Carson Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort combines mineral bathing with a fascinating history
Carson Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort is located in a forested area of the Columbia River Gorge in Washington, about 50 miles east of Vancouver and Portland.
The resort offers mineral-water baths, overnight accommodations, and access to a golf course.
Beyond being a relaxing getaway, it has a long and fascinating history, marked by a tragic event.
History of Carson Hot Springs
Carson Hot Springs Resort is more than a relaxing getaway in the Columbia River Gorge. Its history dates back to 1876, when Isadore St. Martin discovered hot water bubbling up through the rocks near the Wind River while on a hunting trip.
St. Martin’s wife, Margaret, suffered from neuralgia, a condition that causes nerve pain. Hoping to help her, Isadore secured rights to the land and brought her to the hot springs. The mineral baths reportedly eased her pain, and word of the springs soon spread to the surrounding area.
St. Martin began developing the property for public use in 1897.
The historic hotel was completed in 1901, and the cabins and bathhouse were added in 1923. The resort continues to offer traditional mineral-water bathing treatments today.
The resort's history also includes a tragic event. Isadore St. Martin was reportedly stabbed to death by a resort visitor in 1910. His family continued managing the property for many years after his death.
Carson Hot Springs and Soaking Experience
Carson Hot Springs Resort offers a traditional mineral-bathing experience in its historic bathhouse.
A typical treatment includes a 25-minute soak in a private tub filled with natural mineral water, followed by a 25-minute linen wrap intended to warm and soothe the body.
Men and women have separate bathing areas, and clothing is optional in the bathhouse. Bathing treatments are charged separately.
The resort also has a communal indoor mineral therapy pool. Unlike the unchlorinated water used in the private bathhouse tubs, the pool water is treated with chlorine.
Swimsuits are required in the pool.
Overnight guests can use the pool at no additional charge, while day visitors pay an admission fee based on the length of their visit.
Carson Hot Springs Resort Accommodations
The resort offers several accommodation options, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. Standard rooms are located in the Cabin building and feature either a king bed or two queen beds.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, a mini-refrigerator, a coffee maker, and cable TV. An accessible king room is also available.
Deluxe rooms are located in the Wind River building and offer views of the forest. Guests can choose a king bed or two queen beds, with options that include a fireplace or a private balcony with a hot tub filled with natural mineral spring water.
For additional space, the resort has two suite options. The King Suite with Hot Tub includes a king bed, kitchenette, fireplace, and a private balcony with a hot tub.
The larger One-Bedroom King Suite with Hot Tub features a king bed, a sofa bed, a full kitchen, a balcony hot tub, and a jetted bathtub.
Guests who want to enjoy mineral water in private should select a room or suite that specifically lists a private hot tub.
Since amenities vary by accommodation type, check the room description carefully before booking.
Things to Do at Carson Hot Springs
Carson Hot Springs Resort is a good starting point for exploring the Columbia River Gorge. Nearby, you’ll find forests, rivers, mountains, and waterfalls.
On the Washington side, enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and outdoor activities along the Wind River.
Across the Columbia River in Oregon, visit the town of Cascade Locks. See the Bridge of the Gods, explore Cascade Locks Marine Park, or walk to Thunder Island for views of the river and bridge.
Farther along the Oregon side of the Gorge, you’ll find more waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
Carson Hot Springs Resort | Facts
Location: 50 miles east of Vancouver • Washington • USA
Open: Year-round
Development: Resort with soaking pool, bathhouse, private tubs in some rooms
Clothing: Suitable for passenger cars under normal conditions
Amenities: Spa services, clubhouse dining, and golf course
Hiking distance: Short
Road access: Suitable for passenger cars under normal conditions
Day use: Yes, fees apply
Elevation: 300 ft (90 m)
More Adventures
Directions to Carson Hot Springs Resort
From Vancouver,
- Take WA-14 east for approximately 47 miles to Wind River Highway
- At a traffic circle, take the third exit onto Wind River Highway and continue for about 1 mile
- Turn right onto Hot Springs Avenue and drive 0.9 miles to St Martins Springs Road
- Turn left onto St. Martins Springs Road, continue for 0.3 miles, then bear left to reach the resort.
Phone: 509-427-8296
I would like to get info on cost and reservation to the hotel and hotsprings.
During the 1940’s, as a young child, my family discovered the Carson Hot Springs on a day drive. At the time meals were provided to local loggers. Non loggers were welcome to eat also. We sat at one of the long tables with benches, and huge bowls were moved up and down the many tables, family style.