About Scenic Hot Springs
Past: The History of
Scenic Hot Springs
Present: Where we
stand now
Future: Our vision
for Scenic Hot Springs
Scenic Hot Springs are a small but high quality geothermal area situated
on 40 acres near Stevens Pass, Washington. The springs have a rich history
and were known by native tribes in the region and utilizing the corridor
for trade across the cascades.
While the Great Northern railroad and later tunnels were built in the
1890-1915 period, construction workers, including Chinese coolie laborers,
used the springs. After the railroad opened, a hotel was built at Scenic,
below the springs on the railroad (and later US 2), and hot spring water
was piped down to the hotel. After the hotel burned down in the early
1920s, the springs were rarely used, until they were “rediscovered”
in the 1970s by a new generation of hot springs enthusiasts.
After the springs became listed in guidebooks, use of the springs increased
rapidly. By 1995, use was so great that a volunteer group, Friends of
Scenic Hot Springs, was founded to try to maintain the quality of the
springs and yet accommodate the rising demand. By 2001, the springs had
become so popular and were so altered by the construction of decks and
other structures that the owner felt it necessary to close the springs.
This led to the establishment of the Scenic Preservation Association (SPA)
and this current effort.
Scenic Hot Springs is currently closed to the public. The decks and the upper pools have been removed. There is now a gate near the Highway to prevent people from driving closer to the springs. It is true that some people continue to trespass in order to soak in what remains of one of the pools, but we do not suggest nor condone this activity because we wish to respect the sheriff and the landowners in this time of negotiation over the future of public access to the springs.
The future of Scenic Hot Springs lies in your hands. We will need the
help of everyone who has visited and enjoyed this natural treasure in
the past, and we need the help of everyone who hopes to be able to enjoy
it in the future.
Substantial funds will be needed to acquire the 40-acre property. This
is a priority effort of SPA in its initial years. Although volunteer labor
will be sought and be very helpful, some funds will be needed for land
restoration, terracing, drainage, and especially landscaping. These require
a capital campaign.
After the springs are restored and reopened, ongoing expenses will not
be trivial, and will include:
* Maintenance of the natural setting
* Cleanliness and quality of the springs
* On-site caretaker for heavy use times
* Insurance and accounting services.
These ongoing activities will be funded by annual membership donations/dues
and donations from out-of-region visitors. SPA will also seek public and
private foundation grants for educational exhibits and conservation work,
not only at the springs, but on the rest of the 40-acre site as well.
Because SPA is a nonprofit organization approved as a tax-exempt under
IRS provisions as a 501(c)(3) corporation, contributions are tax deductible.
This is based on SPA having a broad public funding base. This is why we
seek the broadest possible support for the acquisition of the property,
the rehabilitation and restoration of the springs, and for future ongoing
maintenance required for Scenic to be open to the public.
For information on making a tax-deductible donation towards the future of Scenic Hot Springs, to become a member or SPA, or to learn about other ways to help, please click here.