10 PNW Hot Springs We Love

One of our favorite ways to warm up, relax, and recharge is with a hot springs road trip. Tucked away in beautiful, natural settings, we think hot springs are Mother Nature's gift of hospitality in the form of soothing, healing waters. Yes. Please.

The PNW boasts some seriously fantastic hot springs. We’ve listed a few of our favorites in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, paired with fun activities in the area. From more developed resorts to rustic hike-ins, find a restful, serene soak at one of these 10 Pacific Northwest hot springs.

As always, please do your part by respecting the property and leaving no trace.

IDAHO

Kirkham Hot Springs

With its photo-worthy wooden staircase and cascading waterfalls, it’s easy to see why Kirkham Hot Springs is popular. Head down the stairs, and you’ll be treated to 10 tiered geothermal pools and small waterfalls that create dreamy natural showers. These undeveloped hot springs are on the edge of the South Fork of the Payette River. Accessible year-round, the springs are free, but make sure to bring $5 in cash or check to park (credit cards aren’t accepted). Camp at nearby Kirkham Campground (opens May 20). Spend some time exploring Boise National Forest. Kirkham Ridge Trail begins less than 1/4 mile away and stretches through the beautiful country for 35 miles, connecting with many other trails in the area. It’s open to hiking, mountain biking, and horses.

Miracle & Banbury Hot Springs

This year-round resort offers two soaking options along the Snake River. Miracle Hot Springs is a “Geothermal Oasis in the Desert.” The continuous flow of natural hot spring water is soft to the touch and odorless, with an alkaline pH of 9.6. Banbury Hot Springs, 1.5 miles east, has been providing the healing benefits of geothermal mineral water to the public since 1920. The 120 x 60 ft swimming pool and five private baths are heated by the artesian mineral water that bubbles from the earth at 138°F and is cooled to a comfortable temperature with cold spring water from the Snake River aquifer. Each hot spring has its own entrance fee. Rates to soak are around $12 per adult, with several camping options right on the property. Stock up on essentials in Twins Falls, about 35 minutes east, and fuel up with a pint of craft beer and sushi rolls at Snow Eagle Brewing & Grill.

Boat Box Hot Springs

Just outside of Stanley, in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, you’ll find Boat Box Hot Springs right on the edge of the Salmon River. Because your soaking vessel is a small metal tub, these hot springs are ideal for solo travelers or couples. There’s just enough room for two people to soak. The unmarked turnout is at the first 30 mph warning sign after you leave the town of Stanley heading north (coordinates: 44.244854, -114.886070). Water temperatures can be around 110°F. For cooler water, use the nearby plastic bucket (or bring your own) to add river water to the tub. A valve lets water out, which trickles constantly. Boat Box Hot Springs can be accessed in late spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to check out the quaint town of Stanley while you’re there. From mid-May through October, visit Stanley Baking Co. for tasty coffee, homemade breakfast dishes like chai spice pancakes and migas, and a variety of savory lunch sandwiches (vegetarian and meat options available).

OREGON

Umpqua Hot Springs

Perched atop a steep bank on the Umpqua River, these primitive hot springs offer a sublime way to take in the lush evergreen forest and listen to the river below. Several small pools dot the hillside. It’s a popular spot, so we recommend soaking early in the day to avoid crowds. A moderately steep but short quarter-mile hike leads soakers to the pools from the signed parking area. In the winter, add an extra 1.5 miles to reach the trailhead as the Forest Service road gate is frequently closed. There’s a $5 daily vehicle fee, or you’re covered with a Northwest Forest Pass. Camp at nearby Toketee Campground. There is tons of hiking in the area—explore Toketee Falls and Watson Falls, and trek along a segment of the 69-mile North Umpqua Trail.

Summer Lake Hot Springs

Indoor and outdoor pools beckon relaxation at this laid-back resort on the edge of a (usually) dry lakebed. A completely different scene than the mossy, green landscape west of the Cascades—this Oregon Outback destination features sagebrush, prairies, and a lot of wide open space. Archeologists from the University of Oregon discovered human DNA at the nearby Paisley Caves dating back 14,300 years. This finding is considered to be the oldest record of humans in North and South America and shows the area’s rich history. Summer Lake was a migratory place for Indigenous people where hunting, fishing, and harvesting wild grain provided an abundance of resources for all to share. The land was called Medicine Springs by natives and became common ground, an agreed-upon place of peace between tribes. The waters continue to provide a sense of oneness, connection, and healing to this day. Part of the appeal of Summer Lake is its distance from cities. The area has minimal amenities but makes up for it with excellent outdoor recreation. Walk on the land down to Summer Lake basin (about a 30-minute hike one way), trek to Winter Rim with magnificent views of Summer Lake from a bird’s eye view, and discover the iconic 750-mile Oregon Desert Trail a few miles east of Summer Lake Hot Springs. For fishing, head to the Chewaucan River, 6 miles south near Paisley. The area is blessed with some of the darkest night skies—so don’t forget to look up!   

Breitenbush Hot Springs

This gem in the heart of the Willamette National Forest recently reopened after the devastating 2020 fires burned nearly 50% of the property. Breitenbush Hot Springs is once again welcoming visitors with reservations required. The hot springs and sauna offer a unique experience that includes a full digital detox with no cell service or wifi. Enjoy an off-the-grid escape surrounded by nature. Organic, locally sourced, vegetarian meals are provided with overnight stays. The resort has been known to host some incredible yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats, workshops, and classes. Be sure to check out their calendar in advance to see if anything strikes your fancy. Camping options include spots for personal vehicles, tents, yurts, and rooms in the lodge.

Alvord Hot Springs

It’s worth going the distance to Alvord Hot Springs in Southeast Oregon. Nestled between the base of Steens Mountain and the Alvord Desert, this is an outdoor adventure lover’s paradise. The spring water comes out of the ground at 170°F and cools when mixed in the soaking pools. Bunkhouses and camping options are available. Ask about their local Alvord Ranch Beef and add a steak or burger to your reservation. Cook them “Cowboy Style” on one of their custom ranch grills. Pike Creek Trail is just 2 miles from the hot springs. The 5.6-mile out-and-back hike winds up into a box canyon along a small creek with panoramic views of the mountains and desert. Wandering around the Alvord Desert is a must. This 12 x 7-mile dry lake bed averages just 7 inches of rain a year. You can camp anywhere on the land. Don’t forget to spend some time exploring Steens Mountain. The 50-mile-long monolith rises 5,000 ft above the Alvord Desert and features stunning hikes along rivers, canyons, and the rim. You may even spot a herd of wild horses who call the area home.

Washington

Goldmyer Hot Springs

Situated in the ancient forests of the Cascade Mountains near Snoqualmie Pass, about 45 minutes east of Seattle, Goldmyer Hot Springs is one of Washington’s best geothermal treasures. You’ll have to work to enjoy Goldmyer Hot Springs, but we promise you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. It’s a 15-mile drive on a non-maintained, unpaved Forest Service road, followed by a 4.5-mile hike into the wilderness to access the springs. Managed by the Northwest Wilderness Programs, the nonprofit limits the use of Goldmyer Hot Springs to 20 people a day, and reservations are required (they can be made up to 5 months in advance). Primitive camping is available near the hot springs, surrounded by giant, towering trees. Enjoy access to rugged terrain, hiking trails through old-growth forests, beautiful waterfalls, a rich history of the Middle Fork Valley, and—of course—a crystal clear geothermal hot spring.

Sol Duc Hot Springs

Looking for a more developed option? Sol Duc Hot Springs is your place. This seasonal (spring-fall), full-service resort with cabins, a cafe, and a nearby campground sits right inside Olympic National Park. About 3.5 hours from Seattle, the amenities-packed resort has everything you need for a convenient getaway in nature. The four pools are open to overnight visitors of the resort and the adjacent campground. Day passes are also available. There are multiple hiking trails through an old-growth rainforest to explore during your retreat. The resort's location is perfect for exploring the national park’s iconic hikes around the Sol Duc Valley, including the Sol Duc Falls Trail and Lake Crescent.

Scenic Hot Springs

For a truly rugged hot springs experience, check out Scenic Hot Springs near Stevens Pass. The trail to access the hot springs is a 2-mile, 1,200-foot climb (about 1.5-2 hours). But fear not; it’s worth every step to relax in three steaming tubs overlooking a vast forest of Ponderosa Pines with the Cascade Mountains looming in the distance. Scenic Hot Springs is located on private property, and advanced reservations are required. Only ten people are allowed to visit at a time. Make reservations online at least two days in advance. After reserving a space, visitors will receive an email with directions from the private caretakers. The entrance fee is $5 per person on weekdays and $10 on weekends or holidays. Soaking is allowed until sunset, and there’s no overnight camping at the hot springs. We recommend camping in the national forest at Money Creek Campground or Beckler River Campground. Take a side trip to the storybook town of Leavenworth. Indulge in an artisanal bone broth soup at Yodelin' Broth Co. And since you’re in “Bavaria,” grab a stein at Icicle Brewing Co., Stein Leavenworth, or Rhein Haus. You’ll find some of the best ice cream in the state at Whistle Punk Ice Cream Co. Hike or cross-country ski at nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park.

*When planning your trip, be sure to check seasonal closures, local COVID-19 regulations, road conditions, and other important area news.

Ready to soak it up?

The best way to travel through the Pacific Northwest is by camper van. Visit all our favorite hot springs in one trip by booking a van rental.