Olympic Hot Springs in WA Pic
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007
I need to re-visit this stellar soak… here’s pics and video from my last visit
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Archive for the ‘olympic’ Category
Olympic Hot Springs Photographic Treat
Friday, June 1st, 2007
A member from the family that originally owned and operated the Olympic Hot Springs Resort in the early 1900s recently contacted me with a special treat… two photos of the Hot Springs Resort from 1927 and 1937 (see above and below).
Of course, the present day location of the old resort is located in Olympic National Park, and the old road into the hot springs in now a hiking trail. The resort is long gone, although remnants can still be found near the hot springs, and the hot pools are now in a natural state.
The hike to Olympic Hot Springs is 2.5 miles from the trailhead during warmer months. When there is snow, road barricades are erected, and increase the hike in from 2.5 to 6.5 miles during winter. The hot springs emanate from multiple locations to feed a group of 5 pools; where 3 out of the 5 are typically a sweet soak.
Seasonal Notes
While the hot springs are usable all year, snow shoes might be in order during winter months. Road barriers are pushed back 4 miles during the winter because of snow and snow drifts – extending the hike to 6.5 miles, 1-way. This significantly increases the elevation gain as well.
Wildlife Notes
To protect raccoons, bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day. If staying overnight; all food, garbage and scented items must be hoisted to keep it from Bears and other wildlife. Bear canisters would be a great choice as well.
Dogs are not allowed on any trails in the Olympic National Park, they are only allowed in select campgrounds while on-leash (strictly enforced).
Camping Notes
Nearest campground: Altaire/Elwha (5 miles from trailhead). There are 2 camping sites near the hot springs for backpackers, one even features a pit toilet.
View pictures of present day Olympic Hot Springs
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Olympic Hot Springs in Washington Added!
Friday, April 7th, 2006
My first time in the Olympic National Park proved to be an excellent experience. The goal was to visit Olympic Hot Springs just after the 8 feet of snow melted and road barriers were pushed back, and before the continuous wave of geo-soakers hit the NP and hot springs for the warmer season. The timing of my soaking party’s arrival couldn’t have been any better.
As we hiked toward the hot springs through the lush and vibrant green forest we passed a group of 5 on their way out. They had spent a couple nights at the hot springs and had the whole place to themselves. The hike along the slightly elevated old, paved forest service road was fairly easy. The only problem is that the trail was washed out in 3 places. The first required a slight walk-around to a fallen tree and a dip-route through a huge broken stump. The 2nd had a semi-narrow earth bridge, and 3rd a single log bridge with handrail.
Snow only slightly came into play on the hike in. We encountered about a foot within the last quarter mile of the hot springs. At most, there was about 2 feet on the ground at the backpacker campsites, which are located just before the bridge that leads to the hot springs. The trail itself was worn enough for easy passage without the need for snowshoes, albeit a bit icy.
The hot springs, ahh yes… the hot springs. They were awesome. I tracked down 6 total pools, 4 soakable (the others too hot and goober laden). The water felt great, and having the whole place to ourselves was amazing. Full-qualification of all 4 pools could be had. It’s muddy around the pools, and to combat this there are many mats nearby. Although, the mats are fairly gross after heavy use. Here’s a tip: stand on a trash bag. When you’re done (changing/soaking) put trash in the bag and haul it off utilitarian style.
There was a slight sulfur odor at each of the pools, along with some algae stemming from lack of use over the winter break. The water was near clear, and the pool temperatures ranged from 98º to 104º. On the hike back out we passed 17 soakers! Once back at the car 3 additional vehicles arrived while we ate a late lunch. Good timing indeed.
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A Look Back at 2006
Tuesday, January 2nd, 2007
2006 was a great year for first-time visits to many stellar soaks, the most notable being:
The best hot springs trip of 06, by far, was backpacking into Stanley Hot Springs in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in central Idaho.
New information was reported on 78 hot springs in 2006! Thank you to all of you contributors as well!
Coming in 2007:
Best wishes to all of you, and please don’t forget to pickup trash and tread lightly.
In Peace,
HSG
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