Goldmyer Hot Springs - Know Before You Go

Visiting Goldmyer

Reaching Goldmyer is a unique challenge due to it's remote and isolated location. Visitors must be self-supported and able to navigate a total of 12-miles of off-road driving, and 10-miles of hiking. Familiarize yourself with the information on this page before getting a permit or entering the lottery.

Goldmyer is a wilderness preserve managed by the Northwest Wilderness Programs nonprofit for over 50 years. Only 20 people are allowed to visit Goldmyer per day, a limit established in the 1970’s to assist in preserving the area’s fragile ecology as well as avoid overcrowding at the pools. Goldmyer remains a healthy and beautiful environment because of this long standing stewardship.

Jump to the Following Sections Below:

Property Rules - Visitors are expected to adhere to our minimum impact rules.
Hot Springs Etiquette - Goldmyer is swimsuit-optional and some visitors may choose to soak in the nude.
Access Requirements - Vehicle/pass requirements and road/trail conditions.
Directions - Plan for a full day to visit the springs, including travel.
Essential Equipment - Prepare for hiking in a remote location.
Pricing - Day visits, Camping, and Exclusive Use Days.
Checking In & Out - Times and Process.
Amenities - Limited amenities offered to maintain a wilderness experience.
Camping - Overnight details.
Cancellation Policy - Please give as much notice as possible.

Credits - No longer offered.

Property Rules

For the safety and enjoyment of all.
We ask each visitor to do their part by adhering to the following minimum impact policies:

Food and Garbage handling is Critical. Leave No Trace. Be tidy with all food - even crumbs will attract wild animals. We supply food canisters to hold food, packaging, and garbage during your visit. You are responsible to carry out all gear, food scrap, garbage, diapers, and menstrual products. Campers: rinse dirty dishes in the river and use the supplied canister to hang all food and garbage at your campsite.
Stay on Trails and within campsite boundaries. Do not carve, damage, or move trees, bushes, logs, rocks, etc.
Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at ALL times. Adults are responsible for children in their group.
No Food in or around the hot springs / cabana area. All food to be consumed at picnic tables and campsites.
No Alcohol allowed beyond the Caretaker cabin. This includes: trail to hot springs, upper picnic table, cabana, and pools. Alcohol consumption is allowed in moderation ONLY at picnic table closest to the cabin and campsites. Loud, drunken, or unruly behavior will not be tolerated.
No Glass anywhere on property. No bottle, jars, candle lanterns, etc. Broken glass is a safety hazard. Opt for unbreakable vessels.
No Dogs or other pets allowed on property.
No Smoking and No Illegal Drugs. Vaping is allowed only in moderation and only at campsites. Anyone appearing to be intoxicated or in an otherwise compromised condition may be asked to leave.
No Weapons. No Firearms, Bows, Machetes. Basic camping tools/knives allowed. Bear spray must be stored safely at your campsite or with the Caretaker.
No Fires or Open Flames: Including Wood, Biomass, Charcoal, Candles, Liquid Fuels, and Smoking.
---- Exception: Backpacking cook stoves and lighter when preparing food, ONLY at campsite or picnic table (No stoves in hot springs or cabana area).
No Photos, No Videos, No Phone Use allowed in the hot springs area (pools, cabana, surrounding space). Phones and cameras should be put away when approaching and while at the hot springs area. This protects the privacy of all present. Elsewhere on property: Consent of all visitors that may be in photos/videos must be obtained before taking photographs or videos. Content for Commercial Use is Prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: news media, blogs, non-personal social media.
No Radios, Speakers, or Drones. Goldmyer is a place to enjoy the sounds of nature.
No Soap, Scrubs, or other products at the hot springs.
Candle Policy. Please bring alternative light sources or ask the caretakers for candle use requirements. Wax makes a mess and is very hard to clean for the Caretakers.
Use the Outhouses (not the woods). Visitors do not need to be clothed to use the outhouse by the springs. Human waste concentrated near campsites or hot springs is a public health hazard and urine can attract mountain goats. Do not leave menstrual products or diapers in the outhouses - carry them out with you.
Quiet hours are 10:00pm - 8:00am. Be courteous of noise levels while on property and in pools.
Pools are closed for cleaning every Monday and Thursday from 9:00pm - 2:00am.
No groups larger than 8 people. Multiple groups that know each other are considered a single group. Do not combine multiple permits that exceed 8 people (adults and children).

Hot Springs Etiquette

Hot springs are truly a gift from the Earth and soaking in a natural hot spring can be a relaxing, restorative, and even spiritual experience. It is important that each person does their part to help keep these sacred places protected for current and future generations.

Recreate responsibly.

Be inclusive. Goldmyer encourages diversity in the outdoors. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, hateful language or behavior towards anyone. Goldmyer Caretakers live on property and are present and available during your stay if you have any questions, concerns, or are made to feel uncomfortable or unwelcomed.

Be considerate and courteous. People come to hot springs to relax and enjoy the wilderness, and everyone does this in their own way. Some may prefer to soak in solitude, others may prefer to socialize with friends. Embrace the opportunity for quiet relaxation and be considerate of others by keeping your speaking volume low. Goldmyer is not an environment for rowdy, loud partying. Be courteous and mind the time you spend at the hot springs to give others a chance to enjoy it as well, especially during peak hours between 11am and 3pm.

Be respectful and aware of “swim-suit optional” choices (nudity). Soaking nude has been a traditional and important part of hot springs culture all over the world for millennia. Many visitors enjoy the freedom and naturalness of nude soaking. Other visitors are more comfortable soaking in a bathing suit. Both are acceptable. At Goldmyer nudity is only permitted in the hot springs area - the pools, cabana, and upper outhouse. Clothing is required on the rest of the property. Whichever your preference, be respectful of others’ choices and understand they may be different from your own. Don't engage in staring or behaviors that draw attention to or objectify others' bodies. Cell phones or cameras are not allowed at the pools to aid privacy.

Keep in mind that nudity is not an excuse for either covert or overt sexual or lewd activity. Any visitor displaying lewd and suggestive behavior, including but not limited to: inappropriate language, gestures, or contact will be asked to leave. Any incident should be immediately reported to the Caretakers.

If you would prefer a more private soaking experience, Goldmyer offers exclusive-use on Tuesdays, where no other visitors will be on property or in the pools during your assigned time slot. Caretakers will still be present and available.

Know your limits - Stay Hydrated. Soaking will dehydrate you faster than you may realize, so bring plenty of water to drink while soaking. Eat lunch or a snack before arriving at the hot springs to avoid low blood sugar. Check in with your body - a racing heart, headache, or feeling woozy is a good indication that your body has had enough and it’s time to exit the pools and cool down.

Respect the land and wildlife. Leave no trace. Human impact is cumulative and Goldmyer is a wilderness preserve with a delicate ecosystem. Leave what you find and carry out all that you bring, including biodegradable food waste. Stay on trails and within campsite boundaries. Do not trample or pick plants or fungi that grow on property. Never feed wild animals directly or indirectly via sloppy food handling.

Review safety recommendations for visiting bear and cougar country before your visit.

Do not eat in the hot springs area. Help keep the hot spring water clean and rodent populations down by not eating in or around the hot springs. Eat at picnic tables or campsites only.

Drink responsibly. Moderate alcohol consumption is allowed at campsites and at the lower picnic table by the Caretaker cabin only. Alcohol is not allowed past the Caretaker cabin - this includes the pools, cabana, upper picnic table and the trail leading to the hot springs. Drunken behavior is not tolerated.

Do not bring glass. Broken glass in or around a hot spring is a serious hazard for humans and wildlife and is very difficult to remove. Opt for unbreakable vessels only.

Hot springs are not bathtubs. Rinse yourself off using water from the small pool near the lower pool before entering. Do not use soap, shampoo, or other body products in the hot springs. Avoid applying products on your skin as it will be washed into the environment (including sun screen, bug spray, and lotions). Apply bug spray to your clothing instead.

Use the outhouses, not the woods! Do not urinate in or around the pools. Other than basic hot springs etiquette, human urine can attract unwanted wildlife.

Leave your dogs at home. Even if your dog is the sweetest dog - we do not allow dogs on the Goldmyer property. This helps avoid any interactions with wildlife and general disruptive behavior.

Happy soaking!

Access Requirements

Variable Conditions

The weather can change quickly in the Middle Fork Valley, please come prepared!
From about mid-November until mid-January the weather in the Snoqualmie Middle Fork Valley is variable; from an occasionally "dry" day, to showers and non-stop rain, to rain during the day turning to snow overnight, to rain on snow, to snow showers or snow dumps, to flooding.
Around mid-January temperatures tend to stabilize and snow can start accumulating.
Most years a section of deep snow 10-15 miles from Goldmyer (5-10 miles the trailhead) makes access tricky.
The snow in this area tends to be wet and heavy.
Be sure to consult the weekly access report for the latest conditions.

Vehicle Requirements + Preparation

During winter, ONLY high clearance vehicles with all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.
Be sure to have snow chains, shovel, flashlights, extra food, and warm gear, and at least a bow saw or axe so you aren't left helpless should a tree drop on the road.
Keep track of your mileage so if you're stopped by snow you will be able to determine if it is reasonable to continue on foot or turn around and head home.
Do note that even high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles with chains on all 4 tires are sometimes stopped by snow before the trailhead.
Be wary if it is snowing during your journey as the road conditions could be worse for your way out!

Roads and trails are managed by US Forest Service and Federal Highways. Goldmyer and NWWP have no control over road conditions.

Directions

Monitor the Access Report for the most up to date information. It is updated at least every Wednesday evening.

Detailed driving and hiking instructions are available on the printable information flyer.

Goldmyer is accessed by a 12 mile paved and 6 mile unpaved forest service road that varies in quality throughout the year. The unpaved portion is frequently potholed, which can put stress on your vehicle and make access difficult. High-clearance vehicles are always recommended.

During winter, the unpaved road is NOT snow plowed, sanded, or monitored for people in distress, which can limit vehicle access to the trailhead. For winter access, high-clearance vehicles with chains, a spare tire, and a saw or axe for fallen trees are recommended.

The unpaved road is blocked by a locked gate at the Dingford Creek Trailhead.

A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass must be displayed in your vehicle to park at the Dingford Creek Trailhead, located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. (Discover Pass not valid)

An additional 4.5 mile hike (each way) on the road past the gate and across a footbridge over the Middle Fork River brings visitors to Goldmyer Hot Springs. Alternatively, visitors can also hike along the Middle Fork Trail, which is slightly longer and requires several un-bridged stream crossings.

The road past the gate is always open to bikes. However, the Middle Fork Trail is only open to bikes on odd-calendar days during the spring and summer.

Travel Time

PART 1
DRIVING EAST: Seattle to I-90 Exit 34 - Roughly 45 minutes (without interruption)

- or -
DRIVING WEST: Ellensburg to I-90 Exit 34 - Roughly 75 minutes (without interruption)

PART 2
DRIVING: I-90 Exit 34 to Dingford Trailhead - 1 to 2 hours

PART 3
HIKING: Dingford Trailhead to Goldmyer - 2 to 3 hours at a steady moderate pace

- or -

BIKING: Dingford Trailhead to Goldmyer - 1 to 3 hours, depending on your conditioning and pack weight

Essential Equipment

Due to the remote location of Goldmyer Hot Springs, it is the visitor's responsibility to pack appropriately for a back country experience. Consider the Ten Essentials of Mountaineering when gathering gear for your next visit.

We recommend preparing for the worst case scenario by considering the following items...

First-aid kit
Hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
Rain gear
Warm layered clothing
Filled water bottle(s)
Backpacking water filter (for creek near campsites. No potable water provided)
Flashlight (even if not camping)
Towel
Bathing suit (optional)
Food (even if not camping)
Camp stove and utensils (if camping)
Camping equipment (if staying overnight):
Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tarp + rope to hang over camp area during wet/cold weather.
Directions, which can be found under our permit instructions

Pricing

WEDNESDAY - MONDAY (Shared Use):

Visitors share the pools with other groups on shared-use days. We do not assign time slots or set a specific time limit for soaking on shared-use days.

Maximum of 8 people (including children) per group.

Groups cannot combine to create parties larger than 8 people.

Adult (18 - 64) : $30

Senior (65+) : $25

Children (0 - 17) : free

Camping : additional $10 per adult/senior per night.

Camping is not available on Mondays.

TUESDAY (Exclusive Use):

No other visitors will be on property/in the pools during your specific exclusive-use time slot. Caretakers are still present and do routine check-ins.

Multiple Time Slots available
Maximum of 8 people (including children) per group.
$240 per time slot - during all seasons
Camping: only available with evening time slot - additional $50
Tuesday morning and afternoon time slots are not able to add camping.
Tuesday evening campers: check-out is by 12:00pm; however, exclusive use ends at 9am.

April - October Time Slots:

Morning 9:00am - 1:00pm
Afternoon 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Evening 5:00pm - 9:00pm

November - March Time Slots:

Morning 9:00am - 3:00pm
Evening 3:00pm - 9:00pm
No Afternoon time slot available during winter months

Check-In and Check-Out

All visitors must check-in and check-out with the on-site Caretakers and have a current Release and Conditions of Use - Liability Waiver on file.

Visitors may check-in between 9:00am - 9:00pm; however, we do ask for an ETA.

Visitors arriving before 9:00am or after 9:00pm will not be allowed entry.

Check-out means packed up and leaving the Goldmyer property - not leaving the hot spring pools or campsites.

Day Visitors Check-out: by 9:00pm on day of arrival.

Camping Visitors Check-out: by 12:00pm (noon) on day of departure.

Amenities

Visiting Goldmyer is a wilderness experience where you must be self-supported. Only a few amenities are provided.

Multiple outhouse toilets stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer
One covered picnic table near the campgrounds
One uncovered picnic table on the way to the pools
Campsites of varying size and character
Food canisters
Hang-lines for food canisters at each campsite
Bike rack near caretaker cabin
Open-sided cabana at the springs
Large cave pool, small middle pool, medium lower pool, and cold plunge

Not Provided and Not Available: cell phone or internet service, lockers, showers, changing rooms, towels, camping gear or shelter, food, safe drinking water, or garbage collection.

Camping

There are a limited number of primitive, backpacking tent campsites available on property. Campfire are not allowed and there are no utility hook-ups.

Camping is for the day of your arrival, not the night before.
Multiple nights are allowed.
Visitors may add camping, pending availability.
Camping visitors may have access to the springs after 9:00pm.
Visitors are responsible for bringing their own tents, sleeping bags, gear, water, and food.

Cancellation Policy

Please be courteous and let the office know as soon as possible if you need to cancel some or all of your group's permits.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (or any other potentially contagious illness), DO NOT visit the property. Contact the office to cancel.

See our full Cancellation Policy here.

Credits

Posted March 1, 2024. As of one year from posting, on March 1, 2025 any issued permit credits will be forfeited and considered a donation. NWWP no longer issues permit credits. This posting does not apply to volunteer credits.