The Olympic Hot Springs are nested in the Elwha valley and are a prized destination for both locals and PNW visitors. These pools and the hidden sauna cave are natural wonders created over the last 2 centuries. The combination of nature and a local lodge built in the 1800s that burnt down created a PNW hot spring paradise. This destination used to be accessible by car and 2 miles of hiking until the powerful Elwha river washed out the access road that never recovered from the damage. Today, adventurous hikers and cyclists tackle this challenging 12 mile route to experience the natural hot springs for themselves. The rainforest environment creates new terrain every year while the daunting climb into the Elwha Valley remains the same.
At Sequim Bike Studio, we are constantly taking our bikes up to the hot springs to enjoy one of the best routes our area has to offer. We are proud to offer expert advice, directions, and trail conditions to fellow cyclists (and hikers) that need the inside scoop. You'll find all you need on this page as well as a video we created to help you understand the route and the terrain it has. Continue reading for route instructions and view our Youtube video on the route overview.
The Natural Olympic Hot Springs
Let's Talk Route Basics
Trailhead, distance, elevation gain, and trail conditions.
Trailhead: Madison Falls Trailhead
1930 Olympic Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles 98363
Distance: 23 Miles Round Trip
Elevation Gain: 2600 Feet Download GPX File
Bike Choice: Gravel/MTB preferred. Road bikes in warm summer condition are useable.
Trail Conditions: Mostly on rough/cracked pavement with pine needles, leaves, and the occasional branch/tree over the road. Single track rocky dirt on the bypass and Boulder Creek/Appleton Pass trails. There are about 5-7 shallow creek crossings depending on the season. Weather is seasonal based. It is always wise to bring a wind breaker/gloves for the top in the fall and spring times. The higher elevation near the end of the route produces colder weather at the top; then you need to descend back down (fast & cold) to your car.
Route Overview
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Madison Falls Trailhead | parking
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Elwha Bypass Trail | hike-a-bike
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Old Elwha Dam Site | photo stop
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Appleton Pass Trailhead | hike/hike-a-bike
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Soak in the Hot Springs
Original Bypass Trail
The Bypass Trail
Two Trail Options, One Final Destination.
The Elwha River has claimed Olympic Hot Springs road for itself and requires that cyclists and hikers take a bypass trail around the road washout. The entrance to the two bypass trails are about a mile away from the Madison Falls trailhead. Currently (March 2024), you have two different trail options to take around the washout, the original bypass trail and the newer bypass trail. The original bypass trail starts right where the road washed out and takes you alongside the Elwha River. This trail has been changed many times because of the Elwha overflowing in previous years and has more river exposure. This rugged trail is slightly less distance than its replacement, but is more prone to washouts through out the year. The newer bypass trail simply runs further away from the waters edge with more incline and it is better maintained. The entrance to this trail comes before the washout. (see picture below) Both trails require dismounting of your bike and take around the same time to complete. (20+ minutes) For cyclists visiting for the first time, we recommend taking the new bypass trail. Parts of the trail you can ride, but we recommend hiking with your bike. For hikers, the original trail is the quickest and the easiest. Once you get onto the trail you decide on, simply follow the signs, and it will take you to the other side of the road washout.
Glines Canyon Dam Site
Getting up to the Hot Springs on Olympic Hot Springs Road
Once you are back on the road, enjoy the ride through the woods on the Olympic Hot Springs road. You'll pass over the Elwha River and see the old Olympic National Park ranger station and other buildings. Climbing up the Elwha valley will take you to the old Elwha River dam which is a great spot to have lunch and take some pictures. This will also most likely be the last time you have reception on your phone. Stay on the main road once you've enjoyed the Elwha River view and get ready to make the rest of the climb to the Hot Springs.
Climbing to the Hot Springs
The steepest climb section of the road is after the dam and it continues for about 6 miles until you get to the Appleton Pass trailhead. When you pass the sign for the trail, the surface will turn into packed gravel for the next 2 miles. There are multiple creek crossings some you can ride and others you need to dismount for. Be on the lookout for fallen trees and ditches that can get in your way. You can easily cross them without getting your shoes wet. In the warm summer months (July-September) it is fun to wear sandals up there.
Most people will lock their bikes right before getting to the Hot Springs at a large gully as seen in the pictures above. There used to be a large cable bridge over this valley which was disassembled a couple years ago and was replaced with a narrow log bridge. Crossing the bridge with your bike and gear can be tough and not recommended; some people just walk through the creek with their bikes which is normally about a foot deep (sandals for the win!). After you cross this bridge you are very close to the hot springs. Climbing out of that valley will place you in a small field with an old outhouse continue on the level main path. There will be a road going up the hill to the right; do not take it. On the main trail you will come to the Appleton pass fork and you will proceed to the left onto a long log bridge spanning over Boulder creek. Going to the right will take you to the tenting area. You have arrived!
Heading down the trail and following this map of the hot springs area will get you to all that our area has to offer. You will notice from the map and when you get up there that not all these pools are created equal. We like to call some of these "pool" warm puddles. The basic idea is the further up the hill you are the more warm the pools will be. Always be respectful when entering these private pools and be on the lookout for other folks enjoying the hot springs. If someone is in a pool before you, go to another one and respect their privacy. This area can get busy during the summer months. Always keep hydrated while soaking in the springs and don't be afraid to swim in boulder creek to cool off. The best spot for this is right underneath the long log bridge you crossed over. The shop favorite is the year round hot sauna cave as seen in the picture below. Follow the map you and you will find it easily. Once you've had your fill of adventure, do everything in reverse. Its all downhill from here! Remember to watch our Youtube video of this route.
