Washington Baths

Overview

Washington Baths is a public sauna facility located in Portland, Maine, offering a traditional bathing experience inspired by historic bathhouses. It features gender-separate, clothing-optional saunas heated by a once-fired thermal mass heater (kiuas), an enclosed outdoor courtyard with hot and cold pools, locker rooms, showers, a lounge/library, and a small cafe. The overall atmosphere is rejuvenating, communal, and mindful, emphasizing respect, silence on Fridays, and a cycle of heat, cold, and rest. It’s a welcoming space for all genders, identities, and backgrounds, promoting anti-hate, anti-hierarchy values with strict customs to ensure safety and harmony. Visitors cycle through saunas (180-200°F), cold plunge (50°F), hot pool (104°F), and rest areas for 1.5-2 hours typical sessions.

Features & Amenities

• Saunas: Gender-separate, clothing-optional rooms with traditional kiuas stove (gas or wood-fired) providing convection, steam, and radiation heat; pour water on rocks for löyly (steam).
• Pools: Enclosed outdoor courtyard with hot pool (104°F, max 12 people) and cold pool (50°F); state-of-the-art sanitation (UV, ozone, chlorine; weekly water changes).
• Locker Rooms: 44 lockers total (20 men’s side, 24 women’s side); trans/non-binary welcome in preferred space.
• Showers and Prep: Required pre-entry shower; free clean sandals available; towel rental $3 (bring your own recommended).
• Common Areas: Indoor lounge/library with high-end 1969 Klipschorn speakers (McIntosh amps); front cafe for snacks/beverages; no outside food/drink.
• Additional: No electronic devices, glass, or photography in wet areas; bathing suits required in common areas, optional in saunas.

Services

• Core Bathing: Walk-in only (no reservations); first-come, first-served with waitlist; recommended cycle: shower → sauna (10-15 min) → cold plunge/shower → rest (equal time) → repeat 3x → hot pool.
• Pass Cards: 5-entry ($155) or 10-entry ($290); punch up to 2x per visit; never expire.
• Events: Frequent special programming including Queer Community Days (clothing-optional, $28), ambient bathing/music nights, film screenings, solstice celebrations, new music performances, and art talks; e.g., Winter Solstice early openings, DJ sets.
• Massage: Upstairs separate business (Magnolia Healing Arts) by Sandra Benson; book via website.
• Gift Cards: Digital via Square; physical in-person.
• Newsletter: Substack for updates (Things That Are a Foot, 3,000+ subscribers).

Pricing

• Single Entry: $36
• 5 Pass Card: $155 (approx. $31/entry)
• 10 Pass Card: $290 (approx. $29/entry)
• Event Pricing: Varies, e.g., Queer Community Day $28, music nights $15/pwyc, some free with entry.
• Rentals: Towel $3; sandals free.
• Notes: No memberships; passes non-refundable if lost/stolen; purchase online or in-person.

Location & Hours

• Address: 145 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
• Contact: info@washingtonbaths.com | (207) 253-1555
• Hours: Thursday - Monday, 12PM - 9PM (last entry 8PM); closed Tuesdays/Wednesdays.
• Specials: Silence observed Fridays; holiday closures (e.g., Christmas 12/22-12/26); early/late for events/solstices.
• Least Busy: Weekdays before 5PM, quieter than weekends post-5PM.

Notes

What makes Washington Baths special:

• Traditional Authenticity: Rare thermal mass kiuas for multi-heat transfer (smooth, powerful experience); pour-your-own steam with courtesy.
• Inclusive Community Hub: Beyond bathing, it’s a cultural venue with experimental music, queer events, film, art, and talks fostering connection without hierarchy.
• Strict Customs for Harmony: Anti-harassment pledge; no intoxication, sexual behavior, loudness, or space-claiming; self-monitor health (not for pregnant/cardio issues); full waiver required.
• Mindful Experience: Emphasizes body awareness, hydration, equal heat/rest time; no groups >5; discourages claiming space to promote flow.
• No Tours/Privates: Privacy-focused; explore by bathing. High lost-and-found turnover.

This creates a unique, anti-competitive public ritual space in Portland, blending sauna tradition with avant-garde events for profound rejuvenation.