This Hidden Hot Spring Sits in a Rainforest Near One of the Pacific Northwest’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls

Nearly a million acres of wilderness stretch across Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, but in the heart of it are three mineral pools—their waters naturally heated within the earth and bubbling at a soothing 99 to 104 degrees.

The waters of Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort are only part of the draw. The property also serves as a basecamp to the wonders of Olympic National Park, with easy access to Sol Duc Falls, where water thunders over mossy rock, and the pristine, glacially carved Lake Crescent. And after the day’s adventure is done, you can relax in the warm, naturally hot water. 

While anyone can enjoy the hot waters of Sol Duc, the resort also has overnight lodging, with charming cabins, a spacious group-sized suite, and an RV campground. The cabins are set along the Sol Duc River and are surrounded by towering evergreens—they’re pet-friendly, and some even have kitchenettes.

There is also a spacious Riverside Suite for larger groups, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. The suite, which is located in a separate building, is also set along the river and can sleep up to 10 people. But if you’re traveling in a camper, the RV campground is across the river from the hot springs and lodge.

The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is located two miles west of the Sol Duc Falls Trailhead, a short hike through old-growth rainforest that leads to a picturesque three-pronged waterfall. Hiking to nearby Mink Lake (5.2 miles round-trip) is another popular option, as is a visit to the Salmon Cascades overlook, where coho salmon leap over the falls on their way to spawn upstream in the Sol Duc River between September and October. Lake Crescent, a deep, pristine lake that was carved by glaciers, is 30 minutes from the hot springs by car.

All overnight guests get free access to the Sol Duc hot spring pools and free parking. For non-overnight guests, it’s $18 per adult. The 1.5-hour soaking sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can’t make reservations ahead of time.

This year, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort will close for the season on November 2, 2025, and reopen in March 2026. Rates for a standard cabin are $281 a night on average. There is no phone service or internet access at the resort.

The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is located in the northwest region of the park. It is around one hour by car from Port Angeles, Washington, on Highway 101.