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Find your favorite hot spring
The Pacific Northwest is a geothermic wonderland, home to dozens of natural hot springs. While summer draws the largest crowds to these mineral-rich pools, cooler-weather months are my family’s favorite time to stop in for a hot, restorative soak or swim. Even with a chill in the air, these mineral pools stay nice and steamy. And at the end of a brisk hike in the Cascadia backcountry, there are few things more satisfying than dipping into warm water under a canopy of fir trees.
Northwest hot springs come in many varieties. Some are scenic, natural basins set deep in the woods. Trails to primitive hot springs are usually short in length and well-trodden, as thousands come in search of the water’s relaxing minerals and rumored curative powers.
On the other end of the geothermal spectrum are traditional in-ground swimming pools filled with hot mineral water piped in from a nearby source, often with on-site lodging and restaurants that add up to an easy family getaway. Still, as appealing as the hot spring swimming pools are to families, there’s a special “wow” factor for kids who have the opportunity to hike to a natural hot spring.
We recommend you try both to see for yourself. Here are five hot springs getaways in the Pacific Northwest to get you started.
Safety tip: Always supervise children closely when they are in and around hot springs pools. Some kids need to be reminded to step out of the pool every once in a while to cool off. Check in that they are not getting overheated and push water to keep them hydrated.
Jump to the hot springs of your dreams on the list below:
- Harrison Hot Springs Resort, British Columbia
- Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, Washington
- Goldmyer Hot Springs, Washington
- Terwilliger Hot Springs, Oregon
- Breitenbush Hot Springs, Oregon
First dip: Over-the-border soak
More Northwest family getaways:
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and updated most recently in January 2026 by ParentMap’s editorial team to include a thorough fact-check.
Family-friendly Harrison Hot Springs Resort, British Columbia
Harrison Hot Springs Resort is about a three-hour drive from Seattle and set on the eastern slope of the Coast Mountains on Harrison Lake. It’s one of a small handful of family-friendly resorts in the Northwest, and probably the best.
Guests of the resort have exclusive access to five unique pools, both indoor and outdoor, all of them fed with water piped from the nearby natural hot springs. There’s an outdoor family pool, and kids are welcome in all but one pool. A public mineral pool in town is open to all, and is operated by the resort, so call 604-796-2244 to find out current hours.
Rooms at the resort come in a variety of sizes and there are many comfortable common areas for reading books or playing board games. There is also an option to stay in a charming, pet-friendly one-bedroom cottage complete with a queen bed, sofa bed and a gas fireplace. The restaurants are fine, though the town of Harrison Hot Springs has more interesting options. Village Pizzeria makes several popular specialty pizzas and pasta dishes.
Location: Okanagan, B.C., Canada, on Harrison Lake (a three-hour drive from Seattle)
Info and reservations: You can make reservations online.
Next dip: Soak among the evergreens
Remote Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, Washington
Most Northwest hot springs are in the Cascade range, but the Olympics have hot springs, too! Find Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort in the wilds of the Olympic National Park, surrounded by towering conifers and situated along the scenic Sol Duc River.
Spend the night in a charming, rustic cabin, just steps away from three steaming pools but miles away from the nearest television. There’s also a freshwater pool.
Start your day with a hike through the moss-draped rainforest of ancient trees (Sol Duc’s Lover’s Lane is a nice, 6-mile stroll for casual hikers; trail access is just behind the lodge). Then hit the pools, finding the temperature that feels just right. While your family soaks in the pools and tubs here, you’ll hear the sounds of the Olympic rainforest all around you. There’s no other hot springs experience quite like it.
Accommodations are cute cabins, some more rustic than others and some with kitchens. The resort has a poolside deli, restaurant, gift shop and convenience store. Note that the lodge and hot springs close for winter: 2026 season dates are March 20–Oct. 31. (Make your reservation now!)
Location: Olympic Peninsula, about 40 miles west of Port Angeles, Washington (a 3.5-hour drive from Seattle, not including ferry time)
Info and reservations: You can make reservations online.
Next dip: Hike-in soak
Hike-in Goldmyer Hot Springs, Washington
Descend stone steps into beautiful Goldmyer Hot Springs, the pools fed from a waterfall that springs from the ground and tops 110 degrees. You’ll need reservations to visit these popular springs near North Bend, as this geothermal utopia up the Middle Fork Road is located on private land. And note that this experience is very different from the one described for the previous two places.
Visitors to Goldmyer are limited to 20 per day to protect the fragile ecosystem and scenic beauty of these remote soaking pools, so they’re never crowded. You’ll have to work hard to earn all that beauty and solitude, though — first, there’s a lottery for access and then it’s a 4.5-mile hike to reach the hot springs. Most hike it, some bike it and in winter months you can cross-country ski it. Because of the remote location, it’s most ideal for families who have older children. Note that this spot is swimsuit-optional.
These hot springs make for a full-day trip or there is camping on-site available for a small additional fee per night (Wednesday–Sunday only, no camping on Mondays). Visiting requires following the detailed reservation procedure carefully, and note that conditions sometimes render these springs very challenging to reach. Visitors should expect potholes, ruts, rocks, dips, branches and water. Trees can fall across the road and it is recommended to travel with a saw, axe or chainsaw to clear downed trees or debris from the road. This adventure is not for the faint of heart!
Location: About 25 miles east of North Bend (reaching the hot springs takes four to five hours from Seattle, including driving and hiking time)
Info and reservations: Put your name in the online lottery and cross your fingers!
Next dip: Oregon soak
Beautiful Terwilliger Hot Springs, Oregon
Set in the spectacular McKenzie River Valley, Terwilliger Hot Springs is accessible via a short and sweet hike — just a quarter-mile through a carpet of ferns and old-growth trees. Then comes the reward: four cascading pools, each slightly cooler than the pool above it. Over the years, visitors have built up the soaking pools out of river stones, creating a beautiful oasis best enjoyed in the off-season when the crowds have dwindled. (Note: These hot springs are also called Cougar Hot Springs.)
The piping-hot water tumbles out of a spectacular rock formation at 112 degrees Fahrenheit, so the first pool is perhaps too hot for soaking. Hours are sunrise to sundown only. The fee to use the hot springs is $12 per person for up to two hours of use, and you can pay on-site.
Nearby Delta Campground is currently closed. Hopefully, it will be back up and running in the future. For a roof over your head, book the family-size Damselfly room at Eagle Rock Lodge, about 20 miles away.
Location: Oregon Cascades, about 55 miles east of Eugene, near the McKenzie River (a 6.5-hour drive from Seattle)
Info: First come, first serve. Up to 50 people are allowed in at a time with a two-hour limit.
Next dip: Unplugged soak
Unplugged Breitenbush Hot Springs, Oregon
Breitenbush Hot Springs sits on 154 acres of wildlife sanctuary in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest. Seven unique, relaxing pools featuring intricate stonework and nature-infused views are the star attraction, but the center offers much more — a steam sauna, yoga and meditation classes, hiking trails that wind through the woods, three vegetarian meals a day served family-style — all ensconced in a mellow, crunchy Oregon vibe.
The 2020 Lionshead fire severely damaged Breitenbush, burning more than 70 buildings, including all of its guest cabins. Over the past couple of years, restoration and rebuilding efforts have resulted in repairs and new accommodations, including cabins and yurts. Make a reservation for an overnight stay. Day use is also available for $35 per person aged 13 and older, or $20 for youths ages 5–12. Starting Feb, 2, 2026, rates increase to $40 on weekdays and $50 on weekends for ages 13 and older. Ages 4 and younger enter free. Reservations are required for day or overnight stays.
The pools here are clothing-optional, and many people choose to soak in the nude. If you prefer a bathing suit, by all means, suit up. Breitenbush has a respectful atmosphere: This is not a flirty pick-up joint. It’s also an alcohol-free zone as well as family-friendly, though it’s worth noting that adults must accompany children ages 12 and younger at all times.
In August 2024, Breitenbush offered a Family Summer Camp for the first time. This five-day experience was filled with crafts, campfires, singing, games and adult time. During Family Summer Camp there is an option of soaking in “suits-required” pools during specific hours, ensuring everyone can be comfortable while relaxing and enjoying the healing waters. Family Summer Camp 2026 is scheduled for Aug. 2–6.
Breitenbush is also a terrific place for a quick getaway or retreat with your partner or a friend, offering workshops all year long on themes ranging from singing to yoga. The resort typically offers several family-oriented weekends a year, which may even include child care. And it’s truly unplugged — there is no Wi-Fi or cell phone service, though there is a landline on the grounds in case of an emergency.
Location: Oregon Cascades, about 60 miles east of Salem (a 5.5-hour drive from Seattle)
Info and reservations: Make your reservation online.
