I love finding hidden spots where nature feels untouched and peaceful. Goldmyer Hot Springs sits deep in the Cascade Mountains and offers a quiet escape from busy city life. The journey there takes you through old-growth forests and along winding trails that make every step feel like an adventure.

Soaking in the natural pools at Goldmyer Hot Springs feels rewarding after the hike. The warm water eases tired muscles and the forest around you brings a sense of calm. If you’re searching for a unique place to relax and reconnect with nature Goldmyer Hot Springs should be on your list.

About Goldmyer Hot Springs

Goldmyer Hot Springs sits in the Cascade Mountains, about 25 miles east of North Bend, Washington. I find the springs nestled on private land managed by Northwest Wilderness Programs, a non-profit focused on conservation. Entry is capped at 20 visitors a day, so solitude is common.

I experience three temperature pools that cascade from the source. The hottest pool averages 113°F, while cooler pools sit around 104°F and 98°F. Each pool forms naturally in rock, surrounded by fir and cedar. Crystal-clear water comes from an underground geothermal spring tested annually for purity.

I notice historic remnants at the site. An old mining cabin stands near the pools, built in the early 1900s when prospectors first visited the area. The original wooden structure remains intact as a rare example of early Cascade mining activity.

I see strict preservation rules. Overnight camping is allowed only in specific wilderness campsites, and no trash facilities exist. I pack in and pack out all supplies. Cell service doesn’t reach the site, and generators or loud music aren’t permitted.

I reach Goldmyer Hot Springs by hiking a 4.5-mile forest trail that starts off Middle Fork Road. The trail passes moss-covered trees, creek crossings, and mountain views. I register online in advance, as walk-in access isn’t offered.

Location and Accessibility

Goldmyer Hot Springs sits deep in the Cascade Mountains, about 25 miles east of North Bend, WA. I access the site through old-growth forests and remote trails, surrounded by fir and cedar trees in a designated wilderness area.

Getting There

• Drive about 13.5 miles from North Bend, WA, along Middle Fork Road, then reach the locked trailhead gate
• Park at the trailhead, which has limited spaces and no cell service
• Reserve day-use or camping spots online beforehand through Northwest Wilderness Programs, as walk-ins aren't allowed
• Carry a printed or saved permit, since there's no public Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity near the entrance

What to Expect on the Trail

• Follow a 4.5-mile hiking trail through dense forest and past alpine streams
• Walk along marked paths, which are often muddy, rocky, or blocked by debris after storms or snowmelt
• Cross several bridges and small creeks—some require stepping stones, especially after rain
• Carry all your food, water, and trash in and out, since there are no waste services or water stations
• Expect trip time to vary based on weather, with snow and floods sometimes making the route impassable during winter and spring

Signposts guide the final approach to Goldmyer Hot Springs. I prepare for changing conditions in the Cascade Mountains by checking weather and trail reports before setting out.

Facilities and Amenities

Goldmyer Hot Springs provides rustic infrastructure in a conserved wilderness setting. I find core facilities centered on visitor comfort and minimal environmental impact.

Pools and Water Temperature

Three sequential pools offer distinct soaking options. The hottest pool averages 113°F, closest to the spring’s source. A middle pool generally maintains temperatures near 105°F. The lowest and coolest pool often remains under 95°F, with water gradually merging into the creek. Stone benches line the main pool. Shelters from overhanging cedar and fir trees add shade and privacy. Annual water purity tests verify the geothermal supply’s clarity and safety.

Campsites and Shelter

Twelve marked backcountry campsites use natural clearings spaced for privacy. Primitive wooden platforms provide dry sleeping areas at several sites. My experience includes food hangs for storage, given the active wildlife. Composting toilets sit near the main camp area. No fire pits or picnic tables keep the grounds natural. A small covered shelter near the pools offers minimal relief from rain but lacks heating or lights. Only tents or lightweight structures meet site requirements, as the area supports traditional camping gear only.

Visitor Experience

Goldmyer Hot Springs offers a peaceful setting within the old-growth Cascade forest. I move between the pools and the surrounding benches with only the sounds of the forest and water nearby. Privacy dominates my time here because staff limit visitor numbers. My time in the pools includes easy transitions between temperatures and opportunities for conversation or quiet reflection.

Best Times to Visit

Summer and early fall provide the most reliable trail conditions at Goldmyer Hot Springs. I find the 4.5-mile hike dry and clear in July, August, and September. Snow lingers into June on shady trail sections, then returns by late October, making access harder. I encounter fewer mosquitoes in late August and September. If I visit on a weekday, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, the pools remain quieter.

Rules and Etiquette

All visits to Goldmyer Hot Springs depend on following strict rules. I reserve my entry online and bring my printed permit, since staff enforce the 20-person daily limit with no walk-ins. I always pack out everything I pack in—food wrappers, used supplies, and trash. I use the composting toilets, and I avoid bringing glass containers or alcohol into the pool area for safety and preservation.

Nudity remains allowed in all pools, so I respect others' privacy with quiet conversation and personal space. Group sizes never exceed eight people per reservation. I follow quiet hours after 10 pm in campsites. Soap, shampoo, and any scented products stay out of the pools to protect water purity for every visitor.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Preparation makes your visit to Goldmyer Hot Springs much smoother and more enjoyable. I focus here on what to bring for the hike and how to stay safe in this remote location.

What to Bring

• Sturdy footwear: I always wear waterproof hiking boots for the 4.5-mile trail, which can get muddy or rocky.
• Weather layers: I carry a breathable rain jacket, synthetic base layers, and extra socks in case of rain or snow.
• Food and water: I pack at least 2 liters of water and snacks since there are no services or drinkable water on-site.
• Trash bags: I bring zip-top bags for packing out all my garbage, as required by site rules.
• Swim attire and towel: I use a compact towel and non-cotton suit for the hot springs pools.
• Reservation confirmation: I print or save my booking email on my phone, knowing there’s no cell service at the trailhead.
• Headlamp or flashlight: I carry a light if I plan to stay into dusk for safer navigation on the trail.
• Map: I bring a printed trail map since signage can be limited and GPS unreliable.
• First-aid kit: I always include bandages, disinfectant, and any personal medications.

Safety Considerations

• Trail conditions: I check the latest weather and trail reports, especially in winter when snow or flooding can block access.
• Wildlife: I store all food in scent-proof bags and avoid leaving any scraps to reduce animal encounters with bears or rodents.
• Group size: I hike with at least one other person for safety, since help is several miles away and no cell coverage exists.
• Time management: I start my hike by mid-morning to finish before dark and leave myself enough time for return.
• Pool etiquette: I test water temperature before entering the hottest pool to avoid burns and move slowly between pools.
• Facility use: I use the designated composting toilets and hand-washing stations to prevent contamination of the springs.
• Emergency planning: I keep my group informed of my itinerary and carry a whistle for signaling if help’s needed on the trail.

Pros and Cons of Goldmyer Hot Springs

Pros

• Solitude and Privacy: Goldmyer Hot Springs limits access to 20 visitors per day, offering rare seclusion. I experience almost uninterrupted quiet in the pools even during summer weekends.
• Natural Setting: Ancient fir and cedar trees surround the springs. I soak in clear geothermal pools bordered by forest, away from developed facilities.
• Water Quality: The spring flows underground before emerging, tested each year for safety and purity by Northwest Wilderness Programs. I’ve never seen evidence of pollution or debris in the pools.
• Preservation Focus: Strict rules support conservation. All trash leaves with me, and facilities—like composting toilets and wood tent platforms—blend into the environment.
• Unique Experience: Historic structures such as an early 1900s mining cabin dot the area. I encounter history and geothermal features with each visit.
• Variable Pool Temperatures: The three sequential pools differ in heat, from about 113°F for the hottest down to under 95°F in the coolest. I move between these options for personalized comfort.
• Camping Options: Twelve rustic backcountry campsites let me stay overnight within hiking distance of the pools while still enjoying peace and privacy.

Cons

• Difficult Access: The only route involves a rugged 4.5-mile hike each direction. High water or snow frequently blocks the way in winter or spring. I have to check trail and weather conditions before every trip.
• No Cell Service: Once I pass the Middle Fork Valley trailhead, I lose all phone reception. I carry a paper map because navigation must be fully offline.
• Strict Reservation Policy: Walk-ins aren’t permitted. All access—day or overnight—requires advance online booking. I plan visits weeks in advance during peak season.
• Limited Facilities: Food, trash, and gear must all be carried in and out. No fire pits, drinking water, or trash receptacles exist, which adds to the preparation time.
• Permit and Fee Requirements: Entry comes with a per-person fee and required permits for certain times or uses. Extra costs accumulate, especially for larger groups.
• Weather Sensitivity: Trail and forest road conditions can change rapidly. Heavy rain, mud, or landslides add risk and may force me to cancel or reschedule last minute.
• Group Size Restrictions: I can only reserve for small groups, which keeps things quiet but blocks larger meet-ups.

These benefits and limitations combine to shape every visit I make to Goldmyer Hot Springs, affecting all planning, logistics, and the experience itself.

Conclusion

Goldmyer Hot Springs continues to inspire my sense of adventure and appreciation for wild places. Every visit reminds me how rewarding it is to disconnect from daily routines and immerse myself in nature’s quiet beauty.

If you’re ready for a bit of challenge and crave an authentic wilderness escape Goldmyer offers an experience that’s both peaceful and unforgettable. With a little planning and respect for the site’s rules you’ll discover why this hidden gem remains one of my favorite retreats in the Pacific Northwest.