Olympic Hot Springs

Port Angeles, WA-The Olympic Hot Springs is located about 10 miles outside of Port Angeles. Follow the signs in town to the Olympic National Forest Visitor station to get all the information on local trailheads, camping requirements, rules, etc... Upon arrival to the forest, you'll need to purchase a trail pass for $15.00 which is only good for 7 days. Year round ones are available for $30.00.

There are many trailheads and pay to camp spots along this road. The trailhead to the Olympic Hot Springs is at the end and is 2.4 miles to the hot springs. Note: the gate is to the end of this road is closed off in the winter time due to weather conditions but the trails and campgrounds before this may still be available. Check with the visitor station before arriving. The beginning of the trailhead to the hot springs is met with a smaller parking lot, a somewhat sophisticated outhouse, and trailhead information. No overnight camping is allowed at the hot springs. For that, hikers must climb additional mileage before arriving at the springs. The trailhead to the campground is specifically and clearly marked about a quarter of a mile before arriving to the hot springs.

The hike to the hot springs is mostly paved. You must watch your step because there are occasionally pot holes and washed out parts, plus you will cross the stream a couple of times en route and one place there are no assists except to rely on your good balance to cross the rocks that are in place. The climb is a gentle steady climb of about 300-400 feet. If you don't exercise on a regular basis, you will feel the effects of this hike.

Remember:

Bring extra water.
Anticipate weather changes.
Anticipate it to be cooler than normal and sooner than expected.
Be responsible and pack your garbage out.
Horses, bikes, and dogs are not allowed.

Before reaching the springs, you will smell the sulfur. The Olympic Hot Springs do not meet safe standards to bathe in so if you plan on soaking, soak at your own risk. Each spring sits alone either just below or above the trail itself. Make shift rings make the shallow pools that are available. The one at the very end is believed to be the deepest at roughly 24 inches at the deepest spot, as of this writing. It also seems the hardest to get to as it involves a very steep climb for about 30-40 feet above the trailhead.

There are no signs either banning or permitting clothing optional rules. Visitors were found to be partaking of each preference and at their own risk. For information for this particular visitor center contact: 600 E Park Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362-6798, (360) 565-3000 or on the web at: http://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm