Dorr Fumarole Field

Whatcom County, Washington · Near Peaceful Valley
48.7890°N, 121.8040°W · 8,168 ft
194°F 46°F air · Good soaking weather 8,168 ft Open Hike US Forest Service Camping nearby (7.1 mi)
Fumarole: Not a Soaking Spring

Dorr Fumarole Field is a fumarole, not a traditional hot spring. These geothermal features can be extremely dangerous. Boiling water, toxic gases, and unstable ground are common hazards. Do not attempt to soak.

Aerial view of the ground around Dorr Fumarole Field LiDAR bare-earth view of the same ground around Dorr Fumarole Field
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag the handle to compare the two views. The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

Dorr Fumarole Field, a cluster of steam vents high in the Mt. Baker National Forest in Whatcom County, Washington, sits some nineteen miles from Peaceful Valley. The temperature on file is close to boiling. This is a place to see, with nothing to soak in. Forest Service ground, listed as open.

Location
27 miles from Sedro-Woolley, WA

Getting there is a hike of a bit over four miles from Glacier Creek Road, climbing to an elevation above eight thousand feet. The average temperature over the year sits below freezing. Snowfall runs to hundreds of inches and precipitation is extreme. Boulder Creek Campground, about seven miles away, is the nearest camping on record.

The record rates December through February highest, but at this altitude with this much snow that would be a mountaineering outing. Steam and ground at these temperatures will scald. Keep a distance from the vents. Open access on national forest land, no fee noted. Nothing about water chemistry is on file.

Terrain

Aircraft with laser scanners measured this ground to within inches. The scan strips out trees and buildings, leaving the bare shape of the land around Dorr Fumarole Field.

Setting
Hillside
The spring sits on a steep slope that climbs to the southwest.
Highest ground nearby
624 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the southwest
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from southwest to northeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Heat Below
81 milliwatts per square meter of heat flow

That's close to the US average of 65. It's higher than at 17% of the springs on this site.

Heat flow measures the warmth working its way up through the ground from deep inside the earth. Where it runs high, rain and snowmelt that seep down through cracks in the rock come back up hot.

Heat flow estimate: Stanford Thermal Earth Model (Aljubran & Horne, 2024), CC BY 4.0.

Monthly Climate
13°
Jan
11°
Feb
16°
Mar
20°
Apr
30°
May
34°
Jun
42°
Jul
44°
Aug
37°
Sep
26°
Oct
17°
Nov
12°
Dec
Annual Precip: 114.9 in Annual Snow: 447.1 in
Best Time to Visit
February Air 11°F · Water 194°F · +183° contrast
December Air 12°F · Water 194°F · +183° contrast
January Air 13°F · Water 194°F · +181° contrast
February offers 33°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
46°F
Good soaking weather
Tuesday 34° Low 28° Chance Light Snow 27% precip
Spring is +160° warmer
Wednesday 42° Low 26° Sunny
Spring is +152° warmer
Thursday 44° Low 33° Sunny
Spring is +150° warmer
Friday 42° Low 32° Sunny
Spring is +152° warmer
Saturday 43° Low 32° Mostly Sunny 1% precip
Spring is +151° warmer
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Boulder Creek Campground 7.1 mi away

Overview Boulder Creek Campground sits along the banks of Boulder Creek in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The unique setting offers many recreational activities and scenic views. Baker Lake is close by, and several hiking trails and climbing routes are within a short driving distance.Recreation The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, climbing, boating, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall, and snowmobiling in the winter months....

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
High Altitude Advisory 8,168 ft

At 8,168 feet, Dorr Fumarole Field is in high-altitude territory where the air is noticeably thinner. Soaking in hot water accelerates dehydration and can amplify altitude effects like headache and fatigue. UV radiation is roughly 33% stronger here. Wear sunscreen even on overcast days and take breaks from the water to rehydrate.

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Temperature
194°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 194°F (90°C)
Avg Air Temp 25°F
Above Ambient +169°F
Access
Open
Road Access Hike
Nearest Road Glacier Creek Road
Distance to Road 4.3 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Mt. Baker National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Dorr Fumarole Field?
Dorr Fumarole Field has a water temperature of 194°F (90°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Dorr Fumarole Field located?
Dorr Fumarole Field is located in Whatcom County, Washington at 8,168 feet elevation, near Peaceful Valley. Coordinates: 48.7890°N, 121.8040°W.
How do I get to Dorr Fumarole Field?
Dorr Fumarole Field has Hike road access, with the nearest road being Glacier Creek Road (4.3 mi from the road).
Is Dorr Fumarole Field free to visit?
Dorr Fumarole Field has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Dorr Fumarole Field?
Yes, Boulder Creek Campground is located nearby (7.1 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Dorr Fumarole Field?
No, not at the source. The water at Dorr Fumarole Field reaches 194°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.