Olympic Hot Springs Trail is a 21.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Windy Arm, Washington that features hot springs and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October.
kid friendly
backpacking
camping
hiking
nature trips
trail running
walking
bird watching
forest
hot springs
partially paved
river
views
wild flowers
wildlife
washed out
no dogs
Road in is CLOSED to vehicle traffic due to flooding/washout Open for pedestrians, bicycles, and dogs on leash Madison Falls parking area is open, parking is limited (trail has been changed to reflect this route. The first approx. 9 miles are paved and can be biked.) A short, fairly easy hike through moss covered trees leads to a series of hot springs scattered throughout the woods. The water is a great temperature, there is camping in the area (with free permits), and there is a chance for a secluded soak depending on which pool you choose to soak in.
September 30 2018
Road closed.
10+ mile hike to springs from road closed gate.
We were time restricted and disappointed we couldnt do it.
Road is washed out allegedly.
Nice walk through the old forest growth. We ended at the creek, but we think the trail ends before the steep descent.
Road closed can’t get there
Late review, but was a great hike in October, 2017. Brisk but you get a workout. I wouldn’t call it super easy with the hills. The two suspension bridges were amazing. Hot springs are small and always occupied. Also clothing optional — with users expressing ZERO modesty — so watch with kids. Alcohol was definitely being imbibed out there.
You have to hike 10 miles of road just to access the official Olympic Hot Springs Trailhead. A couple miles in, the road is washed out and uncrossable (deep water). There are several re-routes around the washout. The first is a ~1/4 a mile before the bridge on the Elwha River Trail. Second is right before crossing bridge, though route is rough (steep/flooded/not official trail). The third re-route is a log crossing on the left, in between bridge and road washout. There are red/pink flags marking routes, but these can be confusing. May be difficult with heavy bikes, but doable if you’re adventurous. There were cyclists who did it while we were there. Past the reroute, the road is gradual up to the old Elwha dam. Beyond that it gets steeper and winding, with lots of trees and debris to cross over/around. When you reach the official Trailhead, the snow goes from a couple inches to up to 12’ deep in areas. Hot springs are filled with green algae, and the first 4-5 are Luke warm and shallow (less than knee deep). Get there early to get the deeper pools. Boulder Creek Campground is right there, less than .5 miles from springs, with bear wires and pit toilets. Permits required to camp and no fires/dogs allowed.
Feb 2018 - Inaccessible at the moment due to flooding in November that wiped out the trail and both campsites.
Cool springs. Not literally of course. One was too hot for me to put feet in. The others were a little cooler but the Sulfur smell was strong so I didn't anyways.
Decent trail, well maintained and easy to hike on. A heads up, most of the hot springs are pretty shallow and only 1 out of the 5 is large enough for more than 3 people to comfortably use. If you want to protect your feet walking between hot springs, bring sandals with ankle straps, NO FLIP FLOPS
Was grueling for an intro WA hike but the fiance and I made it! tough for us flat land Floridians ;) hot springs were very warm indeed.
The trail AND hot springs are CLOSED until late summer. Check NPS website or with a ranger. There is extensive repair work underway.
the trail is currently washed out due to flooding and is closed. the park ranger told me it would be reopened some time at the end of august.
Easy hike, the springs are nice. When I went in August 2015, there were several groups besides ours. Would definitely recommend for an easy overnight trip or day trip.
I've been here before and it was a nice easy hike. The only downfall was the trail was paved most of the way.
The road is closed right now though, so you won't be able to get to the trailhead unless you walk from the Madison Falls trailhead which will add about 3.5 miles to your hike. I hope the road opens soon!
Road closed 10 miles before trailhead
Great! Not hard at all.
Amazing
Easy trail.
Great hike for all skill levels. Hot springs are a nice break when you get up to them and people have put rocks around them so people can decide to sit and dip their feet or get in and relax. We did this hike with our 1 year old and 3 year old and they did really well and enjoyed the hot springs.
very popular trailer even in the middle of the week.
wonderful 5 mile round trip day hike to the springs. my skin is so soft now that I am home! Each pool was busy, don't expect to have a pool to yourself! Get friendly! It's well worth the hike. trail is pretty muddy at the moment. suggest waterfront boots. Our visit was 03/28/15 cost $15.00 for a parking pass, good for 7 days to the national parks. Purchased at the Ranger Station via pay envelope.
Nice, easy short hike. A few sketchy spots w/ rockslides. Nice campground close to springs & beautiful shire type fields to explore, can go on to Appleton pass, High Devide & beyond. Hot Springs are stinky but the top one was really very nice, hot!
Beautiful falls and a very easy hike, 5 miles seems too long though in the description. Minimal elevation gain (260 feet). There are definitely better hikes in the area, but if you have time you won't have a bad time here
