Ohanapecosh Hot Springs

This short interpretive loop near the Ohanapecosh Visitors Center make a great visit for a leg stretch or a history hike with little ones. Interpretive signs illuminate the past, when visitors flocked here to take advantage of the warm water that was believed to have healing properties.

You can't soak in the springs anymore (and they're certainly not large enough to want to), but the rushing waters of the nearby Ohanapecosh River, and the history here make this a great visit for a leg stretch or a hike with little ones.

The name Ohanapecosh comes from the name of a Native American village that once existed along the river. The Taidnapum Indians lived in the Cowlitz Valley. Indeed, their name means "Upper Cowlitz". The word Ohanapecosh is believed to mean "standing at the edge".

Begin at the Visitor Center, proceeding up a small hill and into the forest on nice wide tread for about 0.3 miles. Along the way, you'll pass the the main hot springs area, and then an open, grassy meadow along boardwalk that carries you above the runoff from the hot springs. This is where the resort lodge used to sit, now returned to a more natural state. Arrive at a T-junction after 0.3 miles, and take a left. In 0.1 miles, you will arrive at the end of the trail, in Loop B of the campground. 

Extending your trip: The Ohanapecosh Hot Springs share a trailhead with the three-mile Silver Falls Loop, a well-signed, well maintained trail to a stunning waterfall on the Ohanapecosh River. If you're feeling up to it, take a tour of this trail while you're in the area.