Kulshan logo
Not yet a member?  Sign Up Now  |  Log In

Baker Hot Springs

(4 stars from 1 rating)
Baker Hot Springs 0:4

Address

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Baker Lake
Newhalem , WA
(360) 856-5700

Review

The Baker Hot Springs have long been known to locals and used as a year- round destination. Located at low elevation and a short distance from a forest road, they are easily accessed any time of year. Fed on the heat of the volcanically active Mount Baker, the sulfur-rich minerals give the water a soapy feel that some bathers believe imparts a therapeutic quality. When undisturbed, the water appears clear and wispy vapors may be seen rising into the forest canopy. When disturbed however, the slick mineral sediments at the bottom quickly turn the water into an opaque green milky bath that stands in contrast to the dark brown colors of the forest floor surrounding it.

Various structures and shelters have been added from time to time but its popularity and easy access have also been its downfall. Vandalism and overuse have led to problems including contamination and the Forest Service no longer monitors the site for safety. The seasonal fluctuation in cold water mixing can also lead to surprises. Winter visitors expecting a lot of heat in their hot springs may be disappointed by dilution from rain and snow.

Though communal bathing in a tepid pool may not be your ideal, the site does offer another interesting facet to this wonderfully varied and interesting area of the North Cascades.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 3/8/2001

Directions

Take Highway 20 east from Sedro Woolley, turn north onto Baker Lake Hwy (FS #11). In 19.5 miles turn left onto Forest Road 1144; go about 3 miles to parking areas on side of road. Trail is on left/west side; go south on trail about a quarter mile.

User Reviews

daniel
daniel 
20rating
(2)
(0)
8/31/2007
Im bringing extra bags when I go to keep it natural. just hope everyone else can do the same
(0)
(0)
daniel
daniel 
20rating
(2)
(0)
8/31/2007
water was clear and up to my shoulder in the deepest spot. my wife and I bagged alot of trash so it is very clean there just wish I knew the ph of the water was today.
(0)
(0)
jana markusen
20rating
(1)
(1)
7/9/2005
First To Review
thanks for the information and driving directions. It's too bad that there werent also directions from out of bellingham or from off of mt. baker highway for those of us coming from the north so we wouldnt have to drive all the way down to skagit county and then back track - oh well.
(0)
(0)
Marty
Marty 
ANACORTES, WA
15rating
(1)
(0)
11/5/2009
As of Friday 30 October, FS Road 1144 is blocked by boulders which have been placed there 7/10 of a mile in, which leaves a 2.3 walk or ride to the trailhead, and FS Road 1130 is also closed, although just with a gate. Wear stout footwear, since the road was bumpy enough driving over it!
(0)
(0)
MBVRC
MBVRC 
BELLINGHAM, WA
10rating
(1)
(0)
10/2/2009
The lower road to Baker Hot Springs is now permanently closed at Park Creek campground. The blockage is only a couple of hundred yards from the paved Baker Lake Road, so it is a walk of a couple of miles to the trail. The closest road access to the hot springs is now via the upper road, Forest Road 1130, that branches left off the Baker Lake Road just after crossing the Boulder Creek bridge. Stay on this road for 4 miles, then turn right downhill on Rd 1144 (may not be signed). Park at the obvious large parking area shortly after rounding a sharp switchback.
visit Mount Baker Volcano Research Center at http://mbvrc.wwu.edu for information on chemistry and temperature of the hot springs waters.
(0)
(0)
william b.
KENNEWICK, WA
10rating
(1)
(0)
6/21/2009
Are the Baker HOt springs a clothing optional hot springs and if not does anyone know a good clothing hot springs with either a place to stay or a RV camp ground close by
(0)
(0)
jay
jay 
10rating
(1)
(0)
3/30/2009
So I went up to the Baker Springs on Sunday March 29th, and unless you have a good size 4 wheel drive you are not getting more than 500 yards down FS road 1144, it was a 3 mile trudge in to the trail head through wet rutted snow, then a snow covered 1/4 mile to the springs. In my opinion well worth the effort, just pack some extra socks for the walk back. Water was warm and beautiful!
(0)
(0)
Brent
Brent 
10rating
(1)
(0)
3/11/2009
Baker Hot Spring is awesome! I grew up in the area- it's a past-time up here! Make sure you bring a towel, extra clothes, and a full tank of gas in case the weather gets nasty. Don't forget to pick up after yourselves!! Enjoy it and keep it nice!
(0)
(0)
Danielle
10rating
(1)
(0)
8/7/2008
I have always loved the hot springs! It is wonderful, except for when you get a flat tire, and have to leave your car for the weekend, and hitch a ride back to town with 2 old hippies, but its great!
(0)
(0)
Anonymous
10rating
(1)
(0)
7/17/2007
Hot springs were definitely hot, but very murky and crowded. Because of a fallen tree the pools are split up into hottest, hot and cool. The hottest at probably 100 to 105 degrees and about hot tub size. Would probably only go up again on a weekday when not so busy. Oh by the way, about 1/4 mile up the road from parking area the road is washed out. Rainbow Creek camp ground (is it called that?) is not accessible. (Although the spot right before the road is washed out is a great spot to camp!) Have fun and remember, whatever you bring in, bring out. There were way too many smashed Budweisers cans up there for it to look like a natural setting.... PEACE
(0)
(0)
Anonymous
10rating
(1)
(0)
5/24/2007
Looking to go up sometime soon. anyone know what its like up there?
(0)
(0)
justin morrow
10rating
(1)
(0)
3/8/2007
the last time our group went to the hot springs was back in oct or november. we are trying to plan another trip up and are hoping someone has some info on how the springs are now. when we were there last, the entire spring was dry do to the massive flooding. we would appreciate some info so anything you have would be great! thank you and maybe we will see you up there!!!!!!!!
-seatown
(0)
(0)
Anonymous
10rating
(1)
(0)
12/24/2006
A bunch of us were there in Nov and because of the rain and wind, the hotsprings were filled in with mud. When we got there, there were three steaming puddles. We decided to dig out the puddles a bit and by the time we got finished we were able to get 5 people into it, laying down. At that time the color was brown, brown, brown. It still was fun! Just a heads up!
reg
(0)
(0)
Copyright 1998-2010 Berry International ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Whatcom County | San Juan Islands | Vancouver Island | Hawaii | Snoqualmie