!–paging_filter–pSpring is just barely upon us, but you may still need to shake out those winter chills after a long and dreary season. In our March issue, a href=”http://\/\/seattlemag.com/article/where-travel-olympic-peninsula-sol-duc…” target=”_blank”we wrote about road tripping it to Sol Duc Hot Springs and Resort/a, which is nestled in a valley carved by the mighty Sol Duc River in the Olympic Peninsula and embraced by old-growth evergreens. But we couldn’t just stop at one. Here are a few of our favorite not-too-far-away places to soak up the healing hot mineral waters./p
pThe Olympic Hot Springs are worth the drive westward. Here’s why: access to these hot springs is free, thanks to the naturally occurring thermal waters, and they’re located in a peaceful undeveloped forest grove. After a short 2.5-mile hike (this hike is currently closed due to the Elwha River Restoration Project, but is expected to re-open later this year) to the springs to get your blood moving, you’ll be rewarded with a therapeutic soak in the calming waters. Note: it’s not entirely uncommon to find other bathers in their birthday suits. Other ways to access these springs, include a much longer hike via Appleton Pass (about 15 miles) or via the Aurora Ridge trail./p
pTake the 1.5-hour drive east of Snoqualmie Falls toa href=”http://www.goldmyer.org/galleryhotsprings.php ” target=”_blank” Goldmyer Hot Springs/a, where multiple natural pools of varying degrees, connected by small waterfalls, are nestled deep in the Cascade foothills. nbsp;Nudity warning also applies here./p
pUp for a north-of-the-border adventure? Travel to maple tree country, where the five mineral pools at the eleganta href=”http://www.harrisonresort.com/Hot-Springs-Pools.aspx” target=”_blank” Harrison Hot Springs Resort/a near Vancouver B.C. have hosted such stars as Clark Gable and John Wayne. And just a boat ride away from the coastal town of Tofino, B.C., a href=”http://www.gotofino.com/tofinohotsprings.html” target=”_blank”Hot Springs Cove /aencloses a natural rocky grouping of meandering geothermal tidepools. The half-hour trek through the forest allows you enough time to clear your mind and get your blood flowing in preparation for the calming tidal bath./p
pAnd if you can’t get away at all, that’s no reason to stay out in the cold. Here are a few spa-like sanctuaries around town that are equipped with saunas and steam rooms:/p
pFor some good old fashioned relaxation, head to a href=”http://www.banya5.com/about.php#amenities” target=”_blank”Banya 5 in South Lake Union/a, a Russian-style spa and sauna. There, you’ll find the intense but quintessentially Russian emparilka, /eman extremely hot dry sauna. Recover afterward with a stop in Banya’s tea room or jaunt next door and sample a heavier beverage (read: vodka) from the Venik Lounge. If you happen to be up for the invigorating emvenik/em massage, which involves a good full-body lashing with birch branches, head to a href=”http://www.downtownbanya.com/services/massage/” target=”_blank”Downtown Banya Spa located in Everet/at./p
pLooking for something a little less extreme? Try the glowing ladies-only a href=”http://www.ladywellspa.com/” target=”_blank”Ladywell Vitality Spa and Sauna in Greenwood./a A cedar sauna, pink salt sauna, and hot and cold soaking pools present the opportunity to release stress and toxins, and feel purified and soothed in every way. Extra bonus: it has an indoor waterfall./p