Goldmyer Hot Springs
Goldmyer Hot Springs is a nonprofit wilderness preserve near the Alpine Lakes Wilderness east of North Bend. Its cave-like source pools and old-growth forest setting are protected through permits, strict daily limits, resident caretakers, and demanding backcountry access.
The image above is a generated image to describe Goldmyer Hot Springs and may not accurately represent what Goldmyer Hot Springs really looks like.
Goldmyer Hot Springs at a Glance
| Access | Permit-controlled private preserve reached by rough forest roads and a trail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Very limited daily visitation |
| Services | Caretaker check-in, primitive camping, and no dependable cell or internet service |
| Vehicle needs | Current road reports may call for high-clearance AWD or 4WD |
| Best for | Prepared backcountry travelers seeking a quiet protected setting |
Obtain a Permit Before the Drive
Goldmyer is not a walk-in roadside spring. Use the preserve’s official reservation or lottery process, understand the check-in window, and carry confirmation offline. The small visitor limit means arriving without a permit can result in being turned away after a long drive.
Read the Current Access Report
Road conditions change with storms, snow, washouts, and maintenance. Follow the preserve’s current vehicle-clearance recommendation rather than relying on old trip reports. A standard passenger car may be inappropriate even when the highway portion of the route is clear.
Prepare for a Backcountry Day
Carry food, drinking water, layers, rain protection, navigation, a headlamp, and basic emergency supplies. There is no reliable cell service, and weather alone generally does not excuse poor preparation. Tell someone your route and return plan.
Use the Pools Conservatively
The hottest water is near the cave source. Enter gradually, keep visits short, hydrate, and move to cooler pools as needed. Follow all rules concerning clothing, children, photography, food, pets, and pool capacity; the caretakers’ instructions are part of the permit agreement.
Leave the Preserve Undisturbed
Goldmyer’s value comes from limited use and careful stewardship. Stay on established routes, use designated sanitation facilities, pack out waste, and avoid disturbing vegetation or wildlife. Camping visitors should expect primitive conditions rather than resort amenities.
Is This Hot Spring a Good Fit?
This Spring May Work Well If
- You are comfortable checking roads, trails, weather, water conditions, and land-management rules shortly before departure.
- You value a natural setting and can carry water, footwear, towels, warm layers, and everything needed to pack out your trash.
Consider Another Option If
- Choose a developed resort or bathhouse if you need guaranteed changing rooms, restrooms, controlled temperatures, accessibility features, or staff on site.
- Skip the trip when roads, river crossings, heat, snow, wildfire, flooding, or personal mobility make the approach unsafe.
Verify Current Conditions Before You Go
Hot spring access and operating details can change with weather, maintenance, water conditions, ownership policies, and seasonal demand. Before traveling, confirm the following with the official operator, land-management agency, or another current local source:
- Current opening status, operating days, and seasonal closures
- Reservations, day-use limits, entry fees, and timed access
- Road, trail, parking, shuttle, and winter-access conditions
- Pool availability, water-level changes, maintenance, or temporary closures
- Swimwear, shower, towel, locker, food, glass-container, and photography rules
- Age limits, accessibility, pets, overnight use, and maximum soaking times
- Trail conditions, river crossings, weather, wildfire restrictions, and emergency access
- Package inclusions, lodging policies, spa appointments, and cancellation terms
- Agency alerts, permits, fire restrictions, and temporary resource-protection rules
Do not rely on an older social post, screenshot, or search snippet for same-day access. Confirm details as close to your visit as practical.