Goldmyer Hot Springs

The way to Goldmyer Hot Springs is a delightful forest walk through deep woods, along the rushing Snoqualmie River, and ultimately to a beautiful hot springs tucked against the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Because it is privately owned by a non-profit, reservations are strongly recommended and are the only way to assure access to the property and hot springs. The caretakers will turn away visitors without reservations if they meet their 20 person a day limit. Visit www.goldmyer.org for more information on reservations and access.

There are several ways to get to Goldmyer Hot Springs, including beginning at the parking lot for the Pratt Connector Trail and taking the trail for the Middle Fork Snoqualmie upstream (detailed below). The alternative which avoids a risky ford of Burntboot Creek is to drive the rough road to the Dingford Trailhead and hike along the closed road from there. 

From the Middle Fork parking lot, cross a beautiful, large bridge over the mighty Snoqualmie River and turn left. The trail stays close to the river, ducking in and out of the adjoining woods. At points, due to erosion, the trail threatens to slump into the river, but the way is never impossible to navigate. Eventually though, the trail turns away from the river and continues on through beautiful second-growth forest.

It’s hard to believe that these trees are a second-generation–-soaring high above your head, they are draped by mosses, much like old-growth. The effect is very peaceful and conducive to deep thinking or meditation as you walk along a trail springy from layers of pine needles that carpet the forest floor.

Six miles in, come to a junction where a sign points to Goldmyer Hot Springs and Dutch Miller Gap straight ahead. To the left, another trail branches off, crossing a large bridge. Less than half a mile down this trail is a different access point for Goldmyer; the parking lot for Dingford. From the parking lot, bicyclists can also access Goldmyer Hot Springs via an old road. Hikers can walk this road too, but the trail unfolding before you is many times more scenic than the old road, and the road to the Dingford parking lot is as bad, if not worse, than the Middle Fork Road of old.

Take the trail pointing towards Goldmyer and enter even more enchanting forest. The trail bobs up and down along an ever-calming Snoqualmie River as you hike past old- and second- growth forest dripping with mosses. Enormous boulders laced with lichen and hugged by tree roots growing over them inspire the imagination, and there is still the springy trail to enjoy.

Pass several dispersed campsites, scattered with artifacts from when this was still an active logging area, and four miles in, come to another junction. A trail here branches off, marked for Rock Creek. This is yet another way to access Goldmyer, but it is steep, steep, steep, and frequently choked with blowdowns due to the difficulty that any trail maintenance crew has getting back here. Carry on past this junction. This section of trail looks the most like the old road that it once was, but it hardly detracts from the lush surroundings, and the quiet.

A series of creek crossings of increasing difficulty are required to reach Goldmyer this way, culminating in the caution-inspiring crossing of Thunder Creek about one miles past the junction for the Rock Creek trail. A narrow log about six feet above the water is all that spans this rushing torrent, with no handrail or any other measure to prevent a slip into the creek. Cross here with extreme caution, then marvel as you continue on at the mountain bike tracks evident in the dirt on the other side of the creek! Mountain biking is permitted here on odd-numbered calendar days from June 1 to October 31 depending on the conditions of the trail, so don’t be surprised if you see a cyclist coming your way. Maybe ask them how they negotiate that crossing with a bike.

From Thunder Creek, it’s just about one more mile to Goldmyer. Hike through more forest, and finally come to a large meadow, with greenery up to six feet tall. Once through this meadow, arrive at a complicated structure crossing a large creek. This is Burntboot Creek. The logs that once served as a bridge have washed out, making for a fast and deep ford that can be dangerous. To bypass this ford start from the Dingford Trailhead and walk the closed road instead.

On the other side of Burntboot Creek, you are on Goldmyer Hot Springs property. Hikers are allowed as far as the entrance to the hot springs, where a billboard welcomes you and offers information about the resort, but without reservations, the hot spring are off-limits, so be sure to make those reservations before you undertake this 12-mile journey.

WTA Pro Tip: Please note that while dogs are allowed on the trail, dogs and pets are not allowed at Goldmyer. If you're hiking with your canine, consider making Burntboot Creek your turnaround point, since it's only a few steps on the other side of the creek before you hit Goldmyer property.