Taylor R.
Yelp
We booked our session a few weeks in advance. We went on a Sunday in the middle of the day.
The location is very easy to find and they have a front kiosk that you can check in at.
I recommend coming dressed with your swimsuit on underneath as there is a tiny locker space before you enter the sauna, but it is not private otherwise you can utilize the public restrooms nearby.
Our host did a great job of explaining best practices for utilizing both the sauna and taking a cold plunge into Lake Washington.
Water stations are available, but you should bring your own reusable water bottle. I noticed other groups had also brought some hydrating snacks that they were munching on in between the hot and the cold.
The sauna and the lake were approximately 190°F and 45°F, respectively.
We booked a social session so we were in a sauna room with a bunch of other people. When you enter the sauna, you need to bring your own towel to sit on. There are essential oils that you can use and water to create more steam on the rocks. Our host came in periodically to re-fuel the fire with fresh wood.
In the sauna, there is a sand timer that lasts 15 minutes. Then you do the cold part and jump into Lake Washington. It's absolutely freezing cold! You can either go down the metal ladder to ease yourself in or jump off the dock. Most people immediately get back out, but you can stay in there for a couple of minutes.
Because you have to utilize steps and a dock ladder (at least to climb back up and exit the water) I would say this experience requires an abled-body.
We had an excellent time getting to know the other people in our session and bonded over the ridiculous temperature extremes. I would absolutely recommend this experience and would love to return again.