We’ve reached the time of year in Washington where we can see the signs of spring, but the temperature hasn’t quite gotten the memo. And while it’s not yet time to go for a swim in the pool, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a short, brisk hike with a perfect reward — a beautiful natural hot spring that’s just off the beaten path enough not to draw a huge crowd.
The Baker Hot Springs trail is located at the base of Mount Baker near the town of Concrete.
Tom Collins/Flickr To find it, drive State Route 20 east from Sedro-Woolley. Between mileposts 82 and 83, turn onto Baker Lake-Grandy Lake Road. After about 18 miles, you’ll keep right at a junction and eventually turn right on Forest Service Road No. 1144. The parking area is about 0.5 miles up that road.
The trail is definitely tricky to find.
Jude Ifer / alltrails.com The hike isn’t shown on a lot of maps, and it was dropped from most guidebooks years ago. While that doesn’t make it very convenient, it does keep the crowds away.
The good news is, the trail itself is very short and easy to navigate.
Jude Ifer / alltrails.com About 0.6 miles in, you’ll come across this subtle sign for the natural spring.
This is no hot springs resort. This is as natural as it gets… but you might find that you prefer it that way.
Rebecca Collier / alltrails.com The water is about 100 degrees, the perfect temperature for a dip on a cool spring afternoon.
But if you don’t mind a more natural experience, this spring can be quite delightful.
Jude Ifer / alltrails.com Baker Hot Spring once fed into a cedar-lined pool, but authorities eventually destroyed it because of vandalism and the bacteria counts. This natural spring remains, and while you do want to be cautious (these springs tend to have a lot of bacteria), it can be a pretty magical experience.
Despite what the title says, we know not everyone in Washington would be up for a rustic experience like this. But maybe it’s a good thing to add to the list of places to find when you’re feeling adventurous.
Tom Collins/Flickr
To find it, drive State Route 20 east from Sedro-Woolley. Between mileposts 82 and 83, turn onto Baker Lake-Grandy Lake Road. After about 18 miles, you’ll keep right at a junction and eventually turn right on Forest Service Road No. 1144. The parking area is about 0.5 miles up that road.
Jude Ifer / alltrails.com
The hike isn’t shown on a lot of maps, and it was dropped from most guidebooks years ago. While that doesn’t make it very convenient, it does keep the crowds away.
About 0.6 miles in, you’ll come across this subtle sign for the natural spring.
Rebecca Collier / alltrails.com
The water is about 100 degrees, the perfect temperature for a dip on a cool spring afternoon.
Baker Hot Spring once fed into a cedar-lined pool, but authorities eventually destroyed it because of vandalism and the bacteria counts. This natural spring remains, and while you do want to be cautious (these springs tend to have a lot of bacteria), it can be a pretty magical experience.
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