Sol Duc Hot Springs

Resort in Port Angeles, Washington, United States

About

What It Is

Sol Duc Hot Springs is a cluster of geothermal springs and associated soaking pools situated within Olympic National Park in Washington state, set in a valley shaped by the Sol Duc River ^[2]. The springs are managed as a seasonal resort by Aramark, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service ^[1]. The site has a long history of use: local Native American tribes recognized the springs for their therapeutic qualities before settlers arrived in the 1880s, and a formal resort has operated in various forms since 1912 ^[2]. Today the facility draws thousands of visitors annually and functions as both a day-use soaking destination and an overnight resort ^[2].

Activities & Experiences

Visitors can soak in three naturally heated mineral pools and one freshwater pool, each maintained at different temperatures to suit different preferences ^[1]. The mineral pools range from approximately 99 F to 106 F, while the freshwater pool varies between 50 F and 85 F depending on season ^[1]. Beyond the pools, trails from the resort lead through old-growth forest to Sol Duc Falls and along routes such as the Lover's Lane Loop ^[3]. The resort also offers cabin accommodations and on-site dining featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine at the Springs Restaurant ^[3].

Practical Access

The resort is located off Sol Duc Hot Springs Road within Olympic National Park ^[4]. Pool access is organized into 1.5-hour sessions; during spring (March 20 through May 20) and fall (September 10 through October 31) six sessions run daily from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm, while summer (May 21 through September 9) adds a seventh session ending at 9:00 pm ^[1]. The facility closes November 1 at 12:00 pm ^[1]. Session rates per person are USD 19.00 for adults age 12 and older, USD 15.00 for children age 4 to 11, USD 15.00 for seniors age 62 and older, disabled visitors, and military, and free for children age 0 to 3 with limited pool access ^[1]. A book of 10 passes is available for USD 150.00 and must be purchased in person ^[1]. Towel rental is available for USD 5.00 when supply allows ^[1]. Cabin guests receive pool access at no additional charge ^[1]. Availability is limited and reservations are recommended ^[1].

Restrictions

The pools are only accessible when the resort is open; no independent access is available outside resort operating hours ^[4]. All pools are tested daily to comply with state safety and health regulations ^[4]. Children age 0 to 3 have limited pool access, and the small wading pool is the only pool open to all ages; the medium and large mineral pools and the freshwater pool require visitors to be at least 4 years old ^[1]. The book of 10 passes can only be purchased in person at the resort ^[1].

What Makes It Distinctive

Sol Duc Hot Springs is one of the very few developed geothermal soaking facilities inside a major U.S. national park, combining regulated, tested mineral pools with direct access to old-growth rainforest trails ^[2]^[4]. The spring water originates from rain and snowmelt that filters through ancient sedimentary rock and is heated by gases from deep volcanic formations, giving the pools a geochemical character tied directly to the Olympic Peninsula's geology ^[1]. The multi-pool layout at varying temperatures, combined with a freshwater pool and full resort amenities, distinguishes it from the nearby undeveloped Olympic Hot Springs, which are untreated, untested, and accessible only on foot ^[4].

Sources

Season: May–October
Typical duration: 2h
Hours: Mo-Su 08:00-20:00 (as recorded 2026-10-03)

Access & fees

10-pass book (fee: $150 · purchase: in-person only)
adult pool session (fee: $19.00 · duration: 1.5 hours)
child pool session (4–11) (fee: $15.00 · duration: 1.5 hours)
child under 4 (fee: free)
senior/disabled/military session (fee: $15.00 · duration: 1.5 hours)

Things to do

mineral pool soaking (session length: 1.5 hours)
nature retreat
old-growth forest hiking (trails: Sol Duc Falls, Lover's Lane Loop)
relaxation/wellness
swimming (pool: freshwater pool)

Amenities

cabin accommodations (pet friendly: yes)
on-site restaurant (name: Springs Restaurant · meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)
rv campground
towel rental (fee: $5)

Best time to visit

fall season (hours: 8:00 am – 7:30 pm · window: Sep 10 – Oct 31 · sessions: 6)
spring season (hours: 8:00 am – 7:30 pm · window: Mar 20 – May 20 · sessions: 6)
summer season (hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm · window: May 21 – Sep 9 · sessions: 7)

Features

freshwater pool (depth: 3–10 ft · temp range: 50–85°F)
geothermal spring water (origin: volcanic-heated rainwater/snowmelt)
three mineral pools (temps: 99°F, 101°F, 104°F)
wheelchair-accessible pools (pools: Large Mineral Fountain, Freshwater)

Nearby

olympic national park (relation: resort located within park)
sol duc falls (access: hiking trail from resort)

Good to know

managed by aramark (role: NPS authorized concessioner)
pairs with sol duc falls visit
pools tested daily (authority: health and safety regulations)

Catalog identifier: AVIA-NA8G-M1M27