FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who owns Goldmyer?
  2. Is Goldmyer open year round?
  3. How long does it take to reach Goldmyer from Seattle / Tacoma?
  4. What hours are the springs open?
    How long can I stay? How much does it cost?
  5. Why are only 20 people allowed per day?
  6. Is there a swimsuit policy?
  7. Can I visit Goldmyer without a reservation?
    Is there a waitlist if people cancel last minute?
  8. Can I make a reservation online?
  9. How does the lottery work?
  10. Can I camp? Multiple nights?
  11. Why don't you allow campfires?
  12. Where is the nearest drinking water source?
    Trash service?
    Cell phone reception?
  13. Why don't you allow dogs and pets?
  14. Is Goldmyer accessible to people with disabilities?
  15. Can I take photos or videos at the hot springs?
  16. Can I mountain bike to Goldmyer?
  17. Is there a lost and found?
  18. How many pools are there?
    How are the pools heated?
    Are the pools cleaned?
    What is the mineral content of the water?
  19. What are the health benefits of hot springs?
  20. I want to bring a youth group to Goldmyer - Is that possible?
  21. When do credits expire?
  22. How can I help protect Goldmyer Hot Springs?

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  1. Who owns Goldmyer?

    Goldmyer is owned and operated by Northwest Wilderness Programs (NWWP), a Washington State non-profit. The property is managed by a group of volunteers dedicated to protecting this unique natural resource and preserving its wilderness character for generations to come.


  2. Is Goldmyer open year round?

    Yes! The property and springs are open year round in all weather conditions - rain, snow, or shine. Summers can be very warm. Winters vary considerably year to year. Winter conditions and vehicle access also vary within the 20 mile driving-hiking route. The first 10 miles of paved road MIGHT be snow plowed, but the final 5 miles to Dingford Creek trailhead is NEVER plowed. Micro-spike shoe traction is often sufficient for hiking in winter. Snowshoes offer more flexibility with snow conditions. Cross-country skiing should be limited to those with experience. Check the Access Report for the most up-to-date information we are able to offer.


  3. How Long does it take to reach Goldmyer from Seattle / Tacoma ?

    Travel time varies depending on the road and weather conditions, group size, and individual ability, pack weight, etc. Expect a long journey so give plenty of time. Please see our Directions page for estimated travel times.


  4. What hours are the springs open?
    How late can I stay?
    How much does it cost?

    Check-in is between 9:00am and 9:00pm. Check-out and hiking off property for day-use visitors is by 9:00pm. Check-out and hiking off property for camping visitors is by noon of your departure day. Visitors camping off-property or arriving without camping gear must be off the property by 9:00pm (even if you paid the camping fee).

    Campers (using our campsites) have access to the hot springs and after 9:00pm.

    We ask all visitors to be respectful of other visitors at all times and please keep noise levels down for a more relaxing experience.

    Wednesday - Monday (Tuesday excluded): These days are shared-use, meaning your group will be sharing the hot springs with other visitors. We do not assign time slots or set a specific time limit for soaking on shared-use days, but we do ask visitors to limit your soaking time during peak hours to allow room for other visitors. Shared-use days are priced per person, with add-on camping fee.

    Tuesdays: We offer exclusive-use during reserved time-slots. This means there will be no other visitors on property or in the hot springs during your reserved time slot. Caretakers are still present and do routine check-ins. Tuesdays have a flat rate fee for up to 8 people (children included). Camping is allowed only for the evening time slot, with add-on camping fee.

    For pricing info see the Visiting page.


  5. Why are only allow 20 people per day?

    The number of visitors is limited to 20 people per day (not 20 at a time) to reduce environmental impact and help reduce over-crowding at the hot springs.

    That said, privacy at the hot springs is not a reasonable expectation on shared-use days.

    The busiest hours at the hot springs are between 11:00am and 3:00pm. Arriving earlier or later (being mindful of check-in and check-out hours) or camping can offer a quieter soaking     experience.


  6. Is there a swimsuit policy?

    Goldmyer is a swimsuit-optional hot spring, meaning some visitors may soak in the nude. Clothing is required elsewhere on the property. If this is your first time visiting a hot spring, the following article may be a helpful resource to familiarize yourself with hot springs etiquette.

    Assured no nudity time at the hot spring can only be guaranteed when booking a Tuesday exclusive use time slot. You may find more information on the Visiting page.


  7. Can I visit Goldmyer without a reservation?

    A reservation is the only way to guarantee access to Goldmyer.

    Check the calendar for available openings before attempting as a 'walk-in' - i.e. without a reservation. If a day reads FULL on the calendar - we are booked to capacity and there are no more available openings. There is no separate set of openings held for walk-ins.

    We cannot make same-day or day-before reservations. People that want to visit the same day or next day may attempt to visit as walk-ins for available openings. It is first come, first serve meaning if openings are taken by the time you arrive you will be turned away. Walk-ins have the best chance of entry if they arrive when the property opens at 9:00am. Payment is by cash only: no credit card or payment apps are accepted.

    We do not operate a waitlist. We ask visitors to notify the office if they have to cancel their reservation so those spots can be opened for other visitors.


  8. Can I make a reservation online?

    No. You can enter a lottery for potential openings online, but all reservations are confirmed over the phone with our Seattle office staff during business hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm PST. You can find more information on the Visiting page.


  9. How does the lottery work?

    The lottery allows you to apply for reservations ahead of time on a rolling one-month-at-a-time basis. An example of how it works:
    - During all of March: applications are accepted for (only) May dates.
    - On April 1: the office will begin calling winner to confirm reservations for May. They will start with earlier in the month days and work down through the month.
    - As of May 1: the lottery is finished and any open spaces in May are available to reserve by calling the office at least two business days prior to the day.

    Find more information on the Lottery page.


  10. Can I camp? Multiple nights?

    Yes! Goldmyer is an excellent base camp for anyone interested in exploring the Upper Middle Fork River     Valley. Camping can be added to a reservation for an additional fee - pending availability. Camping reservations are for the day of your arrival (not the night before). Find more info about camping on the Visiting page.


  11. Why don't you allow campfires?

    Environmental stewardship! The natural forest floor is covered with tree debris that offers habitat, cover, and food to a broad range of life such as fungi, insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals. This material breaks down over time returning nutrients to the living forest. Gathering material for campfires would quickly eliminate this vital ecosystem link. Additionally, this policy protects against forest fire during our dry season and assures clean air quality for our visitors. Charcoal fires are also prohibited. White gas and propane camping stoves are allowed.


  12. Where is the nearest potable water source?
    Trash service?
    Cell phone reception?

    Goldmyer Hot Springs' goal is to offer visitors a self-supporting wilderness experience. There is no (safe) potable water; no trash or recycle service; and no internet or cell phone reception anywhere on or near Goldmyer.

    This means you need to carry enough drinking water for your journey, and/or bring a water purification device (such as a filter or UV light sterilization pen). You are expected to carry out everything that you brought in; including biodegradable items like apple cores, banana peels, egg shells, etc.

    Here is a list of recommend equipment to bring along on your trip to Goldmyer.


  13. Why don't you allow dogs and pets?

    In order to help assure the safety and enjoyment of other visitors and the pets themselves, and to avoid any interaction with wildlife. Tying your pet off the property and leaving them unattended is poor practice as it causes issues with excessive barking, escaping from leashes, and setting them up as cougar bait.

    See all of the Goldmyer private property     rules here.

  17. Is there a lost and found?

    Yes. If you lost something while visiting Goldmyer Hot Springs please call our office and leave a message. Leave your name, phone number, the date(s) of your visit, a detailed description of the item you lost, as well as any other information that might help us locate it. If your missing item turns up we will call you back to let you know.


  18. How many pools are there?
    How are the pools heated?
    Are the pools cleaned?
    What is the mineral content of the water?

    The hot spring has 3 hot pools and a cold pool. Goldmyer's hot water source flows steadily from inside a 4-foot wide 25-foot long cave at about 125*F (52*C), with the ambient water temperature inside the cave hovering around 111*F (44*C). The hot water then cascades into two smaller pools at progressively cooler temperatures. The lowest pool is about 104*F (40*C). A few steps from the lowest pool is a cold pool that is fed from the nearby creek.

    The hot water flows at 5 gallons per minute and refreshes the pools every two and a half hours. Additionally, the caretakers close and clean the pools twice a week - every Monday and Thursday from 9:00pm - 2:00am. Solvents or soaps are not used to clean the pools, just elbow grease and a scrub brush. Access to the pools is not available during cleaning.

    Please visit the About page to learn more about the mineral content of the hot water.


  21. When do credits expire?

    Posted March 1, 2024. As of one year from posting, on March 1, 2025 any issued credits will be forfeited and considered a donation. NWWP no longer issues reservation credits. (This does not apply to volunteer credits).


  22. How can I help protect Goldmyer Hot Springs?

    The best way to help is by understanding and following our minimum-impact rules while on the Goldmyer property. Also, Northwest Wilderness Programs always welcomes volunteer help and monetary donations.