Scenic Hot Springs – How To Book And What To Expect
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Scenic Hot Springs, one of Washington’s best-kept secrets! Surrounded by towering evergreens and serene mountain vistas, the Scenic Hot Springs are a haven where you can unwind and revitalize.
The Scenic Hot Springs are a collection of natural hot springs located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, just a short drive from Seattle. I stopped by on my recent trip to Washington and loved every minute of my visit.
You may have seen Scenic Hot Springs pop up on your Instagram, and they are just as beautiful in real life. But getting to them isn’t the easiest and that’s where this guide comes in! The hot springs are located on private property and require a permit and a hike to access.
Read on to find out everything you need to know when visiting the Scenic Hot Springs in Washington!
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Important Things To Know About Scenic Hot Springs
– Maximum of 10 visitors per day
– Visit is by permit only
– Scenic Hot Springs is on private property
– There is little to no cell service in the area
– Permits cost $10 per person
– No dogs or animals are permitted at the springs
– Clothing optional
– Number of pools: 3
– Nearest town: Skykomish
– Where to stay nearby: See section below
– Temperature: 105℉ approximately
– When to visit: Year-round
– Round trip Length: 4.4 miles or 7km
– Elevation gain: 1,100 ft or
Planning Your Trip To Scenic Hot Springs
To fully enjoy your visit to the Scenic Hot Springs, some planning is required. The hot springs are located on private property so you will need to apply for and pay for a permit which you can do through the website at www.scenichotsprings.com
Before you submit or pay for your permit, you’ll need to check the website to see if your chosen date is fully booked or not. There are a maximum of ten spots/people per day. So if your date of choice already lists 10 people you’ll need to choose a different date.
Going forward you can click the “reserve” button on the new website (new as of 2023) and fill in your details here including date of your chosen visit, number of people coming and vehicle details. Then it will take you to the PayPal site where you can pay. You no longer have to email to request.
Once you have submitted all the required fields and paid the $10 fee per person, you will receive an email shortly after confirming your permit and reservation. You can see how many other people have reserved for the same date on the website.
You can book the site exclusively for yourself for $150 only if no one else has booked for that day already. If there are 8 or more people in your group you must book an exclusive reservation with the $150 fee.
The area is only accessible via a 2-mile hike through rugged terrain, making it essential to bring appropriate footwear and clothing.
The trail is moderately difficult, but the stunning views along the way make it well worth the effort. Since the hot springs are located in a remote area, there is no cell phone service or facilities available. It’s crucial to pack all necessary supplies, including food and water.
Getting To Scenic Hot Springs Trailhead
The starting point of the hike to Scenic Hot Springs is located at the bottom of a Forest Service Road. The road is called FSR 850 but there are no signs indicating this.
To get here from Seattle you’ll have to drive 50 miles on the Highway 2 to the town of Skykomish. Keep in mind this is the last place to get gas before reaching the trailhead. From Skykomish the FSR 850 road is around 10 miles from here.
Tip: The road is hidden from view by trees and brush. I managed to find the location on google maps before heading out (there is little to no cell service in this area) by using the aerial map sent in the confirmation email. These are the coordinates I used – you can click here to find it on google maps.
Once you pull into the FSR there is space for around 4 to 5 cars max. You will see a closed gate which is the start of the trail. I’ve included a photo of the gate below. It will also have signage in regards to the hot spring, that’s how you know you’re in the right spot!
As this is private property, remember to add your vehicle details to your booking or else you may get towed! There is no vehicle pass to print out any more, I was not asked to print anything as I’d submitted my plate number with my permit.
Where To Park In Winter
When the main trailhead is inaccessible due to snow you can park at the Surprise Creek Trailhead. DO NOT park on the highway, it is illegal and you will get towed. Detailed directions will be sent to you when you receive your permit confirmation.
The Hike To Scenic Hot Springs
Before you can soak your worries away in the Scenic Hot Springs, you’ll have to embark on a scenic hike through the lush forests of the Cascade Mountains. The trail is rugged and steep most of the way with a distance of just over four miles roundtrip.
I did this trail in early October when the fall colours were at their boldest. There was no snow or must on the trail at this time which made the hike much easier. Trail conditions were very good when I visited, but they can change depending on the time of year. It’s always a good idea to check ahead of time to see what you’re in for!
Before starting this hike I had read that the trail is steep from the moment you start, and yes it does climb the entire time but the first half of the trail is quite gentle.
Half way into the hike is when it starts to get much steeper. In dry conditions the trail really isn’t that bad – I made it up in just under an hour and we took our time. This trail would be much harder in the snow, especially on the steeper inclines.
I totally forgot that I’d booked this trail and hiked the trail in Blundstones. This was totally do-able and I found the trail quite easy to navigate. Usually I would wear my hiking boots and bring hiking poles and my hiking pack complete with ten essentials. But I forgot all of those things! So I chanced it and decided I’d hike back if needed.
While I would not recommend leaving all those things at home, the trail is quite easy to follow – just remember to save the map that is sent to you when you book your permit!
Scenic Hot Springs Map & Directions
The map that is provided to you is quite easy to follow. From the parking area (non winter route) you’ll pass through the closed gate and continue uphill – on the right hand side (5 mins into the trail) you’ll see a shortcut. The short cuts outlined on the map don’t save you that much time but they can shorten your hike.
Eventually you’ll come into a clearing with power lines, keep following the wide open FSR trail uphill. The map details the electrical/transmissions towers which are really good trail markers to use since there is no signage for this trail.
You’ll pass another shortcut as detailed on the map – these shortcuts are really easy to find in the summer/fall when there’s no snow but I would imagine they’d be harder to see covered in snow. We found they don’t save you as much time as it looks on the map.
After you take the short cut (or longer route) you’ll come out at another electrical tower, this is where the trail really starts to climb. Keep following the towers, you’ll pass by two before reaching a bench with a “private property” sign on it – this is where you turn right to the next part of the trail. This section is VERY steep and it climbs even more the closer to the springs you get.
After climbing the final ascent of the trail you will find yourself in a forest with some discarded wood and plastic pipes etc – this means you’ve done the hard work! Keep following the trail to your left – you’ll see a tin roof on your left which is the restroom/changing room which means you’re super close!
After a few minutes the hot springs will come into view. The last section of the hike is a rocky staircase leading down to the wooden platform where the pools are located.
What To Expect At Scenic Hot Springs
When arriving at the Scenic Hot Springs, prepare to be surrounded by nature’s beauty. The hot pools are situated in a tranquil forest setting, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The water temperature ranges depending on the tub you choose to soak in.
I tried all three tubs and the hottest was by far the one closest to the right (when looking out towards the forest). The tub closest to the left is the coldest, and the middle tub was somewhere in between. I found the middle tub to be the perfect temperature.
Another thing to be aware of when soaking in any of Washington’s hot springs is that clothing is optional. While I chose to wear a swimsuit, other visitors using the hot spring may not as clothing is not mandatory as per state laws.
The great thing however, is the chances of you having the hot spring to yourself for a while are pretty high! There are only 10 spots/people per day permitted in the hot springs and people arrive all throughout the day.
We had the springs to ourselves for an hour before other people arrived, and we were just about leave anyway. This is also one of the perks of staying close by – you have a shorter drive and therefore can get there early!
Where To Stay Near Scenic Hot Springs
Scenic Hot Springs is a fantastic day trip from Seattle, but the area surrounding it is worthy of further exploration! There is a lot to do in this area so I recommend booking one of Washington’s amazing cabins on Air Bnb or VRBO.
Sky Haus
We were staying at the beautiful Sky Haus A Frame cabin near Skykomish which is around 8 miles from the trailhead. This was the perfect getaway with a quiet location, complete with a hot tub.
The Sky Haus can be booked here.
Scenic Hot Springs: FAQ
- How many pools are there? There are three pools in total that can fit between 3 and 4 people each. The pool in the middle had the best temperature with the pool to the right being hotter and the pool to the left being colder.
- When is the best time to visit? The Scenic Hot Springs are open year-round. The best time to visit depends on your level of fitness or hiking experience. If you are not a seasoned hiker or snowshoer I would recommend visiting in the summer or when the trail is dry and free of snow. For more seasoned hikers winter is the prettiest time to visit but it does make the hike up harder.
- How busy is Scenic Hot Springs? There are only ten people per day permitted to access the springs. This helps preserve the springs and surrounding area and ensures a peaceful visit. When I visited, we were the first people there that day and we had the entire place to ourselves. Just as we were changing to leave other people were arriving, they also had the springs to themselves after we left as we didn’t see anyone else hiking up on our way down. The chance of you being there alone are high and it’s not likely to get busy.
- How much time do you need at Scenic Hot Springs? I spent an hour here and that was a good amount of time for me personally (I don’t do well spending hours in a hot tub!) but I would say anywhere from 2 to 3 hours is probably ideal for that average person. If you want to spend longer here consider getting here as early as possible.
- What facilities are there? There is a bench and an area to hang your clothes, towels and backpacks. There is also an outhouse and changing area, although we just changed at the bench.
What To Pack For Scenic Hot Springs
- Lots of water! There are no streams to fill a water bottle on this trail so it’s best to bring enough water to last the whole day.
- A large bag (or garbage bag) for any of your wet clothes
- A towel
- Bathing Suit
- Snacks – the hike to the springs is entirely uphill so it’s a good idea to bring something to sustain you. Remember to leave no trace and pack out any garbage.
- Snowshoes or microspikes if hiking up in the winter.
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Hiking poles
- Rain Coat
- First Aid kit
Nearby Attractions
While the Scenic Hot Springs offer an idyllic getaway on their own, there are also plenty of other attractions in the surrounding area. The nearby town of Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-styled village that offers unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Final Thoughts: Scenic Hot Springs
The Scenic Hot Springs in Washington offer a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s a tranquil place to connect with nature and unwind in a peaceful setting. From the breathtaking views on the hike to the rejuvenating soak in the hot pools, the springs will leave a lasting impression. The hike is more than worth it and the 10 person limit means this place is always serene and relaxing.
Spending some time here is truly magical. It’s a place to switch off and forget about everything. I loved visiting and highly recommend making the journey if you ever get the chance!
About Rachael
Welcome to A City Girl Outside! I’m Rachael, a Londoner who traded the hustle and bustle of city life for the breathtaking beauty of Whistler, Canada. With no prior experience, I dove headfirst into an outdoor lifestyle that now includes hiking, canoeing, and snowshoeing.
What started as a leap into the unknown has become my greatest passion. These days, you’ll find me spending my weekends adventuring in the Canadian wilderness—chasing alpine views, paddling serene lakes, and embracing all that nature has to offer.
A City Girl Outside aims to inspire readers to step beyond their comfort zones, explore the great outdoors, and embrace the wild. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a complete beginner like I once was, there’s always room to reconnect with nature and discover the adventurer within.
