Fifth Water Hot Springs and Falls

This is such a really nice hike, as the experience is to go when there is snow. I do have to say I found there’s a lot of wrong information to get to the hotspot springs. If you come in winter, they close part of the road a mile before you start the hike. So, you do 1 mile. Once you turn right, it will be around 2.5 miles up to the hot spring pools. Google Maps shows the pools are in the middle of the hike, but the actual hot springs pools are on the second pin. I do highly recommend you come with proper winter clothing and good hiking shoes, and if possible, get some spikes. I was not in shape, but it took me 2 hours from the start of the hike. But the road that was closed a mile back took me 1 hour, so in total, I did 3 hours for 3.5 miles one way. I was going slow as my wife is pregnant. We didn’t time correctly, so on our way back down, it got us through the night. It was a great hike, and I will do it again.

Visited the springs on a Saturday in mid-September 2025. We arrived at the parking lot at 6:40 a.m. When we started the hike at 7 a.m., there were still several parking spots open, but I imagine it filled up quickly. It took us, mid-50s & unathletic, the total of 3 hours---one hour to hike, one hour to enjoy the hot springs, and a little less than one hour to return to the trailhead. We enjoyed the gradually ascending trail. We were comfortably in shade most of the time. We didn't bring water shoes, but it would have been useful when moving from one spring to another. We brought 4 standard-size water bottles between us two to stay hydrated. It was sad to see so many beer cans left at the springs and the trail. We picked up some from the springs and more as we descended. A grocery bag was full with beer cans by the time we reached the trailhead. Overall, enjoyable experience.

*make sure you enter “fifth water hot springs trailhead” into google maps otherwise it’ll lead you to the wrong area! Early November on a Friday at 9am was a full parking lot. There is overflow parking a mile down the road. I simply waited 30 minute and got a parking spot when someone left. There is a vault toilets at the start of the trailhead. The hike itself is easy to moderate depending on your fitness level. Use the bridge as your halfway marker to the springs. You’ll know you’re almost to the main pools when you begin to smell sulfur. There are several pools to choose from: ranging in temperature from warm bath water to lobster boiling hot! FYI dont wear silver unless you want your jewelry to change color in the water.

beautiful turquois green blue hotspring! we walked briskly and it took us 1 hour to go there but 45 to go back. if you see the bridge and the smell of sulfur you already half way. the path is up and down,some of it its slippery and narrow. come very early or after 2pm because parking spot only fit like 10 cars. you have to find around 1 mile extra walk around. is it worth it? absolutely! but the water makes your hair smell like mulch I washed like 3x and using shampoo and conditioner still smell (I have long hair) So,make sure tie your hair.

This was one of the best hiking experiences I have had yet. I went in the beginning of March so yes there was still snow throughout the hike. If you plan on going I highly recommend you check the weather and plan/dress accordingly. The rite shoes are very important. I flew in from Washington did not expect to stop here, I had on some Jordans, bad idea. I was snowboarding down the ice and slipping in the mud. The hot spring was definitely worth it!!!!!!! I would do it again as the views are some of the best.