If you plan on visiting the wonder state of Alaska, be ready for some breathtaking activities to do. Although it may not be on your bucket list, the state has over 20 hot springs that we highly recommend you visit. Some are deep into the wilderness which will require you to remember how to use a compass and map, but many are in populated areas where access is as easy as driving up. Below we will dive into some of the best Alaskan hot springs you can explore, while relaxing under the northern lights.
Best Hot Springs In Alaska
Best Hot Springs in Alaska Alaska is known for several things: its wildlife, cold climate, and unrelenting wilderness – but did you know it’s also popular for having a significant amount of hot springs? The best hot springs in Alaska can help your muscles relax after several cold hours of tiring adventure. Submerge yourself in …
List of Hot Springs in Alaska
Map of Hot Springs in Alaska
It’s one thing to learn about a hot spring, but another whole challenge on figuring out how to get there. Get an idea of the different hot springs in Alaska with this interactive Google map. Click on a location within the map to view information and a link to the specific Alaskan hot springs you are looking for. Don’t see a hot spring on the map? Let us know and we will get it added asap.
Remember this map will give you a better understanding on the location of the hot springs in Alaska, but for some you will need an actual topographic map as they involve trekking into the wilderness where Google Maps won’t be of any help. Many cities in the state offer maps to buy and it’s a useful thing to have in case of an emergency.
16 Best Hot Springs in Alaska
1. Circle Hot Springs Alaska
Circle Hot Springs is a popular natural hot springs located in the Central Interior region of Alaska. The springs are part of the Circle Mining District and have been used by local residents for centuries as a source of thermal water therapy and relaxation. The hot spring itself is situated in an isolated area, surrounded by mountains and accessible only via boat or bush plane. It has an average temperature of 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit (63-66 Celsius).
Visitors can enjoy soaking in the hot waters while taking in views of the surrounding landscape. The area around Circle Hot Springs is filled with wildlife such as moose, caribou, bear, lynx, wolves, foxes, wolverines and bald eagles. In addition to its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities it also offers excellent fishing spots including nearby lakes stocked with trout and grayling fish species. Since there are no roads leading directly to Circle Hot Springs visitors must either take a floatplane from Fairbanks or travel downriver from Eagle Village on one of several scheduled jet boats that depart daily during summer months for this remote destination. There is also limited cabin accommodation available at various locations along the river near the hotsprings if you wish to stay overnight before continuing your journey downstream back to Fairbanks or Anchorage .
Once at Circle Hot Springs visitors must remain respectful of nature’s fragile environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles which include disposing all waste appropriately; respecting wildlife; minimizing campfire impacts; staying on established trails; not disturbing plants or animals; using designated campsites when possible; keeping noise levels low; avoiding off road vehicles/ATV use unless necessary etc.. Most importantly remember that access to this beautiful place should be shared amongst all users so please plan ahead accordingly!
2. Shelokum Hot Springs – Ketchikan, Alaska
Shelokum Hot Springs is located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of Alaska, about an hour and a half drive north of Anchorage. It is one of the most popular hot springs in the state due to its scenic setting and easily accessible location. The hot springs are surrounded by lush forest, with views of majestic mountains on all sides.
The hot spring itself is a large pool that can accommodate up to 20 people at once; it ranges from 80-110 degrees Fahrenheit depending on how close you are to the source. Shelokum has two other smaller pools for those who prefer warmer temperatures or want more privacy when soaking. The area also features picnic tables, benches and fire pits so visitors can make the most out of their experience in this beautiful Alaskan paradise.
Shelokum Hot Springs offers many activities for visitors including hiking trails, fishing spots and wildlife viewing opportunities; making it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway! Whether you’re looking to relax in nature or explore some new sights, Shelokum has something for everyone!
3. Akutan Hot Springs – Alaska
Located on Akutan Island in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, the Akutan Hot Springs are a unique and beautiful natural wonder. The springs are home to a large variety of flora and fauna, including many species of wildflowers, birds, fish, and other wildlife. The hot springs were first discovered by Russian explorers in 1781 who named them after nearby Mount Akutan. The hot spring water is heated by molten rock deep below the surface that heats the ground water up to temperatures ranging from 95°F to 109°F (35°C to 43°C). This warm water flows through several channels before eventually emerging at the surface as steamy geysers or bubbling pools.
Visitors can take advantage of these naturally occurring hot tubs for some restful relaxation among stunning views of snowcapped mountains and lush green forests surrounding it. In addition to its relaxing atmosphere, visitors can also enjoy fishing for trout near the springs or explore nearby volcanic caves that have been carved out by thermal activity over time.
With its serene beauty and abundance of outdoor activities available year round, Akutan Hot Springs offers an unforgettable experience for those looking for adventure in Alaska’s rugged wilderness!
4. Manley Hot Springs
Manley Hot Springs is a small unincorporated community in the Interior of Alaska, located along the Yukon River. It lies approximately 140 miles northeast of Fairbanks and is accessible by air or boat. The town was first settled in 1900 when gold miners discovered hot springs on their way upriver to Circle City. The area around Manley Hot Springs has been inhabited since prehistoric times and evidence suggests that Athabascan Indians used it as a place for healing and spiritual renewal.
Today, the village is home to about 160 people from different backgrounds including Native Americans, European-Americans and Asian-Americans. The main attraction in Manley Hot Springs are its natural hot springs which provide therapeutic benefits for visitors who come to soak away their aches and pains. The public pool at the hot springs measures 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) year round, making it one of Alaska’s warmest outdoor pools! In addition to soaking, visitors can also enjoy fishing, hunting or snowmobiling during winter months.
Manley Hot Springs offers an escape from everyday life while providing access to some of Alaska’s most beautiful scenery – breathtaking views of mountains filled with spruce trees, pristine lakes teeming with wildlife and wide open spaces that stretch out as far as the eye can see! Whether seeking relaxation or adventure this remote Alaskan destination has something for everyone!
5. White Sulphur Hot Springs – Sitka, Alaska
White Sulphur Hot Springs is a natural hot springs located in the Chugach National Forest of Alaska. It is one of the most popular and accessible hot springs in the state, located just off Highway 1 near the small town of Girdwood. The water temperature at White Sulphur Hot Springs ranges from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (37-40 Celsius). The area around White Sulphur Hot Springs has been used for centuries by local indigenous people as a source of healing and relaxation.
Today, it is still a popular destination for visitors looking for an escape from everyday life and to take advantage of its therapeutic properties. Visitors can enjoy soaking in natural pools surrounded by beautiful scenery or take part in guided tours that explore nearby glaciers and other Alaskan wildlife. White Sulphur Hot Springs also offers camping facilities with tent sites available onsite or nearby cabins which are available for rent year-round. There are several restaurants within walking distance where visitors can purchase food or drinks before heading out to explore the area further.
With its stunning views, plentiful wildlife, and relaxing atmosphere, White Sulphur Hot Springs makes an ideal getaway spot for those looking to experience all that Alaska has to offer!
6. Chief Shakes Hot Springs in Alaska
Chief Shakes Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in Southeast Alaska. The springs are named after Chief Shakes, an Alaskan Tlingit leader who lived in the area during the 19th century. The springs are situated on Prince of Wales Island and can be accessed via a short hike from Thorne Bay.
The water temperature at the main pool reaches temperatures up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius). It is believed that local Native Americans have used these hot springs as a healing site for centuries. Visitors will find three pools connected by man-made channels, with one being large enough to swim in, while two smaller ones offer soaking opportunities. There are also several benches and tables around each pool for visitors to relax and take in their surroundings.
Additionally, there is plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities such as bald eagles and black bears along the trail leading to Chief Shakes Hot Springs. Overall, Chief Shakes Hot Springs offers visitors an opportunity to experience a unique natural attraction that has been part of Alaska’s history since before it was even part of America!
7. Serpentine Hot Springs – Bearing Land Bridge NP, Alaska
The Serpentine Hot Springs in Alaska is a popular tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the Chugach National Forest, this unique hot springs offers visitors an opportunity to relax and enjoy nature. The hot springs are situated on a hillside overlooking the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.
The water from these natural hot springs has been known to reach temperatures as high as 140°F (60°C). This makes it one of the hottest natural thermal pools in all of Alaska! Visitors can soak their feet or even take a dip if they’re brave enough – just make sure to be careful with your skin! In addition to soaking up its healing waters, visitors can also explore nearby trails that offer breathtaking views and some excellent fishing opportunities. There are plenty of wildlife sightings here too – including moose and caribou – so bring your camera along for some great photo ops!
Serpentine Hot Springs is truly one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed after your visit. Whether you’re looking for an escape from everyday life or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this spot should definitely be at the top of your list when planning a trip out into nature in Alaska.
8. Hutlinana Hot Springs Alaska
Hutlinana Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of Alaska. The springs have been used by locals for centuries for their healing and therapeutic properties, as well as being an important source of fresh water. The hot springs are fed from deep underground geothermal activity and range from 101 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit (38-42 Celsius).
The Hutlinana Hot Springs area is popular with tourists who come to take advantage of its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and relaxing atmosphere. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness, including hiking trails that lead up nearby mountains or down into lush valleys where you can spot moose, bears, eagles, and other animals native to Alaska.
Visitors also enjoy fishing along the banks of the river that runs through the area or taking a dip in one of the many natural pools formed by tributaries offshoot from it. The Hutlinana Hot Springs provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience nature in its purest form while enjoying all that this Alaskan paradise has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax after a long day on the trail or just want some time away from civilization altogether – Hutlinana Hot Springs should be at top your list!
9. Pilgrim Hot Springs
Pilgrim Hot Springs is a remote hot spring located in the middle of Alaska’s Interior region, about 100 miles north of Fairbanks. It is one of the few remaining undeveloped hot springs in the state and has been used by local residents for centuries as a source of healing and relaxation. The hot springs are nestled on 11 acres surrounded by spruce trees and rolling hills, providing visitors with stunning views of both nature’s beauty and serenity.
The Pilgrim Hot Springs offer two large pools fed by natural geothermal waters that range from 108 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit (43-46 Celsius). There is also a cold plunge pool with temperatures ranging between 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (4-15 Celsius). Visitors can take advantage of all three pools or choose just one depending on their preference.
In addition to soaking in the warm waters, visitors can explore over seven miles of trails through nearby forests and mountainsides, camp at various sites near the springs, fish for grayling in nearby lakes or rivers, pick wild berries during summer months, hunt game animals such as caribou or moose during hunting season, observe wildlife like bears or wolves roaming around their habitat; or simply relax under starry night skies without any light pollution from cities. The Pilgrim Hot Springs provide an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet amidst nature’s beauty.
10. Tenakee Hot Springs – Tenakee Springs, Alaska
Tenakee Hot Springs is a small town in Alaska located on the southern coast of Chichagof Island, in the Alexander Archipelago. It is situated at the head of Tenakee Inlet, near its mouth at Cross Sound and has a population of around 200 people. The area was originally inhabited by Tlingit people who named it “Tunuxa,” which means “hot water.”
The hot springs were first discovered by European settlers in 1883 and have been used as a source for therapeutic baths ever since. Today, visitors to Tenakee can enjoy soaking up natural mineral-rich thermal waters that range from 80°F to 107°F (27°C to 42°C). In addition to its hot springs, Tenakee offers an array of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities and kayaking tours through nearby fjords and bays.
There are also several lodges and bed & breakfasts available for those looking for accommodations while visiting this charming coastal community. With its stunning scenery and unique atmosphere, Tenakee Hot Springs is sure to be an unforgettable destination!
11. Chena Hot Springs – Fairbanks, Alaska
Chena Hot Springs is a natural hot springs located in the Chena River State Recreation Area, about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska. The hot springs consist of two main pools and two smaller soaking pools with temperatures ranging from 105–115°F (40-46°C). These naturally heated waters are said to have healing properties, which has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in interior Alaska.
The resort at Chena Hot Springs offers visitors a variety of activities including an indoor pool and spa area, an ice museum featuring sculptures created entirely out of ice, snowmobile tours through the Alaskan wilderness, hiking trails around the property and much more.
A unique experience offered by this resort is its Aurora Ice Museum – a place where you can learn all there is to know about auroras while taking part in interactive exhibits like glacier hikes or snowmobiling adventures.
In addition to these recreational offerings, Chena Hot Springs also serves as an educational center for those interested in renewable energy sources such as geothermal power plants and hydrogen fuel cell technology. It was even named one of National Geographic’s Adventure Magazine’s “Best 100 Adventure Destinations” due to its commitment to sustainability efforts! This stunning destination makes for a great weekend getaway or vacation spot – whether you want to relax in the naturally heated waters or explore some new terrain on your snowmobiles!
12. Tolovana Hot Springs – Tolovana River Valley, Alaska
Tolovana Hot Springs is a natural hot springs located in Alaska, near the small town of Cantwell. The hot spring’s temperature ranges from 90 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit and it is believed to have therapeutic benefits. Tolovana Hot Springs has been used for centuries by local Athabascan Indians as a healing source for ailments such as arthritis and joint pain.
Today, visitors can enjoy soaking in the warm waters of this natural pool surrounded by stunning views of Denali National Park and Mount McKinley. Visitors also have access to amenities like changing rooms, showers, restrooms, picnic areas and more. The area around Tolovana Hot Springs is known for its abundance of wildlife including bears, moose, caribou and wolves which makes it an excellent spot for nature lovers who are looking to get away from city life and experience some solitude in the wilderness. Additionally there are several hiking trails nearby that offer breathtaking mountain views while exploring the surrounding mountainside terrain.
For those seeking adventure further out into nature there are plenty of opportunities such as fishing trips or river rafting down one of Alaska’s many rivers. Overall Tolovana Hot Springs offers a tranquil escape where you can relax your body with therapeutic waters while taking in one-of-a-kind scenery only found in Alaska’s great outdoors!
13. Goddard Hot Springs Alaska
Goddard Hot Springs is located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of Alaska. It is one of the few natural hot springs in Alaska and has been a popular tourist destination for many years. The spring is fed by heated water from an underground geothermal source, which comes out of the ground at temperatures ranging from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (37 to 40 Celsius).
The area around Goddard Hot Springs was originally home to Athabascan Native Americans who used it as a place of spiritual healing and relaxation. In 1883, gold prospectors discovered the hot springs and built cabins near them for comfort during their mining endeavors. Today, Goddard Hot Springs remains a popular spot for outdoor recreation activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking and swimming in its warm waters.
At Goddard Hot Springs there are several amenities available including picnic tables, campfire rings with grills and firewood provided onsite. There are also restrooms with showers located nearby along with changing rooms so visitors can enjoy some privacy when bathing or changing into swimwear before taking advantage of all that this wonderful natural hot spring has to offer!
14. Baranof Warm Springs – Alaska
Baranof Warm Springs is a popular tourist destination located in Alaska near the town of Sitka. It is home to hot springs and natural mineral water pools, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. The area was first discovered by Russian fur traders in the early 1800s and has been used as a healing site ever since.
Visitors have access to several different warm spring pools, some reaching temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C). Each pool contains its own unique mix of minerals that are said to help with various ailments such as arthritis, skin conditions, digestive problems, and more. The Baranof Warm Springs also offers visitors a variety of activities such as camping, hiking trails through old growth forests, fishing spots along nearby creeks and lakes, wildlife viewing opportunities including bald eagles soaring overhead or bears catching salmon in streams below.
In addition there are numerous cultural sites like totem poles carved by Tlingit natives hundreds of years ago that tell stories about their people’s history. These experiences make visiting Baranof
Warm Springs truly unforgettable!
15. Kilo Hot Springs
Kilo Hot Springs is a natural hot spring located in the remote wilderness of Alaska, about 50 miles west of Anchorage. The springs are part of the Chugach National Forest and provide visitors with an opportunity to soak in mineral-rich waters surrounded by stunning views of mountains and glaciers. The Kilo Hot Springs area has been used for centuries by local Native Americans as a place to relax and heal themselves from various ailments. Today, many people still visit the springs for its therapeutic benefits.
The healing properties of these hot springs are believed to come from their high levels of minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium bicarbonate, and iron oxide. Visitors can enjoy soaking in temperatures ranging from 95°F – 110°F (35°C – 43°C). In addition to its healing benefits, Kilo Hot Springs also provides visitors with access to some incredible outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Hikers will love exploring nearby trails that lead up into alpine meadows or down along rushing rivers filled with salmon spawning beds. Campers can set up camp at one of several sites near the hot springs where they’ll have access to restrooms and picnic areas equipped with grills for cooking meals outdoors. Fishermen should definitely bring their rods if they plan on visiting Kilo Hot Springs since there are plenty of opportunities here for catching rainbow trout or grayling in nearby streams or lakes! Wildlife viewers may even be lucky enough spot moose grazing among lush vegetation while enjoying all that nature has to offer here at this unique destination!
With so much beauty surrounding it—from cascading waterfalls beside snow-capped peaks that reach towards clear blue skies—Kilo Hot Springs truly is an unforgettable experience not just for those seeking physical health but also spiritual enrichment!
16. Kanuti Hot Springs
Kanuti Hot Springs is a hot springs located in Alaska’s interior, approximately 250 miles east of Fairbanks. It is one of the most popular natural hot springs in the state and has been used for centuries by local natives as an important part of their culture. The spring itself is situated within a large open meadow surrounded by rolling hills and mountains. The water temperature ranges from 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit depending on seasonal temperatures and rainfall.
The waters are rich in minerals such as sulfur, calcium carbonate, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride and magnesium sulfate providing benefits to those who bathe in them including relief from muscle aches and pains, improved circulation and detoxification due to its high mineral content. Kanuti Hot Springs also offers visitors camping facilities with cabins available for rent during peak season times (April – October). In addition there are numerous trails around the area that offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape making it perfect for hikers or those looking just to take a leisurely stroll along nature’s paths.
There is also fishing opportunities nearby with stocked lakes full of trout waiting to be caught! Overall Kanuti Hot Springs provides visitors with an opportunity to experience true Alaskan wilderness while enjoying all the benefits that come with soaking in hot mineral-rich waters!
Cities in Alaska that have Hot Springs Close By
Fairbanks, Alaska: The Chena Hot Springs Resort offers visitors an outdoor pool and several natural hot springs. It’s perfect for a relaxing dip after exploring the nearby attractions such as the University of Alaska Museum of the North or Denali National Park.
Valdez, Alaska: Slavens Hot Springs is one of Valdez’ most popular attractions, offering visitors two large pools filled with naturally heated spring water from Slaven Creek. The resort also features a small lodge, campground, and restaurant on site.
Homer, Alaska: Located near Halibut Cove Lagoon State Marine Park, Tutka Bay Lagoon Hot Springs consists of three warm-water baths fed by underground springs that offer views out over Kachemak Bay. Visitors can spend time soaking in one of the pools while watching wildlife like sea otters and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
Juneau, Alaska: Nestled between Douglas Island and Gastineau Channel lies Eagle Beach Thermal Pool & Spa, a hotel featuring two indoor thermal pools heated by natural geothermal energy from underneath Juneau’s bedrock flooring. Guests can take advantage of both private rooms as well as public areas to relax after exploring downtown Juneau’s shopping district or Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center nearby.
Types of Alaskan Hot Springs
Alaska is home to numerous hot springs, which are naturally occurring pools of water heated by geothermal energy. Many can be found in the interior and northern regions of Alaska, while some are located near coastal areas. These hot springs range from primitive wilderness settings to more developed public facilities with amenities like picnic tables and trails.
The most commonly visited type of hot spring in Alaska is a thermal pool or pond. These natural bodies of water contain minerals that make them especially therapeutic for soaking in, as well as providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Some popular thermal pools include Chena Hot Springs Resort outside Fairbanks; Pilgrim Hot Springs near Nome; and Manley Hot Springs along the Yukon River between Ruby and Livengood.
Another type of Alaskan hot spring is an underground cave or cavern system known as a “fumarole” (or “hot pot”). Fumaroles emit steamy vapor due to volcanic activity below the surface, making them particularly dangerous but also very intriguing places to explore! Notable examples include Valdez Glacier Cave near Valdez and Bering Glacier Caves on Chichagof Island off Sitka’s coast.
Finally, there are several mud pots scattered across Alaska that provide visitors with an interesting geological experience. Mud pots form when boiling underground waters mix with clay-rich sediment – creating bubbling pools full of mineral-rich mud! The best known example is at Trapper Creek south east Anchorage – where travelers can witness these strange phenomena firsthand!
Why are there hot springs in Alaska?
Alaska is home to many hot springs due to its unique geology. The state has an abundance of active volcanoes, which produce magma that heats up underground water sources and creates hot springs. In addition, Alaska’s tectonic plates are shifting in a way that allows for the Earth’s heat to escape through cracks and fissures near the surface.
This process also helps create thermal energy in the form of steam and hot water, leading to more hot springs. Hot springs can be found throughout much of Alaska, from the Aleutian Islands all the way up into Fairbanks and beyond. For centuries they have been used as natural baths by locals who believe them to have healing powers – both physical and spiritual – while today they attract visitors looking for a relaxing soak or a chance to observe some breathtaking scenery at their source.
Other Attractions in Alaska
1. Go Dog Mushing: Alaska is home to some of the most experienced dog mushers in the world, and there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to get a taste of this exciting activity. There are many operators who offer guided tours on sleds pulled by Alaskan huskies, giving you a unique way to explore the state’s natural beauty.
2. Take a Wildlife Tour: Alaska is known for its abundance of wildlife, including whales, bears, moose and more. Many operators offer boat or land-based tours that will take you into areas where you can observe these animals up close in their natural habitat.
3. Visit Denali National Park: This 6 million acre park is one of Alaska’s most popular attractions due to its vast wilderness and stunning mountain views from Mount McKinley (Denali). You can go hiking or take part in ranger-led activities such as bird watching or nature walks while enjoying all that this incredible landscape has to offer.
4. Fish for Salmon: Fishing is an essential part of Alaskan culture and there are plenty of opportunities for anglers looking to catch big salmon along the coastlines or deep sea fishing trips further out at sea – just make sure you have your license!
5. Explore Glaciers: From giant ice fields like Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve to smaller glaciers located throughout Southeast Alaska, exploring glaciers provides an amazing opportunity with breathtaking scenery around every corner! You can join organized tours which provide safety gear and instruction on how best navigate these frozen rivers safely – definitely a must do when visiting Alaska!
Looking to explore Alaska? Here are some other great things to do in the state:
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