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In the Baker Hot Springs geothermal pools, you may sit, soak, and relax. This secret sanctuary is located about an hour and a half outside of Bellingham, in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

The drive to get to these remote hot springs is more difficult than the trek. Drive cautiously, as there have been numerous reports of the road being in poor condition. Traveling down North Cascades Highway and Baker Lake Road will bring you to Forest Road 1130, a service road. You’ll arrive at the trailhead by this route. Expect gravel instead of tarmac and plenty of potholes, but the reward is well worth the effort. (It’s best to avoid going in the winter because the road can be challenging and even inaccessible.)

The Springs is a 1.0-kilometer out-and-back walk with hot springs near Concrete, Washington that is suitable for hikers of all abilities. The trail is open all year and is popular for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird viewing. This trail is also suitable for dogs.

You’ll see many trails going from the clearing after you reach the end of the road. One of the rocks will be spray-painted with the words “Hot Springs” written on it. You’ll reach the natural hot springs after about a half-mile on this easy trail.

The springs are normally empty and waiting for you due to the remoteness of this location. The steam rising from the motionless water beckons you in.

Soaking in the pools acts as a mud bath, as the natural sediment in the warm water helps to relieve aches and pains while also detoxifying the skin. You’ll have to put up with some sulfuric odours, as with many natural hot springs.

The main pool is roughly three feet deep and can accommodate about ten people. The smaller pool is barely around two feet long and crests the ankles. So invite some pals to the Baker Hot Springs for a pleasant break from the stresses of everyday life.

Baker Hot Spring used to feed into a cedar-lined pool, but it was finally decommissioned due to vandalism and high bacteria rates. The cedar pool was photographed in old hiking guides, and there was a changing hut, outhouse, and picnic tables in 1980. The spring is also mentioned in a number of recent hot springs guides.

many other trails and areas of interest are close by. Start by stopping at the Rainbow Falls viewpoint, which is about a half-mile away. Hike Shadow of the Sentinels, a half-mile circle with interpretive signs explaining ecological relationships and historical facts about early residents.

Featured photo by @perksofbeinga_wildflower

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