Scenic Hot Springs

Formerly developed but now only partially developed, the Scenic Hot Springs are a popular attraction located east of Everett and not far from Stevens Pass. They are situated approximately 34 hours' drive from Vancouver, excluding the border wait. Access to the springs involves a challenging one-hour hike on a steep trail, with the pools perched high on a hillside above the valley.

The springs, fittingly named, have been gaining popularity for good reasons. People visit throughout the year, but the best time for a visit is from spring to fall. For a more peaceful experience, it is advisable to plan your trip on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.

If you live in Vancouver, the drive to Scenic Hot Springs for a day trip might be too long (seven hours round trip). Instead, it is recommended to incorporate the visit into a hiking or camping expedition in the beautiful Cascades region. Alternatively, if you are traveling along Highway 2, you can take a break from driving and traffic and visit the springs. To get there from Vancouver, head south to the Canada-U.S. border near Blaine, then take Interstate 5 south to the Highway 2 (Stevens Pass) exit in Everett.

From there, continue east on Highway 2 for about 80 km (50 mi.) until you reach the town of Skykomish, where you can find amenities like gas, food, and motels. Keep driving east for another 16.9 km (10.5 mi.) until you cross a large bridge over the Tye River and valley. Shortly after, you'll come across a dirt road known as Forest Service Road 350, which steeply heads uphill to the right. This point is approximately 3.5 hours from Vancouver and about 1.5 hours from Seattle.

If your vehicle has low clearance, it's best to park at this location. From here, you can hike or drive up the road for 0.8 km (0.5 mi.) until you encounter a power line. Follow the road under the power line until you reach a well-marked trail that veers sharply and steeply up the hill. The trail leads through a shaded area with second-growth timber, and sturdy shoes are recommended, as the path can get muddy in places. After a bit of hiking, the trail levels out, and within a couple of minutes, you'll arrive at the hot springs. The hike from the pavement to the springs takes around an hour and involves an elevation gain of about 340 m (1100 ft.).

The Scenic Hot Springs offer a picturesque view overlooking the valley below. The hot water flows from two spots in gravel and fills three main pools. While some guidebooks state that the water temperature is 42°C (108°F), it's more accurate to rely on scientific literature, which suggests temperatures of 47°C to 53°C (117°F to 127°F). Whatever the exact temperature, you'll find one of the pools with the perfect soaking temperature for your preference.

The main pool, which is the hottest of the three, is a well-constructed wooden pool measuring 2 m (6 ft.) square. It features a wooden floor and walkway around it, providing a comfortable sitting and changing area. The pool is nicely sheltered under a large, overhanging cedar tree. If this pool feels too hot, there's a second slightly cooler and larger wooden pool just below it, offering another enjoyable soaking spot. The second pool overflows into a third, cooler and smaller pool. The spring water is clear, odorless, tasteless, and low in dissolved minerals, primarily bicarbonate and sodium.

This well-maintained and serene location offers a lovely escape. The view out over the valley with the highway far below adds to the charm of the place. It's worth noting that both the approach trail above the power line and the springs themselves are on private land. Near the springs, there are a few flat, cleared areas where people have camped.

In the past, the springs were known as Great Northern Hot Springs, named after the Great Northern Railroad running through the valley. Back in the 1920s, a health resort called Scenic Hot Springs operated in the area, using water piped from the springs. However, the resort is mostly gone now, and it's hard to imagine that the springs were once commercially developed.