Hike description: What a destination. Hot springs in an ancient forest. Advertised at 117 degrees F (it felt just a little cooler) are hot springs in a cave with two smaller, cooler springs and one cool-water pool. Be forewarned – there is a charge for using the hot springs and swimsuits are optional. The hot springs are delightful. The attraction isn’t too large and is popular even considering the trouble it takes to get to the springs. If you’re not in the mood to soak in the springs, the hike is great too.
Starting at the locked gate at the Dingford Creek Trailhead on the Southeast Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road it’s just fun crossing numerous bridges, some very sturdy, some leveled logs and one challenging affair of large logs over a rushing river. It is five miles on a mostly well-maintained trail past and over stunning streams, rocky creeks and boulder-strewn rivers. All of this keeps you alert and aware of moss-covered trees and enough ferns to be reminiscent of the rain forest. It is a great place for mushrooms and colorful trees in the fall.
At the private property sign, explore the house, read about the history of the property and decide if you want to soak. To experience the hot springs, sign up with the caretaker then follow the half-mile trail to your destination, adding one mile to your trip total.
On the return trip you have the option of hiking the trail or making a loop trip down a well-maintained road to your car, only 4.5 miles. Just follow signs to the Middle Fork Trail and cross the river on a new bridge.
Directions: Drive Interstate 90 to Exit 34 (468th Street). Drive north on 468th Street a short distance past the truck stop to the intersection with Southeast Middle Fork Road. Turn right and follow Southeast Middle Fork Road which turns into Forest Service Road 56. At the junction with Taylor River Road, you go right (signed to Dingford Creek). The trailhead is 17 miles from I-90, 15 miles of which is on a rough dirt road. Parking is at the gate. From here follow the signs to the Middle Fork Trail where you will go down the trail, cross the wood bridge, then left (east) on the trail.
Difficulty rating: 2 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)
Miles round trip: 9.5
Elevation: 600 feet
Best time of year: Year-round
Map: Green Trails 175 Skykomish and Green Trails 207 Snoqualmie Pass
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass required at trailhead; fee and reservations for hot springs.
Also: Restrooms at Goldmyer Hot Springs. This is a privately maintained wilderness area with no smoking, no fires and no pets. See the website, goldmyer.org, for additional information in planning your outing. The hot springs are on private property. There is a per person charge of $15 per 24-hour day, with a limit of 12 per party, and only 20 people allowed on the property each day. Camping is available for overnight stays. The springs are particularly popular on nice weekend days, so calling ahead for reservations is recommended. The high point is about 1,800 in elevation and is usually snow-free. For detail on the roads to the trailhead consult the Mount Baker Snoqualmie Forest Service map or Green Trails Maps No. 174 Mount Si, and No. 206 Bandera. Mountain bikes also use the road.
Info: For trail and road information: North Bend Ranger Station, Snoqualmie Ranger District, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, 425-888-1421; fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/about/snrd.shtml; for reservations call the springs at 206-789-5631.
Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee.
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