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Planning your Fabulous Hot Spring Getaway at Sol Duc in the Olympic National Park
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items Looking for a place to get away from it all? Travel over to the lush Olympic National Park and spend a few days at Sol Duc relaxing in the hot springs, hiking, swimming and getting away from it all. Just a few hours from Seattle, but a world away, yo...
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What to Do
Where to Stay
What to Bring
What to Do
Soak in the springs of course! But there's plenty more to do for the adventurous. There's hiking, backpacking, water sports and swimming all available close by.
Ready to kick back and relax? How about a dip in pools fed by a natural hot spring in the secluded nature of the beautiful Sol Duc river valley? Ditch the TV and social media for a few days of solitude and disconnectedness in the gorgeous Olympic National Park.
I suggest getting up early or staying up late -Pool sessions are 1.5 hours, with ½ hour between them to clean the pools and the 8am and 10 am pool sessions are least likely to be crowded. If you are going to be in the park long enough, buy a book of 10 tickets and you'll save $3 per session ($18 if you pay individually - $15 if you get the book) and save $5 by bringing your own towel.
I suggest getting up early or staying up late -Pool sessions are 1.5 hours, with ½ hour between them to clean the pools and the 8am and 10 am pool sessions are least likely to be crowded. If you are going to be in the park long enough, buy a book of 10 tickets and you'll save $3 per session ($18 if you pay individually - $15 if you get the book) and save $5 by bringing your own towel.
Mineral Hot Springs & Pool | Olympic National Park & Forest | Olympic Peninsula WA
Hike to the gorgeous Sol Duc Falls - Go to the trailhead for an easy trip of 1.6 miles round trip, start right in the campground for a round trip of about 5 miles, or hike the entire “Lover's Lane Loop” - about 6 miles round trip from the resort and ...
nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/sol-duc-area-brochure.htm
wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lovers-lane-loop
nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/sol-duc-area-brochure.htm
wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lovers-lane-loop
Sol Duc Falls Olympic National Park Washington Magnet
Find the trailhead right behind the cabins and hike up to pretty little Mink Lake. This is a fairly strenuous 5.2 mile hike that climbs pretty directly up to a marshy alpine lake.
Mink Lake Hike
Looking to bike or need a barrier free trail? Check out the Olympic Discovery Trail - a largely paved rail trail, accessible from a trailhead on 101 that is almost directly across from the Sol Duc access road.
West Central Trail Segment | The Olympic Discovery Trail
Want to get out and enjoy the water? Pop over to the Lake Crescent Lodge and rent a kayak, canoe or paddle board for a half or full day.
Boat & Paddle board Rentals | Lake Crescent | Olympic National Park & Forest
For a little leg stretcher on your way to the resort, get out and stroll over to the Salmon Cascades. You'll find a lovely small waterfall with a crystal clear pool just down stream (kids were swimming in it when we were there). In the late summer/ea...
Salmon Cascades (U.S. National Park Service)
Where to Stay
Campgrounds and Cabins Near the Springs
Looking to camp? Go to recreation.gov and try for the Sol Duc campground. It's within walking distance of the hot springs resort. Make your reservations early - this campground fills pretty much as soon as the campsites are released, 6 months ahead of the time you want to go.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground, Olympic National Park - Recreation.gov
Can't get Sol Duc itself? Fairholme Campground is not too far down the road and has campsites that it releases 14 and 4 days ahead of time.
Fairholme Campground, Olympic National Park - Recreation.gov
Looking for a cozier experience? Stay at the cabins at the Hot Spring Resort. Cabin rentals include unlimited access to the hot spring pools.
Cabin Rentals at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort | Olympic National Park & Forest WA
Bringing your RV and looking for full hookup sites? A short walk across the bridge from the pools there's an RV lot. It's not terribly private, but it's convenient and less pricey than a cabin.
Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park | Olympic National Park & Forest | Olympic Peninsula WA
A little further afield - about a 30 min drive, but more luxurious, you can also stay at the historic Lake Crescent Lodge. A full restaurant is also available here.
Accommodations at Lake Crescent Lodge | Olympic National Park & Forest WA
Privately run camping accommodation is also available near route 101 and the Olympic Discovery Trail. They have both BYO tent and outfitted sites.
sol duc rainforest retreat - Hipcamp in Port Angeles, Washington
What to Bring
Make your trip as comfortable as possible. Treat yourself to a new look.
Treat yourself to a comfortable new swim suit. I got this one in the blue paisley. Fits great with no uncomfortable ride up or slip down. Nice thick fabric and a body flattering cut.
Tempt Me Women One Piece Tummy Control Swim Dress
Go right from poolside to dining with a cute coverup.
BKRIVE Summer Eyelet Sleeveless Dress 2025
You'll definitely want flip flops to use both in the changing area and poolside.
LAVAU Women's Waterproof Non Slip Flip Flops
Don't forget a pair of polarized sunnies - perfect for spending time on the water.
ELITERA Retro Oval Polarized Sunglasses UV400
For the guys - a comfy new pair of swim trunks.
Amazon Essentials Men's 7" Swim Trunks with Mesh
Even tough guy feet will want some protection.
Shower Shoez Men's Non-Slip Water Sandals
Don't forget a nice pair of polarized sunnies - perfect for spending a day out on the water.
BIRCEN Polarized Carbon-Fiber Sunglasses Men
Of course you'll need a towel - how about a nice big beach towel, custom made for you. You'll never lose this one in the crowd.
Groovy Hippie Peace and Flower Shower Custom Name Beach Towel
Leakproof toiletry bottles - TSA approved, so great for all your trips from weekend jaunts to long breaks abroad.
YEALIFE TSA Approved 3.4oz Travel Bottles 4-Pack
Pack it all up in a convenient fold flat beach tote with a good sized central bag for your clothes surrounded by mesh pockets for your wet items.
Beach Bag with Zipper - 8 Pockets Sandproof Tote