Access Report: Updated at least every Wednesday evening
Goldmyer Hot Springs is a remote, wilderness preserve with no cell or internet service. Open every day of the year in all weather conditions - rain, wind, snow. We recommend all visitors bring the Mountaineers ten essentials.
Access Report September 4th, 2026:
Air Quality Index in area listed as: GOOD.
Visitors coming during wildfire season should check the Air Quality Index (AQI) and current smoke forecast. We cannot guarantee a completely smoke-free experience during wildfire season.
Three Queens Fire east of Snoqualmie Pass has closed trails in that area incl. east slope of Cascades and section of PCT. This fire is far from the Middle Fork ridgeline and not a threat to Goldmyer outside of some smoke wafting over the mountains.
Recommend using the Watch Duty app and Forest Service website to track wildfire information.
WEATHER FORECAST:
Find up-to-date weather information via the following links:
We do not issue refunds for undesirable weather.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS:
AWD or 4WD vehicles with 8 - 9 inches ground clearance needed.
Compact, passenger, and sedan-type vehicles, such as: Toyota Prius, do not have enough clearance to get safely to trailhead.
If vehicles get stuck, recovery is the visitor's responsibility. Finding a tow company to come to the remote area can be very challenging.
ROAD CONDITIONS:
Forest Service road to the trailhead is unpaved with soft shoulders, drop-offs, rocks, ruts, washouts, potholes, fallen trees/debris, and creek crossings. There are limited pull-offs. Heavy rain means creek crossings can have 1 - 2 feet of swift-moving water. Snow may require tire chains. Be prepared to park further back and hike in extra if not comfortable with road conditions.
Cannot drive all the way to property - must hike the last 5 miles.
TRAIL CONDITIONS:
DUTCH MILLER GAP trail to Goldmyer is approx. 10 miles roundtrip (5 miles in and 5 miles out.) It is the most direct and recommended trail. This trail is located past the metal gate in the Dingford Creek trailhead parking area.
- Approx. 200 ft elevation.
- Plan to hike 2-3 hours each way.
- Expect: rocks, ruts, potholes.
- Open to mountain bikes year round.
NOT RECOMMENDED - Middle Fork Trail. This trail is not recommended; puts you parallel to our property on the opposite side of the Burnt Boot Creek - this creek is often confused for a river. There is no bridge across.
- Middle Fork Trail may have frequent obstacles/debris.
- Burnt Boot Creek can be dangerous to cross due to high, swift-moving water.
- Open to mountain bikes June - October on odd-number days only.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Goldmyer allows 20 visitors max per day. We do not let more in as others leave. This is for wilderness preservation and conservation purposes. If calendar day reads FULL - we are at the maximum limit for visitors for that day.
Openings:
Only way to guarantee access is to purchase a permit. Permits must be purchased at least 2 business days prior to visit date. Openings with less than 2 business days notice - open to walk-ins only. We will update the calendar if people cancel, however, we do not operate a waitlist for cancellations.
Walk-ins:
Walk-ins have no guarantee of entry and are first come, first serve on property. Walk-ins have best chance of entry if arrive when property opens at 9:00am. Walk-ins pay on-site Caretakers in exact cash. Walk-ins may add camping if it is available - camping is an additional fee. Please keep in mind our daily capacity if attempting as a walk-in - capacity may be reached before your arrival and you may be turned away.
Camping:
Camping is for the day of your arrival (not the night before). Pending availability, camping can be added to a permit for an additional fee.
Wildlife:
The Middle Fork Valley is home to a variety of wildlife including Bears and Mountain Lions. Visitors should follow wilderness safety guidelines.