Please Note:
- Plan your VISIT to make a reservation.
- Review the CALENDAR to see which days have openings.
- A major WEBSITE UPDATE is in the works - Donations Requested.
The Springs
Goldmyer Hot Springs is a gem of the wilderness nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, roughly 25 miles east of North Bend, WA.
Venturing on the 4.5 mile hike from the trailhead to the 20 acre wilderness preserve is a backcountry experience where guests must be self-supported and able to pack in (and out) all necessary supplies.
Amenities provided are very limited. They include an open-air cabana at the hot spring pools, campsites with food hanging lines and containers, three maintained outhouses, two picnic tables, and a bike rack. No cellular or internet connection available.
Visitors gain access to tranquil terrain, hiking trails through old growth forest, waterfalls, history of the Middle Fork Valley, and a crystal clear geothermal hot spring.
Goldmyer is owned and volunteer-managed by Northwest Wilderness Programs, a nonprofit organization established in 1976 to protect this natural treasure for the use of generations to come.
Access Report Updated at least every Wednesday evening
Visiting Goldmyer is a remote, backpacking, wilderness experience. We are open year round in all weather conditions - rain, snow, shine. Check the forecast prior to visit and plan accordingly.
Travel time from Seattle/Tacoma: 4 - 5 hours one-way. Approximately 2 hours driving and 2-3 hours hiking.
Access Report: October 4, 2024
WILDFIRE SMOKE ADVISORY:
In the occurrence of wildfire smoke - if the air quality is not deemed dangerous or "unhealthy for all" Goldmyer is still considered open.
Air quality can change within hours due to wind. Plan accordingly.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS:
AWD or 4WD and 8 - 9 inches of ground clearance.
Passenger/sedan vehicles such as Prius - do not have enough ground clearance to get safely to trailhead.
DRIVING CONDITIONS:
Trees and tree debris can fall across the road and trail at any time. All visitors should be prepared with saw, axe, or chainsaw to clear downed trees/tree debris from road for access.
Forest Service road to the trailhead can take a minimum of 1 hour to drive. It is unpaved with soft shoulders and limited pull-offs. Expect potholes, ruts, rocks, dips, branches, and water.
HIKE & PROPERTY CONDITIONS:
Check-in is on the property after the hike.
Dutch Miller Gap Trail is the recommended and most direct route. This trail is located past the metal gate in the Dingford Creek trailhead parking lot.
- Dutch Miller Gap trail is approx. 5 miles one-way at 200 ft elevation gain from trailhead. Plan to hike 2-3 hours each way.
- Expect: rocks, ruts, potholes.
- Open to mountain bikes year round.
Middle Fork Trail is not recommended. This trail puts you parallel to our property on the opposite side of the Burnt Boot Creek. There is no bridge across - you will have to walk thru the water to get to our property.
- Middle Fork trail may have frequent obstacles/debris.
- Burnt Boot Creek can be dangerous to cross due to high, swift-moving water.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Access to Goldmyer is limited to 20 people PER DAY.
If a day reads FULL on the calendar then we are booked to capacity and have no more available spaces. We do not operate a waitlist.
We cannot make reservations for same-day and next-day visitors.
Same-day and next-day visitors must attempt as walk-ins for available spaces. Due to low-to-zero connectivity we cannot make real-time updates to the same-day and next-day spaces on the calendar. Be aware that all spaces could be taken by the time you arrive.
Walk-ins:
Walk-ins have no guarantee of entry and are first come, first served for available spaces. Walk-ins have best chance of entry if arrive when property opens at 9:00am. Walk-ins pay caretakers on property in exact cash.
Camping:
Pending availability, camping can be added to a reservation for an additional fee. Camping reservations are for the day of your arrival (not the night before).
The Middle Fork Valley is home to a variety of wildlife including bears and mountain lions. Visitors should educate themselves via US Forest Service website
here,
here, and
here.
There is no cell or internet service.
Be smart and only drive as far as seems safe. Anticipate hiking farther.