How to visit Olympic Hot Springs and the Secret Sauna Cave

Where rainforest meets geothermal wonder, Olympic Hot Springs offers one of the Pacific Northwest’s most rewarding wilderness soaking experiences; now with a mandatory 18-mile bike ride.

Olympic Hot Springs holds legendary status among Pacific Northwest hot spring enthusiasts. Nestled deep in the temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park, these natural pools offer an unusual combination: a pristine wilderness setting, multiple pools at varying temperatures, an old-growth forest canopy overhead, and the satisfaction of earning your soak through effort.

The former access road washed out years ago. Reaching the springs now requires a 9-mile bike ride (18 miles round trip) or an even longer hike. This is an adventure fir 🌲 sure!

Quick Overview

📍 Location: Olympic National Park, Elwha River Valley, Washington; Olympic Hot Springs Trail
Closest town: Port Angeles, Washington (20 miles north)

🚴 Bike ride required: 9 miles one-way on washed-out Boulder Creek Road (18 miles round trip)
🥾 Hike: additional 2.2 mile hike once at the trailhead (one-way)
💲 Cost: American the Beautiful Pass required for parking at the trailhead.
🚲 Bike rentals: Elwha Bike Adventures (https://www.elwhaebikeadventures.com/

 

Renting E-Bikes: Elwha Bike Adventures

🚲 Website: https://www.elwhaebikeadventures.com/
📍 Location: Near the Elwha Valley entrance
💲 Cost: ~$depends on the bike you get.
🛠️ Includes: Mountain bike, helmet, basic repair kit
📞 Reservations: Recommended, especially in summer. We went late fall (mid-November!)

Reserve several days ahead during peak season for best availability.

****** We found out about the secret sauna cave through the owners of this business, they actually give you a map to find it.

What to Expect on the Bike Ride

Terrain (old Boulder Creek Road):

• Loose gravel and rocks

• Multiple washouts

• Tree roots and debris

• Sustained uphill sections

• Dense rainforest scenery

Difficulty: Moderate. Not technical single-track, but not smooth gravel either.

Distance breakdown:

• Miles 0–5: Smoother old-road surface, gradual uphill

• Miles 5–7: Rougher terrain, intermittent washouts

• Miles 7–9: Steeper, rockier, slower going

• Mile 9: Reach former trailhead; lock bikes; begin 2.5-mile hike

The Final Approach: 2.5-Mile Hike to the Springs

At the former Boulder Creek Trailhead, lock your bike and begin the hike.

Trail characteristics:

• Well-maintained

• Moderate grade

• Footbridges crossing Boulder Creek

• Old-growth forest

• 45–60 minutes travel time

You’ll know you’re close when you smell sulfur and see steam drifting through the trees.

The Springs: What Awaits You

After 18 miles of biking and 5 miles of hiking, you reach a classic Pacific Northwest geothermal site.

The Pools

Olympic Hot Springs has 7–10 natural pools depending on season and flooding. I would highly recommend traveling past the first pools, there are secret hidden ones that are seriously awesome.

Upper pools (hottest):

• 100–105°F

• Small and intimate

• Often busiest

Middle pools (“Goldilocks zone”):

• 95–100°F

• Room for 4–8 people

• Most popular for long soaks

Lower pools:

• 90–95°F

• Good for hot days

• Less crowded

• Sometimes mixed with cold creek water

The Setting

Natural rock pools surrounded by old-growth hemlock, Douglas fir, and cedar. Steam rising through the canopy. Boulder Creek flowing nearby.

The Vibe

Clothing-optional with a long tradition. Visitors are typically quiet, relaxed, and respectful.

Directions from Port Angeles

Total drive time: 30–40 minutes

1. Take Highway 101 west for ~8 miles.

2. Turn left onto Olympic Hot Springs Road.

3. Enter Olympic National Park (pay entrance fee).

4. Continue ~10 miles to Boulder Creek Road.

5. Drive to the locked gate.

6. Park, unload, and begin biking.

Parking is limited; arrive early during summer.

Costs and Permits

• Entrance fee: America the Beautiful Pass for parking.

• Hot springs: Free

• Bike rental: $depends on bike, we got an expensive e-bike option.

• Overnight camping: Backcountry permit required

What to Pack

Biking Gear

• Mountain bike (or rental)

• Helmet (included with rental)

• Bike lock (included with rental)

• Repair kit (included with rental)

• 2–3 liters of water

• Snacks or lunch

Soaking Gear

• Towel

• Water shoes or sandals

• Bathing suit (optional)

• Dry bag

• Headlamp

Clothing Layers

• Moisture-wicking base layer

• Insulating layer

• Rain jacket

• Extra socks

Essentials

• 3–4 liters of water

• Substantial food

• First-aid supplies

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Small trash bag

• Toilet paper + trowel

What to Leave Behind

• Glass containers

• Soap or shampoo

• Alcohol

• Dogs

• Speakers

Overnight Option: Backcountry Camping

Permit required: Yes
Camping location: Near Boulder Creek, ~0.5 miles from the springs
Bear canister: Required
Campfires: Not allowed

Advantages:

• Dawn soaking

• Star soaking

• Split the bike ride over two days

Considerations:

• Heavier pack

• Bear safety

• Weather variability

Geology and Natural History

Geothermal Origins

Water is heated underground by localized geothermal gradients (the Olympics are not volcanic). The water emerges around 138°F at the source and cools as it flows into pools.

Rainforest Setting

The Elwha Valley receives 140+ inches of rainfall annually, supporting lush temperate rainforest ecosystems.

Wildlife

• Black bears

• Roosevelt elk

• Black-tailed deer

• Mountain lions (rare)

• Various bird species

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (June–September)

Pros: Warm, long days, low creek levels
Cons: Crowded, bugs, hot upper pools

Fall (October–November)

Pros: Fewer crowds, cool air
Cons: Rain, mud, short days

Winter (December–March)

Pros: Quiet, dramatic scenery
Cons: Snow, difficult access, hypothermia risk

Spring (April–May)

Pros: Wildflowers, fewer crowds
Cons: High creek levels, muddy trail, unstable weather

Is Olympic Hot Springs Worth the Effort?

The route requires significant commitment—18 miles of biking, 5 miles of hiking, gear, and time.

If you want a remote, undeveloped, high-effort wilderness soak, this location delivers.

If you want an easy soak, go to Sol Duc Hot Springs.

Nearby Attractions

• Elwha River Restoration

• Sol Duc Hot Springs

• Hurricane Ridge

• Hoh Rainforest

• Lake Crescent

• Port Angeles

Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Olympic Hot Springs offers challenging access, a pristine setting, natural pools, and the satisfaction of earning the experience. Rent bikes, pack properly, and go prepared.

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