St Martins Hot Springs
St. Martins Hot Springs flows at 120 degrees Fahrenheit at just 432 feet elevation in the Columbia River Gorge near Carson in Skamania County. The spring sits 60.4 meters from the nearest road, providing essentially roadside access where water emerges nearly 68 degrees warmer than the 52.4-degree average annual air temperature. The low-elevation gorge location receives 65.1 inches of precipitation with 93.8 inches of snow.
This low-elevation spring occupies the mid-gorge section where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Range, creating a topographic funnel between Washington and Oregon. At 432 feet, the spring sits in the Douglas fir and bigleaf maple zone where the gorge's walls rise steeply on both sides. Annual precipitation of 65.1 inches falls primarily as winter rain, with the 93.8 inches of snow reflecting the gorge's elevation gradient where precipitation type varies with temperature. The area shows the characteristic gorge vegetation pattern of wet forest on north-facing slopes and drier conditions on south-facing exposures. The Columbia River flows nearby, forming the Washington-Oregon border.
The 'St. Martins' name suggests either a religious designation from early Euro-American settlement or connection to a land grant or property owner. The spring's roadside location indicates it was known to travelers along the Columbia River corridor, used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before Euro-American arrival. The Carson area developed as a timber and recreation community, with hot springs contributing to the region's attraction for visitors seeking thermal bathing.
Access appears straightforward given the 60-meter distance from the road, though current conditions and private property boundaries require verification. The 432-foot elevation keeps the spring accessible year-round, with the 93.8 inches of snow falling at higher elevations rather than at the spring itself. The 120-degree temperature requires mixing with cool water for safe bathing. Wyeth Campground 4.7 kilometers away on the Oregon side provides reservable camping with access to gorge hiking trails including connections to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Is St Martins Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Hot spring soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Wyeth Campground is just off of Interstate 84 in a forested setting with grassy fields. There are 13 individual sites, three group sites, and a camp host. In the past this site was a Seed Kiln, Guard Station, Church camp, Civilian Conservation Corps camp and Conscientious Objector Camp during World War II.Recreation The Wyeth trail and the Gorge 400 trail access wilderness, waterfalls, the Pacific Crest Trail and dispersed camping opportunities. Fishing, sea kayaking, kiteboarding...