Also on the West Seattle waterfront Saturday: Sauna and ‘polar plunge’ with … Metro

We’ve already mentioned major parking restrictions along Harbor Avenue SW (and a bit of Alki Avenue SW) on Saturday (October 4), from Don Armeni Boat Ramp to Luna/Anchor Park, because of a film shoot. We’ve learned of one more event there on Saturday:

Saturday morning, 8-10 am, Metro invites you to take a “polar plunge” in Elliott Bay off Seacrest, coupled with a free sauna session. It’s part of a promotional campaign inviting people to explore various destinations. Full details just added to our calendar, though we’re awaiting a reply to our followup question about exactly where the portable sauna (not the same one that recently debuted at Lincoln Park) will be parked. (Update: Cove 2.)

wetone October 3, 2025 (8:00 am)

Curious on these saunas showing up at various parks, are they privately owned businesses hired by King County, Seattle Parks ? What’s the budget for this program ? are they self insured ? Can anyone use them ? Cost for user’s ? I have had a hard time finding much info about this program and to questions above. Must be a lucrative business as more saunas are showing up and they’re not cheap to build. Thanks

WSB October 3, 2025 (8:41 am)

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The ones at Lincoln and Alki are vendors who pay the city fees. How much, I don’t know.
HS October 3, 2025 (8:53 am)

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You might try contacting the business directly to answer some of your questions. The business name is listed in a recent WSB article about them at Lincoln Park. I was easily able to view their website after searching the business name.
- WSB October 3, 2025 (9:21 am)
  
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  Different ones, FWIW. This one is listed by Metro as Hot Rocks Sauna. The one at Lincoln Park is Good Day Sauna. Different one at Alki, though I can’t recall the name at the moment, just google Alki portable sauna and you should find it.
- Derek October 3, 2025 (10:23 am)
  
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  Permitting info should be public, and not something we rely on a private company to disclose.
  - HS October 3, 2025 (10:59 am)
    
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    Also, from a previous WSB article regarding saunas or private businesses paying for a park permit: “For those who were not aware that Seattle Parks has been awarding permits to vendors/concessionaires for years: https://www.seattle.gov/a/163237” – WSB. I’m sure you can look up specific permit information with the city.
  - Doneit October 3, 2025 (11:00 am)
    
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    Permitting info is publicly available through the city’s Public Records Request Center. https://www.seattle.gov/public-records/public-records-request-center

ET October 5, 2025 (8:59 pm)

Bywater Sauna has been coming to Alki regularly for over a year. Sign up online and they offer memberships. Privately owned but they get parks permits to be there.