Is there anything better than decompressing in a replenishing hot spring? Whether you’re soothing your muscles after a strenuous hike or simply indulging in a bit of self-care, it’s hard to beat a day spent relaxing in a geothermal spring. 

On this rejuvenating Pacific Northwest road trip, experience some of the best hot springs in Oregon as you soak in the rustic pools of Bagby Hot Springs and bask in the luxuries of the region’s largest private hot spring facility. Afterward, head up to Washington’s Olympic National Park, where a nine-mile trek will lead you to a peaceful haven of natural geothermal pools. 

Get ready to spend four days completely immersed in nature as you traverse through the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, beginning from Escape Camper Vans’ Portland hub.

Travel Time from Portland to Pacific Northwest Hot Springs

This hot springs road trip begins and ends at the Escape Camper Vans in Portland, Oregon, spanning approximately 538 miles overall. The total driving time would be about 10 hours and 25 minutes, and we recommend setting aside at least four days to fully enjoy each of the three hot springs along this route.

Best Time of Year for a Pacific Northwest Road Trip

While the summer is the most popular time to visit the hot springs of Oregon and Washington, we recommend opting for the shoulder seasons instead. The temperatures will still be ideal for days spent relaxing in thermal springs, though the crowds will be far less intense!

Spring

Spring is one of the best times of year to embark on a Pacific Northwest road trip, and that’s especially true when hot springs are involved! Not only is the weather ideal for enjoying a rejuvenating soak, but the surrounding landscapes will also be particularly lush and brimming with freshly bloomed wildflowers!

Summer

The summer is the most popular time to visit the hot springs in Oregon and Washington. Not only will campgrounds fill up quickly, but the springs themselves will be at their most crowded during this time. For a more tranquil experience, try timing your summer road trip for earlier in the season or after Labor Day.

Fall

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the hot springs of the Pacific Northwest. The cooler temperatures will be perfect for warming up in the geothermal springs, plus you’ll be surrounded by vibrant hues of reds and oranges as the leaves begin to turn. 

Winter

During the winter, many of the hot springs throughout Oregon and Washington become inaccessible due to snow. Additionally, most nearby campgrounds will also be closed for the season. Save your hot spring adventure for a different time of year, or consider a road trip to Colorado’s Valley View Hot Springs instead.

Preparation for a Pacific Northwest Hot Springs Tour

A hot springs-focused road trip requires a bit of extra planning and preparation. In addition to booking campsites and gathering your necessary camper van supplies, you’ll also need to make sure you’re well prepared for the hot springs themselves. 

Planning Ahead

Camping: Staying at campgrounds that are close to the hot springs you’re visiting will be a big help in maximizing your time throughout this trip. Many of the sites can be reserved up to six months in advance, so try to book your spots ahead of time- especially if you’re traveling during the summer.

If you’re unable to find available sites, take a look at the many dispersed camping options nearby.

Food and Water: Because of the remote location of most of the hot springs on this itinerary, it’s a good idea to buy groceries and snacks before hitting the road. Similarly, most campgrounds do not offer potable water, so make sure you always have enough in your van before arriving at your campsite.

Supplies: Utilize Escape Camper Vans’ convenient extra add-ons to ensure that you have all the necessary gear and supplies ready for your camper van adventure. Grab an extra bedding kit for chilly evenings, as well as a kitchen kit to easily make meals at your campsite. Because you’ll likely find minimal amenities at your campgrounds, it’s also a good idea to add in a solar shower.

Navigation

Phones & Chargers: While it’s fine to use your Smartphone as a GPS, remember to download Offline Maps since you’ll be traveling through secluded areas with minimal cell reception. Extra portable chargers are also essential, since you won’t be able to charge your phone when your camper van is turned off.

Hot Springs Essentials

Water Shoes and Hiking Shoes: Since most of the hot springs on this itinerary are accessed by scenic trails, you’ll need sneakers or hiking boots to make the trek. However, once you’re hopping from spring to spring, water shoes will be way more practical.

Bathing Suit: Wear a dark colored swimsuit, since the minerals for the springs can sometimes cause discoloration that’s easily seen on light-colored fabrics.

Dry Bag: To avoid getting your clothes wet as you move from various pools, it helps to pop your clothes and personal items into a handy dry bag.

Quick Dry Towel: A thin, fast drying towel will be easy to pack up at the end of the day and it won’t take up too much space in your camper van.

Sun Protection: While the hot springs of the Pacific Northwest tend to offer plenty of tree-shade, it’s important to be prepared. Pack a wide-brimmed hat as well as sunscreen for your face. However, you’ll often need to avoid sunscreen on your body, since the chemicals can be harmful to the pools.

Bicycle: Because the Olympic Hot Springs are reached by a 9-mile trail, bringing a bicycle will make getting to the springs much faster. To easily transport your bike from our Portland hub, we highly recommend renting a Mavericks or Mesa camper van with a rooftop sleeper. 

Pacific Northwest Hot Springs Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1- Portland to Bagby Hot Springs, Oregon

After picking up your vehicle from Escape Camper Vans’ Portland hub, hop behind the wheel and begin making your way down to the first rejuvenating hot springs of your trip! Located only one and a half hours south of Portland, Bagby Hot Springs are some of Oregon’s most stunning natural springs. 

Nestled among the lush fir trees of Mount Hood National Forest, these hot springs are reached by a picturesque, 1.4-mile trail. Once you arrive, you’ll find three different bathhouses, each of which contain a variety of tubs to soak in.

The recently renovated hot springs require a $5 soaking fee– a small price to pay for a day spent in this rustic oasis!

Places to Eat near Bagby Hot Springs, OR

Since there aren’t any eateries in close proximity to Bagby Hot Springs, this is an ideal opportunity to put your camper van kitchen to good use! Otherwise, if you prefer to eat out, the closest options are about an hour away in Estacada, Oregon. 

Country Restaurant & Lounge: This neighborhood locale serves up filling comfort food in a classic diner setting. Choose from a wide selection of lunch and dinner items, along with an extensive all-day breakfast menu.

Old Mill Saloon: Grab a seat inside this western-style saloon, or sit outside and stay warm by an inviting fire pit. In addition to a varied menu, this laid-back restaurant offers several inventive cocktails as well as a daily happy hour for both food and drinks.

Campgrounds near Bagby Hot Springs, OR

Bagby Campground: This first come, first served site is an ideal base for visiting the Bagby Hot Springs, as it’s located just beside the trailhead. The campground is closed for the winter and typically opens back up in April. Amenities include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, though the site does not offer any potable water or hookups. 

Lake Harriet Campground: This nearby site in Mount Hood National Forest is situated along a tranquil lake and operates from May through September. The scenic campground can be reserved up to six months in advance and amenities include picnic tables, grills, potable water, and vault toilets. 

Day 2- Breitenbush Hot Springs, Oregon

Fill up with a hearty breakfast at your campsite, and then make the quick drive down to Breitenbush Hot Springs. Only one hour and twenty minutes away from Bagby Hot Springs, you’ll find the Pacific Northwest’s biggest private hot spring facility. This breathtaking retreat offers stunning mountain views, magnificent hiking trails, a steam sauna, and seven different pools to soak in, as well as an incredibly refreshing mineral water cold plunge.

A $35 day fee must be paid to enjoy this luxurious facility, and overnight stays include three meals from an organic vegetarian buffet.

Places to Eat near Breitenbush Hot Springs, OR

Breitenbush Hot Springs: Since there are very few eateries in the area, your best bet is to dine right at the hot springs facility. The property offers a delicious vegetarian lunch buffet, which can be easily added to your day use pass. 

Idanha Bar & Grill: This casual eatery is one of the few options in town, and serves a wide selection of classic diner meals. Portions are quite filling, and on the weekends they offer a robust brunch menu.

Campgrounds near Breitenbush Hot Springs, OR

Breitenbush Campground: From May through September, camp along the river that leads straight to the hot springs at this lovely campsite. While half of the sites are first come, first served, the remaining half can be reserved in advance. Facilities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and potable water. 

Cleator Bend Campground: Nestled in a lush forest, this tranquil site operates from May until September and can be booked up to one year before your visit. In addition to easy access to lake fishing and hiking trails, the facility offers drinking water, picnic tables, vault toilets, and campfire rings.

Day 3- Olympic Hot Springs, Washington 

For your final geothermal experience on your Pacific Northwest hot springs tour, make your way up to Washington’s Olympic National Park. Tucked away in the wilderness area of this spectacular national park, you’ll find the Olympic Hot Springs. While these springs are among Washington’s most popular, keep in mind that the pools are not monitored and therefore may contain harmful bacteria.

To reach these elusive springs, visitors must embark on a nine-mile trail, either by foot or bicycle. For a quicker journey, we strongly recommend cycling along the scenic trail, which begins at the Madison Falls Trailhead. However, once you reach the end of the path, you’ll need to walk for the final mile and a half before reaching the springs, as this portion is not accessible by bicycle. 

Once you arrive, you’ll find a mix of springs just along the trail, as well as some that are nestled deeper in the woods. While these natural pools are far more secluded and difficult to reach than the others on this itinerary, we assure you the trek is well worth the effort!

Places to Eat near Olympic Hot Springs, WA

Granny’s Cafe: This family-run eatery has been in business since 1956, and the setting is as charming as its name suggests. In addition to hearty comfort food made from scratch, their menu features decadent desserts and small-batch local wine.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort: Conveniently located inside the park, this cozy eatery offers delicious Northwestern-style cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. Grab a window seat to take in views of Olympic National Park, and choose from a wide array of beef, poultry, or seafood dishes.

Campgrounds near Olympic Hot Springs, WA

Hoh Rain Forest Campground: This gorgeous campground is tucked inside a verdant rain forest, and amenities include flush toilets, a food storage locker, campfire rings, and picnic tables. The campground runs from May through September and some sites can be reserved up to six months in advance.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground: As the closest campground to the hot springs, this well developed site is your best option if you want to get an early start at the springs. Usually open from mid-March through October, this popular campground requires advanced reservations during the peak summer months. The site’s amenities include potable water, electric and water hookups, a general store, and a dump station.

Day 4- Drive Back to Portland, Oregon

After a rejuvenating few days of soaking in some of the Pacific Northwest’s best hot springs, it’s sadly time for your trip to come to an end. Enjoy an early breakfast at your campsite, and then begin making the drive back to Escape Camper Vans’ Portland depot, located about 160 miles away. The drive should take less than three hours, but we recommend getting an early start to ensure that you have your camper van back by your pre-scheduled drop off time.

Why Rent a Camper Van for a Washington and Oregon Hot Springs Road Trip?

Renting a camper van from Portland is an amazing way to kick off your Pacific Northwest adventure! From added mobility to way more freedom, we’ve listed just a few of the reasons why a compact camper van is a better choice than a traditional RV for your hot springs road trip: 

Mobility: Our compact camper vans are perfect for navigating the winding roads of the Pacific Northwest and allow for far more freedom than a bulky RV. Venture down off-the-beaten-path dirt roads, fit into tighter camping spaces, and get closer to the remote trailheads that lead to many of the springs.

Convenience: Since this isn’t a very long trip, you won’t want to waste precious time running out for supplies or driving to restaurants that are one hour away. Our self-contained vans are already set up with comfy beds and kitchenettes, along with anything else you may need. This way, you can spend more time decompressing in a rejuvenating hot spring, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Ease of Use: Compared to a large RV, our compact camper vans feel quite similar to driving

a family-sized vehicle. They can seamlessly maneuver through the busy streets of Portland, as well as the verdant forests and national parks of the Pacific Northwest. Plus, their compact size makes them far less intimidating to drive than an RV.

Added Flexibility: Since our camper vans do not require any hookups, you have the freedom to camp wherever you please- including dispersed camping sites or spots that are traditionally meant for tent camping.

Reserve with Escape Camper Vans for your Pacific Northwest Hot Springs Road Trip

Ready to reconnect with nature while treating yourself to some much deserved R&R? Soothe your muscles at some of Oregan’s top hot springs, jump into a mineral cold water plunge in Breitenbush, and trek through the woods of Olympic National Park to find an oasis of steaming pools waiting for you. Click the button below to book your Escape Camper Van and get ready to embark on the most rejuvenating Pacific Northwest road trip imaginable!