Hello, Planning a trip to the Olympic Hot Springs (by bike) and I am wondering if anyone has any information about camping up there. I've heard reports about cougars there at night. Do you think its too risky to camp there because of the cougars? Also I've heard its a decommissioned campsite. Does that mean that there are no outhouses? Thanks, would welcome any other info you have about camping there as well.
It's better than it used to be when the trailhead was only a mile or so away. I remember people making the trip with hand trucks and coolers and the site was very trashy. Now that it's much further away, it has less traffic and a lot less trash. ETA: I agree with you that it's not much more than a muddy hole in the ground at times, the Sol Duc hot springs are better for a good hot soak.
Glad to hear the litter situation is improved.
I haven’t been back since I saw a condom floating in the muddy water.
That's another issue, if you don't want to see some naked feral people, stay away after dark. Actually just stay away.
The backcountry nudity at a hot spring is fine. Used condoms are absolutely not ok.
Out of curiosity would you mind sharing in detail what lead you to this opinion on the hot spring?
I’ve been there a half dozen times and always had the same experience. It kinda sucks. The pools are shallow and muddy. The camping is underwhelming with no views.
I’m not opposed to natural hot springs. There are dozens of great ones in Idaho. But Olympic Hot Springs is incredibly underwhelming.
Especially so when Sol Duc is such an affordable, accessible, and well-run operation.
FWIW, I also think Baker Lake hot springs are crap, too.
Definitely call the wilderness information center they can get you all that info
I hunt cougars outside the park, they are somewhat rare so even seeing one is an event. The chances of being attacked by one are higher odds than winning the lottery, twice. So enjoy the sighting if you get one, and carry bear spray if it is a concern for you.
Olympic Hot Springs kinda sucks.
You can only bike to the trailhead. Beyond that, you must still hike uphill a few miles.
The hot springs themselves are series of shallow, muddy pools. Not that warm, and often filled with litter.
The camping there is adequate, but nothing special. No noteworthy views.
It’s plenty safe - cougars generally won’t bother a grown adult - but there are hundreds of better destinations in the Olympic Mountains.