FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why are only allow 20 people per day to use the springs?
  2. Can I visit Goldmyer without a reservation?
  3. Who owns Goldmyer?
  4. Can I make a reservation online?
    Through e-mail?
    Through Facebook?
  5. How long does it take to reach Goldmyer from Seattle?
  6. Can I mountain bike to Goldmyer?
  7. Where is the nearest potable water source?
    Trash service?
    Cell phone reception?
  8. Is the hot spring open year round?
  9. Is there a lost and found?
  10. How many pools are there?
  11. How hot is the water?
    What is the mineral content of the water?
  12. What hours are the springs open?
    How late can I soak in the hot springs?
    What are the check-in and check-out times?
  13. When are the pools cleaned?
  14. What are the health benefits of hot springs?
  15. Is there a clothing policy?
  16. Why don't you allow dogs and pets?
    What about guide dogs and service animals?
  17. Why don't you allow campfires?
  18. Can I stay multiple nights?
  19. How can I help protect Goldmyer Hot Springs?
  20. Can I use my camera at the springs?
  21. When do credits expire?


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  1. Why are only allow 20 people per day to use the springs?


    The number of visitors to Goldmyer is normally limited to 20 people per day, which includes day use and camping visitors. This limit serves two major purposes. It helps preserve this amazing old growth forest setting by limiting human impact on the property, and it also keeps the crowd down in the hot spring itself, ensuring a more enjoyable soaking experience for all our visitors.


    - Confirmed reservations are required to guarantee access to Goldmyer property.
    - Walk-in visitors are only allowed access on a space available basis (see next FAQ).


  2. Can I visit Goldmyer without a reservation?

    Attempting to visit without a reservation is not recommended. The only way to guarantee access is through confirming a reservation with the office in Seattle. Walk-ins are allowed on a space available basis. If there are no openings available, walk-ins will be turned away.


  3. 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.


  4. Can I make a reservation online?
    Through e-mail?
    Through Facebook?

    No. All reservations must be made over the phone.     Reservation instructions can be found on the Visiting Goldmyer page.


  5. How long does it take to reach Goldmyer from Seattle?

    Travel time varies depending on road and weather conditions, group size, pack weight, etc. Please see our Directions page for estimated travel times.


  6. Can I mountain bike to Goldmyer?

    Yes! The old road bed from the Dingford Gate to Goldmyer is always open to mountain bikes. The Middle Fork Trail is only open to bikes on odd-calendar days during the spring and summer.


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

    Goldmyer Hot Springs is a wilderness preserve. There is NO public potable water source, trash service, or cell phone reception at Goldmyer or anywhere close by. Please carry enough drinking water for your journey, or bring a water purification device (such as a filter or UV light sterilization pen). Please respect the ancient forest wilderness in the area and pack out all 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.



  8. Is the hot spring open year round?

    Yes! The springs are open year round, but the road to the trailhead is often not accessible during winter months. Winter visitors sometimes cross-country ski or snowshoe 10 or more miles to reach the springs. Also, the road to Goldmyer is occasionally damaged by flooding, further restricting access. Check our Home page for the most up-to-date trail and road reports.


  9. 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.


  10. How many pools are there?

    The hot spring has 3 hot pools and a cold pool. The hot pools are interconnected, as the water flows consecutively from one through the next, cooling as it moves. Solitude at the hot springs is usually not a reasonable expectation on busy days. Please share the space and be respectful of other visitors.


  11. How hot is the water?
    What is the mineral content of the water?

    Please visit the About page to learn more about the springs!


  12. What hours are the springs open?
    How late can I soak in the hot springs?
    What are the check-in and check-out times?

    While there isn't a specific time limit at the springs, it is courteous to limit your soaking time to aid in privacy and access for other users. On a busy or crowded day, caretakers may additionally request that you limit your stay to within certain hours or a given time frame. Please be respectful of others who wish to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Goldmyer Hot Springs!

    Check-in and check-out times are listed on the Visiting Goldmyer page. The "prime time" hours at the hot springs are noon to 8pm. Outside of this window soaking hours at the springs may vary based upon the pool cleaning schedule. Caretakers also reserve the right to set an evening curfew on the springs whenever it becomes necessary. Please check with the caretakers when you arrive for more details.


  13. When are the pools cleaned?

    The pools are closed for cleaning by the caretakers twice a week, with the current schedule being found on the calendar. Cleaning and refilling the pools requires some elbow grease, a scrub brush, and roughly 5 hours of time.


  14. What are the health benefits of hot springs?

    Hot springs have been used for various healing purposes for thousands of years, and by many different cultures. Some of the common health benefits of hot springs can include relaxation and stress relief, improved circulation, and relief from aches and pains in muscles and joints. However, hot spring soaking is not for everyone. Please consult with your doctor if you suffer from a medical condition that could be worsened by heat exposure, or if you are pregnant.


  15. Is there a clothing policy?

    Goldmyer is a clothing optional hot spring.
    Assured no nudity time at the hot spring can only be guaranteed when booking a Tuesday exclusive use time slot.
    Exclusive use means just your group will be on the property and in the springs.
    Tuesday exclusive use time slots comes at a premium flat rate cost.
    The following article may be a helpful resource to familiarize yourself with back country hot springs etiquette.


  16. Why don't you allow dogs and pets?
    What about guide dogs and service animals?

    Not allowing pets on Goldmyer property eliminates their interaction with wild animal populations (chasing and leaving scent marks). It is also for the safety and enjoyment of other visitors and the pets themselves. Tying up your pet off the property is poor practice as it causes issues with excessive barking, escaping from leashes, not to mention setting them up as cougar bait when left unattended.

    Exceptions are made only for well-controlled licensed service dogs. If you are planning to visit with a service dog please notify our office when making a reservation. If there are any doubts about the qualifications of a service dog or it being well-controlled, your admittance will be refused.



  17. Why don't you allow campfires?

    The primary reason for the no-fire policy is 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 fungus, 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.


  18. Can I stay multiple nights?

    Yes! Goldmyer is an excellent base camp for anyone interested in exploring the Upper Middle Fork River Valley.


  19. How can I help protect Goldmyer Hot Springs?

    Northwest Wilderness Programs always welcome volunteer help and monetary donations.


  20. Can I use my camera at the springs?

    You are welcome to shoot photo and video on Goldmyer property for non-commercial use. However, be mindful of other visitor's privacy and refrain from including them in your photos or video. Obtain consent of all visitors present before taking photos or videos around the hot spring pools or cabana.

  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.