Finding a Sauna in the Inland NW or Building Your Own
Cover photo courtesy of Rebecca Hurlen-Patano
By Chris Maccini
Heated rooms have been enjoyed by cultures around the world for thousands of years, but the modern sauna was developed in Finland, where the word sauna originates. In fact, saunas are such an integral part of Finnish society that in 2020, sauna culture was added to the UNESCO list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
And the Finns may have figured something out, because for the sixth year in a row Finland ranked as the happiest country in the world in the 2024 World Happiness Index. The warm embrace of a sauna can certainly raise your spirits—especially on a dark winter day—but scientific research suggests that saunas can be good for your physical health as well.
One of the most often-cited sauna studies was published in 2015 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers followed over 2,000 Finnish men for two decades and concluded that increased use of saunas correlated with reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease, fatal cardiovascular disease, and all causes of death.
Using a sauna can have short-term health benefits as well, according to Trey Nichols, a Doctor of Physical Therapy at NW Movement Co. in Spokane, who has used saunas in treating his patients. “The sauna is so beneficial because the stress of the heat can release hormones and do a lot of different work physiologically,” Nichols says. “You get some bang for your buck without having to do a whole lot. You’re just sitting there and letting your heart rate crank up with the heat.”
Short term benefits can include relaxation, pain relief, and increased cardiovascular endurance. But, like any exercise or treatment, a sauna can be intense for those not used to it. For that reason, Nichols says it’s best to start with short intervals and work up to longer sessions: “Ease into it, you know, five or 10 minutes. How do you feel after it? If you feel good, then keep hydrated, and go a little bit longer. But the more consistent and the more often we’re in it, the more benefit there is.”
Finding or Building a Sauna
For those interested in starting their sauna journey, several area gyms and fitness studios include saunas which are available for members’ use. The YMCA of the Inland Northwest has saunas at all four of their Spokane-area locations as well as the Litehouse YMCA in Sandpoint. Saunas are also available at many wellness spas, including La Rive Spa at Northern Quest Casino and Sanctuary Spokane in West Central.
But for hardcore sauna enthusiasts, nothing beats having a sauna at home. Rebecca Hurlen Patano built an outdoor sauna—and a cold plunge—in her yard in North Idaho. “They’re a significant investment,” Hurlen Patano says. “But we had the opportunity to kind of do some deferred maintenance on our health. I use it as a great place to just focus on my breath and meditate.”
At 63 years old, Hurlen Patano credits her personal outdoor spa for keeping her healthy. “For me, being exposed in the outdoors has really given me a lot of immune boosting properties,” she says. “I go from the sauna to the cold plunge and then I take an outdoor shower. I’m outdoors and I’m walking on the rocks and I towel off in the wind and I think it has really helped my immune system.”
Whether it’s at home or at the gym, a sauna could help you stay warm, happy and healthy this winter and bring surprising long-term benefits.
Chris Maccini is a writer and audio producer from Spokane. When he’s not in a sauna this winter, you can find him on his snowboard or his Nordic skis at various Inland Northwest mountains.
