with the crescent moon on it] once you cross the suspension bridge), we found the bigger one near the river only on our way out. I felt bad for dragging my not-as-outdoorsy/not-long-distance-running friend with me. She was in pain by the end, but I didn't have to carry her so I was proud!
4.0
June 2016 - the road is still closed to cars but open to bikes. We rented bikes in Port Angeles and cycled up, it's 10miles and 1,500 ft elevation gain so a bit of a grind before you even start the walking to the springs! We had the springs to ourselves and enjoyed a good soak before freewheeling all the way back down.
5.0
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