The History of Goldmyer Hot Springs

Goldmyer Hot Springs is considered a natural wonder. Scientists believe the hot water has been flowing there for thousands of years. Rainwater seeps deep into the ground, where it is heated by the Earth’s natural heat. The warm water then rises back to the surface through cracks in the rocks, creating the hot springs we can enjoy today. The water also picks up minerals from underground rocks.

Water flows steadily from the source of the spring at 125º degrees. The “cave” is around 111ºF. This water goes into nearby pools with cooler water, so it comes down to about 104º degrees. Before settlers arrived, the land around Goldmyer Hot Springs was home to the Snoqualmie Tribe. Because the springs are hidden deep in the mountains, they were not easy to find. The tribe knew about the springs and visited them.

Later the springs are named after William Goldmyer, an early Washington pioneer. In the late 1800s, Goldmyer traveled to Washington after making his way north from California. He discovered the hot springs and believed they could become a place where people would come to relax and enjoy nature.

In the early 1900s, William Goldmyer opened a place called Crystal Hot Springs Resort. He built a lodge and cabins near the springs. At that time, many loggers, miners, and travelers worked in the nearby mountains. After long days of hard work, they could soak in the warm water and relax. Even though the resort was difficult to reach, it became popular with visitors. People traveled there using rough roads, trails, and railroads. According to the Snoqualmie Museum, there was even a Model T car they put railroad wheels on to carry visitors from Seattle to the hot springs.

In 1928, the property was sold to the Morrow family. They hoped to build an even larger resort. They added bathhouses, bridges, a power system, and other improvements. But then World War II started. During the war, the resort became less busy. Over time, many of the buildings began to fall apart.

In the 1970s, a nonprofit group called Northwest Wilderness Programs took over the property. Their goal was to protect the hot springs and the beautiful forests around them. Instead of building a large resort, they focused on keeping the area as natural as possible.

Today, Goldmyer Hot Springs is carefully managed so that everyone can enjoy it in the future. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed each day. This helps protect the springs, the forests, and the wildlife that live there. Visitors are expected to respect the area, carry out all of their trash, and help keep the site clean and protected.

One reason Goldmyer Hot Springs is special is that it gives visitors a chance to experience nature in a way that has changed very little over time. Goldmyer is quiet, peaceful, and connected to the natural environment. When people visit, they are not just enjoying the hot springs. They are also helping support the protection of an important piece of Washington history. This balance between enjoying nature and protecting it is one of the reasons Goldmyer is so unique.

Now you know a little more about where we are, how the hot springs were formed, and the people who helped shape their history.

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Owen Goodall

Photo courtesy of Goldmyer Hot Springs