Tucked away deep inside the Elwha River Valley lay the venerable Olympic Hot Springs. A series of 7 or more pools comprise the hot springs which are easily accessible from the Appleton Pass Trailhead.

A mature western cedar takes water from seasonal streams

The first accessible pools of the Olympic Hot Springs

On the edge - erosive forces such as the freeze-thaw cycle can cause landslides, leaving trees in peril

The pools of the Olympic Hot Springs vary in both depth and temperature

A major suspension bridge is encountered at the 2 mile mark - it is currently under construction (2015)

Crystal clear hot springs emit a strong odor of sulphur - bathe at your own risk

The scenic Boulder Creek Trail eventually leads up to Boulder Lake

The Elwha River Valley - former dam site and current restoration area

The Elwha River dam removal project is the 2nd largest restoration effort ever in NPS history

Early spring on the Boulder Creek Trail - snow remains possible into the early summer