Scenic Hot Springs: Your Complete Guide to Washington’s Most Exclusive Alpine Soak

The ultimate resource for booking, accessing, and enjoying one of Washington’s most coveted hot spring experiences

Last Updated: September 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

There’s something truly magical about hiking 2.5 miles through dense Cascade forest, gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation, only to sink into steaming natural pools surrounded by towering trees and peek a boo views. Scenic Hot Springs delivers one of Washington’s most rewarding wilderness soaking experiences—but only for those willing to work for it.

Perched at 4,200 feet above Stevens Pass, these springs aren’t your typical roadside soak. The combination of mountain access, stunning alpine views, and an impressive complex of stone and rubber pools creates an experience that feels worlds away.

But here’s what you need to know upfront: Scenic has become one of Washington’s most sought-after hot spring destinations. The permit system sells out SO quickly! This guide shares everything I’ve learned about securing permits and making the most of your time in these remarkable mountain pools.

Table of Contents

Quick Facts: Scenic Hot Springs

🥾 Distance: 2.5 miles one way
⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
🌡️ Water Temperature: 100-104°F (varies across multiple pools)
🎫 Permit Cost: $30 per person (as of 2025)
👥 Daily Capacity: (varies seasonally – expanded with multiple pool complex)
📅 Season: Year-round (winter requires snowshoes)
⚡ Difficulty: Moderate (summer) / Hard (winter)

The Permit Reality: What You Need to Know

Unlike every other hot spring in Washington, Scenic sits on private land with strictly controlled access. The landowners deserve enormous credit for maintaining public access, but this creates unique booking challenges.

How the Reservation System Works:

Permits release online through the official booking portal
Weekend slots disappear within 2-3 minutes of release
Weekday availability lasts slightly longer but still sells out quickly
No walk-up access permitted

Pro-tip from experience: I recommend having multiple people attempt booking simultaneously if you’re planning a group trip.

Getting There: Navigation and Logistics

Location: Forest Road 6400, approximately 12 miles northeast of Stevens Pass on Highway 2

Detailed Driving Directions (provided with permit confirmation):

From Seattle: 2 hours via Highway 2 to the designated pullout
Limited roadside parking for 6-8 vehicles maximum
No facilities at trailhead – plan accordingly

The Hike Itself: This trail gains 1,100 feet over 2.5 miles through dense forest and creek crossings. Summer conditions feature a well-maintained trail with moderate grade.The winter months transform this into a snowshoe-only route requiring route-finding skills above treeline.

Winter Considerations:

Snowshoes mandatory December through March
Avalanche exposure in final approach – check regional forecasts
Plan 4-5 hours minimum for winter round trips
Highway 2 chains/traction tires often required

Recent Improvements (2024-2025): The springs have undergone a complete transformation. The 2024-2025 development created two beautiful stone pools with natural stone construction, multiple black rubber pools for additional capacity, stone pathways connecting the facilities, and enhanced changing structures. The result is a sophisticated mountain spa experience that maintains the wild backcountry setting while providing substantially improved infrastructure and comfort. (pictures are from the first renovation and will be updated Winter 2026 with my reservation)

Essential Gear and Preparation

Summer Kit:

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
Swimwear (clothing optional environment but bring options)
Quick-dry towel and warm layers for post-soak
2+ liters water per person
Snacks and lunch
First aid supplies
Trash bag for pack-out

Winter Additions:

Snowshoes and trekking poles
Insulated water bottles (prevent freezing)
Emergency shelter and extra insulation
Headlamp with extra batteries
Navigation backup (GPS device or offline maps)

Pro-tip: Pack light but comprehensive. You’ll be carrying everything 2.5 miles uphill, but the well-developed facilities on-site now include changing areas and organized spaces for your gear. The backcountry location still means self-sufficiency is essential, but the improved infrastructure makes the experience much more comfortable.

What to Expect at the Springs

The payoff delivers on every promise. Two hand-built soaking pools cascade down the hillside, each maintaining different temperatures. The hottest pool (around 104°F) sits highest, with progressively cooler options below.

Scenic Hot Springs has come a long way from the days of makeshift plastic tubs. Today, visitors will find a beautifully tiered soaking setup tucked into the forested hillside:

Main Stone Pool (top level): A large, rectangular stone-lined pool that serves as the centerpiece. It comfortably fits several people, and because the spring water flows in at one end, you’ll notice subtle temperature differences depending on where you sit.
Smaller Stone Pool (middle tier): Just below the main pool is a more intimate, circular stone-lined pool—perfect for couples or anyone looking for a quieter soak.
Two Black Tubs (bottom tier): At the base of the slope, two smaller black tubs provide additional soaking options. These often run hotter than the larger pools and are best for individuals or pairs.

Together, these pools offer a variety of soaking experiences—from the social atmosphere of the main stone pool to the privacy of the smaller tubs—all surrounded by ferns, evergreens, and mountain quiet.

Scenic Hot Springs sits on a quiet, forested hillside above Stevens Pass, surrounded by towering evergreens that create a sense of privacy and seclusion. Instead of wide-open ridges, the magic here comes from the feeling of being tucked away in the Cascades—a hidden pocket of warmth in the middle of the wilderness.

Best Photography Times: Golden hour (first hour after sunrise, last hour before sunset) provides magical lighting. Early morning visits often feature misty conditions that create ethereal atmospheric effects.

Rules and Etiquette (Please Follow These)

The landowners could easily restrict access entirely, so respecting these guidelines ensures continued public availability:

Absolute Requirements:

Valid permit required for each person
No alcohol, drugs, or glass containers
Day-use only – no camping permitted
No soap, shampoo, or personal care products in pools
Pack out all trash – leave no trace principles apply

Etiquette Guidelines:

Share pool space respectfully during busy periods
Keep noise levels appropriate for the mountain setting
Respect both clothing-optional and clothed soakers
Don’t monopolize pools during peak hours

Winter Safety Addition: Inform someone of your planned return time and carry emergency communication if possible.

Best Seasons to Visit

Fall (Sep–Nov): Cooler air, colorful foliage, and lighter crowds after Labor Day make this the most enjoyable season for many.

Winter (Dec–Mar): A surreal experience—soaking in 100°F water surrounded by snow. Only attempt with winter gear, experience, and good conditions.

Spring (Apr–May): Trails get muddy, but snowmelt brings waterfalls and dramatic scenery. Weather can be unpredictable.

Summer (Jun–Aug): Clear trails and easy access, though hot temps can make soaking less refreshing.

Insider Tips

Timing Strategy: Arrive early (6:30-7:00 AM starts) for the most peaceful experience and best parking availability.

Food and Hydration: Bring more water than you think you need. Hot springs dehydrate you faster than expected.

Photography: Respect other soakers’ privacy when taking photos. The setting provides incredible landscape shots without needing to include people.

Planning Your Scenic Adventure

Essential Next Steps:

Create booking account well before you want to visit
Have backup date options ready
Monitor weather forecasts for seasonal conditions
Arrange transportation with fellow soakers

Final Reality Check: Scenic isn’t a quick pull-off on the side of the highway—it takes a permit, a bit of effort, and some preparation to reach. But that’s also what makes it so special. For those willing to put in the hike, soaking in this alpine pool is one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences Washington has to offer.

The moment you settle into that top pool, watching steam rise against distant peaks, you’ll understand why people plan their entire year around securing these permits.