Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Goldmyer?
Goldmyer is owned and operated by Northwest Wilderness Programs (NWWP), a Washington State non-profit. The property is managed by a group of volunteers dedicated to protecting this unique natural resource and preserving its wilderness character for generations to come.
Is Goldmyer open year round?
Yes! The property and springs are open year round in all weather conditions - rain, snow, or shine. Summers can be very warm. Winters vary considerably year to year. Winter conditions and vehicle access also vary within the 20 mile driving-hiking route. The first 10 miles of paved road MIGHT be snow plowed, but the final 5 miles to Dingford Creek trailhead is NEVER plowed. Micro-spike shoe traction is often sufficient for hiking in winter. Snowshoes offer more flexibility with snow conditions. Cross-country skiing should be limited to those with experience. Check the Access Report for the most up-to-date information we are able to offer.
How Long does it take to reach Goldmyer from Seattle / Tacoma ?
Travel time varies depending on the road and weather conditions, group size, and individual ability, pack weight, etc. Expect a long journey so give plenty of time. Please see our Directions page for estimated travel times.
What hours are the springs open?
How late can I stay?
How much does it cost?
How late can I stay?
How much does it cost?
Why do we only allow 20 people per day?
The number of visitors is limited to 20 people per day (not 20 at a time) to reduce environmental impact and help reduce over-crowding at the hot springs.
That said, privacy at the hot springs is not a reasonable expectation on shared-use days.
The busiest hours at the hot springs are between 11:00am and 3:00pm. Arriving earlier or later (being mindful of check-in and check-out hours) or camping can offer a quieter soaking experience.
That said, privacy at the hot springs is not a reasonable expectation on shared-use days.
The busiest hours at the hot springs are between 11:00am and 3:00pm. Arriving earlier or later (being mindful of check-in and check-out hours) or camping can offer a quieter soaking experience.
What is the swimsuit policy?
Goldmyer is a swimsuit-optional hot spring, meaning some visitors may soak in the nude. Clothing is required elsewhere on the property. If this is your first time visiting a hot spring, the following article may be a helpful resource to familiarize yourself with hot springs etiquette.
Assured no nudity time at the hot spring can only be guaranteed when booking a Tuesday exclusive use time slot. You may find more information on the Visiting page.
Assured no nudity time at the hot spring can only be guaranteed when booking a Tuesday exclusive use time slot. You may find more information on the Visiting page.
Can I visit Goldmyer without a reservation?
Is there a waitlist if people cancel last minute?
Is there a waitlist if people cancel last minute?
A reservation is the only way to guarantee access to Goldmyer.
Check the calendar for available openings before attempting as a 'walk-in' - i.e. without a reservation. If a day reads FULL on the calendar - we are booked to capacity and there are no more available openings. There is no separate set of openings held for walk-ins.
We cannot make same-day or day-before reservations. People that want to visit the same day or next day may attempt to visit as walk-ins for available openings. It is first come, first serve meaning if openings are taken by the time you arrive you will be turned away. Walk-ins have the best chance of entry if they arrive when the property opens at 9:00am. Payment is by cash only: no credit card or payment apps are accepted.
We do not operate a waitlist. We ask visitors to notify the office if they have to cancel their reservation so those spots can be opened for other visitors.
Check the calendar for available openings before attempting as a 'walk-in' - i.e. without a reservation. If a day reads FULL on the calendar - we are booked to capacity and there are no more available openings. There is no separate set of openings held for walk-ins.
We cannot make same-day or day-before reservations. People that want to visit the same day or next day may attempt to visit as walk-ins for available openings. It is first come, first serve meaning if openings are taken by the time you arrive you will be turned away. Walk-ins have the best chance of entry if they arrive when the property opens at 9:00am. Payment is by cash only: no credit card or payment apps are accepted.
We do not operate a waitlist. We ask visitors to notify the office if they have to cancel their reservation so those spots can be opened for other visitors.
Can I make a reservation online?
Yes. As of 2026, it is now possible to manage reservations and lottery entries online. You may also schedule a phone call with the office in Seattle, or send them a message.
How does the lottery work?
The lottery allows you to apply for reservations ahead of time on a rolling one-month-at-a-time basis. An example of how it works:
- During all of March: applications are accepted for only dates in May.
- On April 1: the lottery will begin selecting winners to confirm reservations for May. The lottery will continue processing winners until all entries have been exhausted or all reservation openings have been filled.
- Before May 1: any open spaces in May are available to reserve online or over the phone at least two business days prior to the visitation date.
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Can I camp?
Multiple nights?
Multiple nights?
Yes! Goldmyer is an excellent base camp for anyone interested in exploring the Upper Middle Fork River Valley. Camping can be added to a reservation for an additional fee - pending availability. Camping reservations are for the day of your arrival (not the night before). Find more info about camping on the Visiting page.
Why don't you allow campfires?
Environmental stewardship! The natural forest floor is covered with tree debris that offers habitat, cover, and food to a broad range of life such as fungi, insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals. This material breaks down over time returning nutrients to the living forest. Gathering material for campfires would quickly eliminate this vital ecosystem link. Additionally, this policy protects against forest fire during our dry season and assures clean air quality for our visitors. Charcoal fires are also prohibited. White gas and propane camping stoves are allowed.
Where is the nearest potable water source?
Cell phone reception?
Trash service?
Cell phone reception?
Trash service?
Goldmyer Hot Springs' goal is to offer visitors a self-supporting wilderness experience. There is no (safe) potable water; no trash or recycle service; and no internet or cell phone reception anywhere on or near Goldmyer.
This means you need to carry enough drinking water for your journey, and/or bring a water purification device (such as a filter or UV light sterilization pen). You are expected to carry out everything you bring in; including biodegradable items like apple cores, banana peels, egg shells, etc.
Here is a list of recommend equipment to bring along on your trip to Goldmyer.
This means you need to carry enough drinking water for your journey, and/or bring a water purification device (such as a filter or UV light sterilization pen). You are expected to carry out everything you bring in; including biodegradable items like apple cores, banana peels, egg shells, etc.
Here is a list of recommend equipment to bring along on your trip to Goldmyer.
Why don't you allow dogs and pets?
In order to help assure the safety and enjoyment of other visitors and the pets themselves, and to avoid any interaction with wildlife. Tying your pet off the property and leaving them unattended is poor practice as it causes issues with excessive barking, escaping from leashes, and setting them up as cougar bait.
See all of the Goldmyer private property rules here.
See all of the Goldmyer private property rules here.
Is Goldmyer accessible to people with disabilities?
We recognize there are natural limitations inherent to the location of Goldmyer Hot Springs, making it inaccessible or challenging to access for some. It is unfortunately not possible for those with some limitations and/or disabilities to be able to hike to a remote location or through rough and steep natural terrain. We support anyone who wishes to visit the springs with self-arranged access assistance.
Can I take photos or video at the hot springs?
No. All cell phones, cameras, and/or video recorders must be put away when approaching and while at the hot springs area - this includes the pools, cabana, outhouse, and surrounding space. This protects the privacy of all present in the hot springs area, especially as the hot springs is swim-suit optional and visitors may be soaking in the nude.
Elsewhere on the property: You are welcome to take personal use photos and videos. Consent of all visitors that may be in photos/videos must be obtained before taking photographs or videos.
Social Media: No photos of hot springs area allowed due to no-phone and no-camera policy. Photos from elsewhere on the property are OK.
Content for Commercial Use is strictly prohibited, without prior written approval. This includes but is not limited to news media, magazine, blogs, non-personal social media, etc.
Elsewhere on the property: You are welcome to take personal use photos and videos. Consent of all visitors that may be in photos/videos must be obtained before taking photographs or videos.
Social Media: No photos of hot springs area allowed due to no-phone and no-camera policy. Photos from elsewhere on the property are OK.
Content for Commercial Use is strictly prohibited, without prior written approval. This includes but is not limited to news media, magazine, blogs, non-personal social media, etc.
Can I mountain bike to Goldmyer?
Yes! The old road bed (Dutch Miller Gap Trail) from the Dingford Gate to Goldmyer is open to mountain bikes all year. The Middle Fork Trail is only open to bikes on odd-calendar days during the spring and summer. Goldmyer has a bike rack for locking up bikes.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes. If you lost something while visiting Goldmyer Hot Springs please call our office and leave a message. Leave your name, phone number, the date(s) of your visit, a detailed description of the item you lost, as well as any other information that might help us locate it. If your missing item turns up we will call you back to let you know.
How many pools are there?
How are the pools heated?
Are the pools cleaned?
What is the mineral content of the water?
How are the pools heated?
Are the pools cleaned?
What is the mineral content of the water?
The hot spring has 3 hot pools and a cold pool. Goldmyer's hot water source flows steadily from inside a 4-foot wide 25-foot long cave at about 125*F (52*C), with the ambient water temperature inside the cave hovering around 111*F (44*C). The hot water then cascades into two smaller pools at progressively cooler temperatures. The lowest pool is about 104*F (40*C). A few steps from the lowest pool is a cold pool that is fed from the nearby creek.
The hot water flows at 5 gallons per minute and refreshes the pools every two and a half hours. Additionally, the caretakers close and clean the pools twice a week - every Monday and Thursday from 9:00pm - 2:00am. Solvents or soaps are not used to clean the pools, just elbow grease and a scrub brush. Access to the pools is not available during cleaning.
Please visit the About page to learn more about the mineral content of the hot water.
The hot water flows at 5 gallons per minute and refreshes the pools every two and a half hours. Additionally, the caretakers close and clean the pools twice a week - every Monday and Thursday from 9:00pm - 2:00am. Solvents or soaps are not used to clean the pools, just elbow grease and a scrub brush. Access to the pools is not available during cleaning.
Please visit the About page to learn more about the mineral content of the hot water.
What are the health benefits of hot springs?
Hot springs have been used for various healing purposes for thousands of years, and by many different cultures. Some of the common health benefits of hot springs can include relaxation and stress relief, improved circulation, and relief from aches and pains in muscles and joints. However, hot spring soaking is not for everyone. Please consult with your doctor if you suffer from a medical condition that could be worsened by heat exposure, or if you are pregnant.
I want to bring a youth group to Goldmyer - is that possible?
Yes! Please consult the Goldmyer Hot Springs Youth Group Flyer on the Documents page.
When do credits expire?
Posted March 1, 2024. As of one year from posting, on March 1, 2025 any issued credits will be forfeited and considered a donation. NWWP no longer issues reservation credits. (This does not apply to volunteer credits).
How can I help protect Goldmyer Hot Springs?
The best way to help is by understanding and following our minimum-impact rules while on the Goldmyer property. Also, Northwest Wilderness Programs always welcomes volunteer help and monetary donations.
Contact Us - For Information and Reservations
Goldmyer Hot Springs is owned and operated by Northwest Wilderness Programs, a Washington State 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Northwest Wilderness Programs
Preserving Goldmyer Hot Springs for Future Generations
OFFICE
Northwest Wilderness Programs
PO Box 30655, Seattle, WA 98113
Northwest Wilderness Programs
PO Box 30655, Seattle, WA 98113
HOT SPRINGS
Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley
North Bend, WA 98045
Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley
North Bend, WA 98045
HOT SPRINGS HOURS
9:00am - 9:00pm (Everyday)
9:00am - 9:00pm (Everyday)
Goldmyer Hot Springs is owned and operated by Northwest Wilderness Programs, a Washington State 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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