Hot springs in Alaska are the perfect way to warm up in the northernmost state. Imagine soaking in a spring pool while gazing at snowy mountain landscapes. There’s more to Alaska than you may think.
Keep reading to learn about these hot springs in Alaska and how you can visit them. Who knew packing a bathing suit for Alaska was a thing?
Let’s dive in!
How Many Hot Springs Are in Alaska?
There are around 79 hot springs in Alaska. However, about 20 are open to the public. Heated by the earth, it’s fascinating to stumble upon these geothermal pools in the state. Some springs are in resorts while others are in more primitive locations.
What Is the Temperature of the Hot Springs in Alaska?
Temperatures vary in hot springs in Alaska, but some heat up quite a bit. For example, the source of the Chena Hot Springs is over 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
And the hot tubs you can soak in are between 100 to 104 degrees. The thermal mineral springs are a natural wonder that is a welcome source of heat in the tundra.
Traveler’s Tip: Don’t miss these Alaskan beaches!
Are There Hot Springs in Anchorage, Alaska?
There are no hot springs in the city of Anchorage, Alaska. However, you can drive, fly, or boat to several cities from there.
For example, there are hot springs near Nome that are a short flight from Anchorage. Or you can drive up to Fairbanks from Anchorage to springs in that region of the state.
The Best Hot Springs in Alaska to Warm Your Bones
Are you planning your trip to Alaska? Let’s look at the best hot springs in Alaska that will enhance your vacation and create memories.
Chena Hot Springs
Location: 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712
About: Chena Hot Springs is one of Alaska’s most popular hot springs. The springs are over 100 years old and are now within a resort with lodging, cabins, a restaurant, and an ice museum.
The hot spring tubs and pools stay between 100 to 104 degrees, as they’re heated by the thermal mineral springs below the Earth’s surface.
How to Visit: Getting to the resort is an easy drive from anywhere in Fairbanks. You can purchase a day pass for the indoor pool house and outdoor hot springs for $12 to $15 per person. Note that the hot springs lake is for adults 18 years of age and older.
Manley Hot Springs
Location: 100 Front St, Manley Hot Springs, AK 99756
About: Manley Hot Springs is on private land and you can soak in one of the three concrete baths. The baths are within a spring-fed greenhouse with grapes and pears growing inside.
In addition, the area is a well-known dog sled base where some famous mushers reside, such as Iditarod champion Susan Butcher. The town has a population of approximately 100 people.
How to Visit: The hot springs are at the end of the Elliot Highway in the tiny village of Manley Hot Springs. And while the actual lodge is closed, you’ll find the greenhouse and hot springs next to it. It costs $5 to go into the baths.
Tenakee Hot Springs
Location: Tenakee Hot Springs is on Chicago Island, a nine-hour ferry ride from Juneau or a short seaplane ride.
About: Tenakee Hot Springs bathhouse is in a small village. The mineral water flows at about seven gallons per minute, and the temperature remains approximately 106 degrees.
Not only can you soak in them as a visitor, but most residents use them regularly. Older homes in the village don’t have a shower or bathtub, so the residents use the bathhouse to keep clean.
How to Visit: You can only get to Tenakee Springs by seaplane or ferry. Rules for bathing at the bathhouse are posted and taken very seriously. Donations to keep the bathhouse maintained are appreciated if you visit.
Chief Snakes Hot Springs
Location: Wrangell, AK 99929; Latitude: 56.726836 Longitude: -132.05231
About: Chief Snakes Hot Springs is a Forest Service-owned hot spring in Alaska. It’s in a beautiful forest setting that provides a remote feel and memorable views.
There is a sheltered tub and outdoor tub that are open to the public daily. And there are also dressing rooms, benches, and outhouses.
How to Visit: You can access the hot springs on a trail off the Hot Springs Slough in Wrangell. You’ll see crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Serpentine Hot Springs
Location: Serpentine Hot Springs is in the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve.
About: Serpentine Hot Springs has two thermal areas on the remote Seward Peninsula. Its waters have a subsurface temperature of 127 degrees or more.
The bathhouse has an enclosed soaking tub made from redwood with water piped directly from the hot spring. There are also two changing rooms.
In the winter, the cold-water pipe can freeze, so you’ll need to be prepared to use the five-gallon bucket in the bathhouse to carry water from the river to cool the tub before getting in.
How to Visit: The hot springs can be accessed by bike, on foot, on a boat, small airplane, or snowmobile from Nome, Alaska.
Traveler’s Tip: What’s up with the disappearances in Nome, Alaska?
Goddard Hot Springs
Location: Goddard Hot Springs is 16 miles south of Sitka, on the coast of Baranof Island; Latitude: 56.846531 Longitude: -135.379772
About: Goddard Hot Springs can be accessed via two cedar bathhouses maintained by the city of Sitka. The water is consistently 153 degrees. Open shelters cover the hot tubs, and there are outhouses nearby.
How to Visit: You can get to the hot springs via a boardwalk, or if you’re in a boat, you can anchor in the bay. Just be sure not to boat without a chart as there are a lot of rocks and shoals near the hot springs.
Baranof Warm Springs
Location: Baranof Warm Springs is on the east shore of Baranof Island and is 20 miles east of Sitka, Alaska.
About: Baranof Warm Springs is in a remote part of Baranof Island. The springs include a series of natural pools with a stellar view of a waterfall.
The beautiful site is perfect for soaking, and there’s also a cold water plunge pool nearby. There is also a bathhouse on the waterfront in addition to the natural springs next to the waterfall.
How to Visit: To get to the natural springs, you’ll need to hike a quarter of a mile from the Baranof Wilderness Lodge.
Tolovana Hot Springs
Location: Tolovana Hot Springs is 45 miles northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska, by airplane. The springs are on the southeast slope of the Tolovana Hot Springs Dome.
About: Tolovana Hot Springs is unique, with epic views about 1,400 feet below the peak of Tolovana Hot Springs Dome. With the Tolovana River below, you’ll have a memorable adventure in this 125- to 145-degree hot springs in Alaska.
Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, including bears, moose, and more.
How to Visit: You can only access Tolovana Hot Springs by hiking or taking an airplane. And note that there is no emergency communication or on-site personnel.
Kilo Hot Springs
Location: Kilo Hot Springs are along the Kanuti Kilolitna River in a valley of the Ray Mountains.
About: Kilo Hot Springs produce natural pools with an average temperature of 122 degrees. There are no amenities or outhouses near the springs, but you can camp 100 feet away from the hot springs.
The area is beautiful and a great place to stay for a few days, especially if you hike the 40 miles it takes to get there.
How to Visit: The only way to get to Kilo Hot Springs is via a 40-mile hike from the nearest road or a private airplane ride that gets you without 5 miles of the springs’ pools.
Pilgrim Hot Springs
Location: Pilgrim Hot Springs is 60 miles north of Nome, Alaska.
About: Pilgrim Hot Springs is a relaxing area with an abandoned orphanage nearby that’s frequently painted or photographed by artists. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
Aside from the hot springs on site, you’ll find the orphanage, community garden, and educational events.
How to Visit: You can get to Pilgrim Hot Springs via car from Nome. Or you can take a small aircraft to the springs from Nome. You do need a permit to visit.
Is It Worth Visiting Hot Springs in Alaska?
As you can see, the uniqueness of the hot springs in Alaska make them worth visiting. From resort atmospheres to rustic pools in remote regions of the state, there’s a variety of thermal mineral springs to enjoy.
We highly recommend visiting one or all of the springs on our list on a road trip through Alaska. While you can visit some of the hot springs year-round, visiting during the summer is the easiest way to access most on our list.
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