Olympic Hot Springs Soakable

Olympic Hot Springs reads 118°F at the source (NCEI, historical reading); the pools people soak in usually run cooler than the source. Managed by Olympic National Park (checked 2026-08-19).

Cool Warm Hot Boiling-class 118°F

118°F / 48°C

Hot range at the source — hotter than a hot tub

Reading from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation). Source temperature — lower pools usually run cooler.

Water temperatures change with flow and season — test before entering, and never submerge your head in warm natural water. CDC guidance on Naegleria fowleri.

Access

The park calls these “natural, unmaintained hot water seeps in the Elwha River Valley,” lying in a wilderness area. Since the Elwha road washout, the park’s directions are to park at the Madison Falls Trailhead and hike or bike 9 miles on Olympic Hot Springs Road, taking a bypass trail around the washout, then hike a final 1.5 miles from the Boulder Creek Trailhead — no bicycles on that last stretch, and no pets on the springs trail. The park does not test or treat the pools, warns they may contain harmful bacteria, and states that use is at your own risk. Camping is allowed near the springs with a wilderness use permit.

Trailhead: Madison Falls Trailhead, Olympic Hot Springs Road, Elwha Valley

Winter: The park posts no winter closure for the springs; the Elwha area is currently closed to vehicle traffic beyond the Madison Falls Trailhead due to flood damage and road washout.

Access notes read from the manager's own page, checked 2026-08-19.

Check current conditions with Olympic National Park

Nearby springs

Identity, coordinates, and temperature quoted from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation).