Goldmyer Hot Springs in Washington

Goldmyer Hot Springs is one of the gems found in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, approximately 25 miles east of North Bend, Washington. On this journey to the natural mineral water pools, you’ll need to backpack in with any camping gear, food, and water.

You are expected to pack out any and all trash – leave the 20-acre wilderness reserve cleaner than you found it.

Natural Hot Springs Pools

Goldmyer Hot Springs, Washington. Photo by: hundertmorgen_

The Goldmyer Hot Springs is geothermal water that contains a variety of minerals in trace concentrations with a pH of around 8.5. You’ll not experience an overbearing sulfur smell encountered at other hot springs. Avid backpackers looking to explore the Upper Middle Fork River Valley will find the Goldmyer Hot Spring as a great jumping-off point for their adventure.

If you have the means, please make a donation to the Northwest Wilderness Programs, a Washington State nonprofit organization established in 1976, responsible for maintaining this beautiful area. 95% of all funds received are used for charitable purposes. Remember to leave only footsteps and take only memories. Happy travels!

You can expect to come across rugged terrain through a late seral forest that has attained great age without significant disturbance home to unique ecological features. The diverse tree structure exhibits multi-layered canopies and canopy gaps with varying tree height and size. The piece de resistance along this adventure is the geothermal Goldmyer Hot Spring.

Before Going:

Reservations are required to guarantee access.
Access to Goldmyer is limited to 20 people per day.
Look over the calendar to find available dates.
Monitor the Access Report for current conditions – updated every Wednesday.
Contact: 206-789-5631

Access:

Guests should anticipate 4+ hours of driving and hiking from Seattle.
Driving to the trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle with a four-wheel drive capable of handling unpaved roads for approximately 5 miles.
It is a 4.5-mile hike each way to the Goldmyer Hot Spring from the Forest Service parking area.
Bring tire chains if you visit between November to April when snowstorms are possible.
Check-in: 9 am
Check-out: 9 pm

Goldmyer Hot Springs Caretaker Cabin — Caretaker’s Cabin at Goldmyer Hot Springs.

What to Bring:

First Aid Kit
Waterproof hiking boots
Rain Gear
Warm Layers
Water & Water Filter
Flashlight
Towel
Bathing Suit (clothing is optional at the Goldmyer Hot Spring)
Food or Snacks
Camping Equipment

Rules:

No dogs or pets, drugs, smoking, glass containers, or weapons
Alcohol is allowed at campsites for overnight guests – maintain control of yourself
No food or soap in Goldmyer Hot Spring
No campfires
Camp stoves are allowed
Do not photograph strangers in their birthday suits
Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
No groups larger than 8 people
You must check in at the caretaker cabin

Goldmyer Hot Springs Cave Pool — Cave pool at Goldmyer Hot Springs.

Goldmyer Hot Springs originates from a horizontal mine shaft where water flows at a temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit, with the cave pool at 111 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cave pool pours over into a less hot pool at 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Goldmyer Hot Springs Pool — Another soaking pool at Goldmyer Hot Springs. Photo by: Hundertmorgen

You will also find a cooling pool adjacent to the hot springs for a break from the heat.

Goldmyer Hot Springs Cool Down Pool — Cool down pool at Goldmyer Hot Springs.

Getting There

From Seattle: Follow I-90E to 468th Ave SE in Riverbend. Take Exit 34 from I-90E. Take NF-5600 and NF-5620 to National Forest Develop Rd 5620 Trail.