Leschi Welcomes Bywater Sauna

At first glance, the scene can be surprising: people in swimsuits emerging from a steaming cedar sauna and heading toward the cold waters of Lake Washington. Heat up. Cool down. Repeat. That’s the simple rhythm behind Bywater Sauna’s newest location at Leschi Marina, and for many participants, the appeal becomes obvious after the first session.

Barrel Sauna exterior.

“I feel more connected to nature, more part of the Seattle ecosystem,” says Natalie G. “It’s magical to be swimming with rain falling on me.”

“It helps me battle the darkness and isolation of winter,” adds Erik D.

View of the cold plunge dock and Mt. Rainier from sauna

For John B., the setting is part of the magic. “I love floating with merganser ducks swimming by at eye level, Mt. Rainier in the distance, and good-natured fishermen on the nearby dock gently teasing me, as they wonder what the heck I’m thinking.”

Many people come to sauna and cold-water immersion for the potential health benefits. Research suggests the practice may help reduce inflammation and anxiety while supporting cardiovascular health, immunity, and muscle recovery. Regular participants often report improved mood, mental clarity, and better sleep. At a minimum, the experience offers an hour away from phones and other distractions.

But for Bywater founder Nate Garberich, wellness was only part of the inspiration.

Garberich, a Seattle native, started Bywater with the goal of creating a place where the warmth of human interaction is just as important as the physical benefits.  That idea comes to life in a casual, outdoor gathering space. “Long, dark winters and gray weather can be lonely,” says Nate. “By contrast, sauna sessions bring people together.”  Hand-painted signs, lounge chairs, plants and flowers surround the saunas, which sit beneath strings of cheery bistro lights. The space feels closer to a friendly community hangout than a spa, and for many, the setting makes connecting with others easy.

“I’ve had meaningful conversations with strangers from all walks of life,” says Blake L. “Bywater is a place where barriers dissolve and genuine human connections form.”

For others, Bywater’s new location is the perfect incentive to explore the gems of the Leschi neighborhood. For Nathalie M., “It’s so much more than a wellness routine. It’s community, therapy, and mindful presence—all in one. I live in Fremont and have taken the bus, driven, and biked to Leschi because the neighborhood adds to the whole experience. French Onion Soup at Blu Water Bistro, treats at Leschi Market, meetings at the Starbucks next door—it’s all part of it. I love every Bywater location, but Leschi holds a special place in my heart.”

How It Works

A typical session begins with guests arriving in swimsuits, checking in with Bywater’s team, and storing their belongings.  Inside the sauna—where temperatures hover around 190°F—participants sit on towels and warm up, while steam rises from water poured over hot stones.

The new shed sauna interior

The next step is cooling down. Steamy bodies exit the sauna and head towards the water, impervious to chilly winds or rain that might otherwise dampen outdoor enthusiasm. Some participants jump off the dock or climb down a ladder into Lake Washington, where winter water temperatures hover between 45 and 48 degrees. Others grab a bucket of fresh water to dump over their heads, and a few simply sit outside in the chilly air. Any option works if it cools down the body.

Most people spend around 15 minutes heating up in the sauna before stepping out. The cold phase can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on personal tolerance. Participants repeat the cycle several times during a session.  Over time, many find their tolerance for the extremes gradually increases.

Still, the practice isn’t about pushing limits. The goal, regulars say, is to let the body respond to the contrast between heat and cold and let these natural stressors support and strengthen health and well-being.

Details

Sessions at Bywater run 60 minutes on weekdays and 75 minutes on weekends, with time slots offered throughout the day across their four locations in Seattle. Individual sessions cost $35 on weekdays and $40 on weekends. A monthly membership for $100 offers unlimited sessions (up to one per day) and a free guest pass.

In May, Bywater will wrap up its Leschi operations for the season to make way for the summer boaters. For now, though, the dock remains a gathering place where neighbors meet, warm up, cool down, and embrace the Seattle winter. More information and reservations are available at bywatersauna.com.

~Kate Winton