Olympic Hot Springs Trailhead
Hiking area
3.5 (4)
Washington 98363
Hot SpringsWA
Olympic Hot Springs
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Olympic Hot Springs access from Madison Falls: approximately 21 miles round trip, road washout restrictions, untreated pools and wilderness permits.
Swimming restriction
NPS identifies these as unmaintained wilderness pools. Water is not tested or treated and may contain harmful bacteria. Use is at your own risk. Vehicles cannot continue beyond Madison Falls; bicycles and pets are not permitted on the hot springs trail.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Hot Springs
Access
Informal
Fee
Check current park entrance and wilderness permit requirements
Best season
Choose a trip only after checking current road, trail and weather conditions with NPS
Nearby towns
Port Angeles
Water body
Olympic Hot Springs
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Port Angeles
Access location not verified
PORT ANGELES, WA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Olympic Hot Springs
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Olympic Hot Springs access
Olympic Hot Springs is a wilderness destination in the Elwha Valley, not a developed resort. The NPS conditions page reports that vehicles must stop at Madison Falls because of road washout damage. Do not plan to drive to Boulder Creek Trailhead.
Allow for approximately 10.5 miles each way from Madison Falls. NPS gives different segment distances on its hot springs page and trailhead page, so confirm the current approach before departure. A bicycle can cover the permitted road section, but the final trail is on foot.
Water and wilderness planning
The pools are not maintained, tested or treated by the park. NPS warns of potentially harmful bacteria and says use is at your own risk. Pets and bicycles are not permitted at the springs.
A toilet is available at Madison Falls, with no further facilities beyond the gate. Overnight trips require an advance wilderness permit. Contact the Wilderness Information Center at 360-565-3100 for route and camping guidance. Bring backcountry essentials and leave a trip plan.
Getting There
Start at the Madison Falls parking area on Olympic Hot Springs Road. Do not follow the old directions to drive to Boulder Creek Trailhead: the road is closed to vehicles beyond Madison Falls because of washout damage.
Continue on the permitted road/bypass route toward Boulder Creek Trailhead, then hike the hot springs trail. NPS pages total approximately 10.5 miles one way, or 21 miles round trip, but differ on the road and trail segments: the hot springs page lists 9 plus 1.5 miles, while the trailhead page lists 8 plus 2.5 miles. Confirm the current route with the Wilderness Information Center at 360-565-3100 before setting out.
Bicycles are allowed on the road approach, not on the trail to the pools. Pets are not allowed at the springs. Check current park alerts, carry navigation and backcountry essentials, and plan your return before committing to this long approach.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Vehicle access ends at Madison Falls, not Boulder Creek Trailhead. Plan around 10.5 miles each way and confirm the current route with NPS. The vehicle closure is not a blanket closure of the springs.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
NPS identifies these as unmaintained wilderness pools. Water is not tested or treated and may contain harmful bacteria. Use is at your own risk. Vehicles cannot continue beyond Madison Falls; bicycles and pets are not permitted on the hot springs trail. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Madison Falls Trailhead
Hiking area
4.8 (1719)
1930 Olympic Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363
Public Restroom
Public bathroom
2.5 (2)
Port Angeles, WA 98363
Public Restrooms
Public bathroom
5 (1)
Port Angeles, WA 98363
Olympic National Park
Tourist attraction
4.8 (10631)
3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362
922,000-acre park featuring snow-covered mountains, lush rain forests & dramatic Pacific coastline.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Heart O' the Hills Campground
Campground
4.6 (312)
2823 S Oak St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Salt Creek Campground
Campground
4.7 (361)
Port Angeles, WA 98363
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Olympic National Park Visitor Center
Visitor center
4.7 (3733)
Olympic National Park Visitor Center, 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362
38-acre campus offering educational exhibits, nature trails, backpacking information & a kids' room.
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Olympic Hot Springs
Is Olympic Hot Springs free to visit?
Reported fee information: Check current park entrance and wilderness permit requirements. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Olympic Hot Springs?
NPS identifies these as unmaintained wilderness pools. Water is not tested or treated and may contain harmful bacteria. Use is at your own risk. Vehicles cannot continue beyond Madison Falls; bicycles and pets are not permitted on the hot springs trail.
What type of swimming spot is Olympic Hot Springs?
Olympic Hot Springs is a hot springs on Olympic Hot Springs located in Washington, near Port Angeles. Plan Olympic Hot Springs access from Madison Falls: approximately 21 miles round trip, road washout restrictions, untreated pools and wilderness permits.
When is the best time to visit Olympic Hot Springs?
Seasonal planning notes: Choose a trip only after checking current road, trail and weather conditions with NPS. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Olympic Hot Springs?
Reported facilities at Olympic Hot Springs include: NPS reports a toilet at Madison Falls and no further facilities beyond the gate. Arrange any overnight wilderness permit before departure. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Olympic Hot Springs?
Wilderness camping requires a permit obtained before the trip. Confirm campsite availability with the Wilderness Information Center.
Highlights
Natural wilderness hot springs
Long approach from Madison Falls
Untreated water and explicit NPS health warning
Unique Features
Unmaintained geothermal seeps in Olympic National Park's Elwha Valley
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- NPS warns that the untreated pools may contain harmful bacteria
- Carry backcountry essentials, leave a trip plan, and confirm the route before departure
- A historical description or photo does not establish current trail or water conditions
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Respect the privacy of other visitors. Photos do not establish present water or access conditions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Pack out all trash and follow Olympic wilderness camping regulations.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose a trip only after checking current road, trail and weather conditions with NPS.
Difficulty Level
Long backcountry approach, approximately 21 miles round trip from Madison Falls. Not a short roadside soak.
Fee
Check current park entrance and wilderness permit requirements
Facilities
NPS reports a toilet at Madison Falls and no further facilities beyond the gate. Arrange any overnight wilderness permit before departure.
Activities
Hot Tubbing
Phone
360-565-3100
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Wilderness camping requires a permit obtained before the trip. Confirm campsite availability with the Wilderness Information Center.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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