12 Hot Springs In Alaska That You Should Visit to Unwind Your Inner Zen!

23 Mar 2023

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Alaska is situated in the northwest part of Canada, it is the largest U.S. state known for its diverse terrain that includes mountains, forests, abundant wildlife, and many small towns. This is the most sparsely populated state of the U.S. Alaska is famous for outdoor activities such as skiing, mountain biking, and kayaking.

When it comes to visiting hot springs in Alaska, the place being a nature lovers paradise also has several rejuvenating and relaxing options to choose from. The 49th state does have a lot of natural wonders to offer but not all are easy to access. So, if you are wondering if there are any hot springs in Alaska, we have compiled a list of some of the best hot springs in Alaska that will take you off the beaten path to the relaxing natural hot springs of Alaska. Enjoy!

1. Chena Hot Springs Fairbanks

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The Chena hot springs in Alaska is the most popular as well as the most visited hot spring in Alaska. It is located about 57 miles northeast of Fairbanks, the golden heart city of Alaska, near the Chena River State Recreation Area. It is ideal for a hangout with family, friends, or even some quality time with a special someone. If lucky one might get the chance to view the vivid colors of the aurora borealis dancing right above in the sky while you are getting soaked in the spring. The place has been discovered by a pair of gold mining brothers about a hundred years ago.

Location: Alaska 99712, USA

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2. White Sulphur Springs

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The Chichagof Island is on the Bertha Bay, specifically in the northern shore, Southeast Alaska. The White Sulphur Springs is situated in a remote site in the wilderness, surrounded by towering spruce and hemlock trees. The view from this spring overlooks the ocean providing a spectacular view, unlike anything that you have seen before. One needs to be vigilant and shall do a proper research before visiting here as large brown bears are frequently spotted in this area. The island can be accessed by a personal boat, charter, float plane or a kayak.

Location: Fairbanks North Star borough, Alaska

Must Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Alaska That Offer Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

3. Goddard Hot Springs Sitka

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The Goddard hot springs is one of the earliest Alaskan mineral springs. This hot spring has modern cedar bathhouses for the visitors and is visited by people all year long. The hot spring is about 16 miles south of the city Sitka on Baranof Island. The place can be accessed by a boat or a float plane.

Location: Sitka, Alaska

4. Manley Hot Springs

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Located on the end of Elliot Highway that begins at Fox town, Manley hot spring is a charming oasis in between the woods. One can choose from three concrete tubs all of which are fed natural spring water at varying temperatures. Space is full of exotic plants as it is in a private greenhouse. As the place required advanced reservation, don’t forget to make one before heading for the long highway drive.

Location: Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska

5. Chief Shakes Hot Springs

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Chief Shakes Hot Springs is a famous and highly desired tourist attraction in Southeast Alaska. The place is by the Ketili River and is nestled by the Tongass National Forest. The hot spring has two tubs one of which has a screened structure while the other is a wooden porch. The place also has changing areas, picnic table and a fire spot for the outdoor fun that one desires. Two wilderness cabins are located just upriver from this spot that is maintained by the forest service.

Location: Wrangell, Alaska

6. Baranof Warm Springs

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This hot spring is located on Warm springs bay near Chatham Strait. The place is supremely scenic and nearby it has the glacially fed Baranof Lake. There are no paved roads in this area neither are any vehicles present nor is the area accessible by marine transport. The place is accessible only by float plane from the city of Sitka.

Location: Baranof Island, Alaska

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7. Kilo Hot Springs

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This place is located remotely in the Ray Mountains, specifically on the northern side. Reaching this place is the difficult part, it can either be accessed with the help of a small plane about five miles away or you can float down the Yukon River from the Dalton Highway and hike over 40 miles through the mountains. Once you reach there, the body will be exhausted and the hot spring will then be even more suitable for some rest and relaxation.

Location: Ray Mountains, Alaska

8. Tolovana Hot Springs

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The Tolovana is among the 4 biggest hot springs o the Northern region. Located in interior Alaska the place offers comfortable rustic cabins near the mineral hot springs. The springs that are about 45 air miles northwest of Fairbanks can be reached via a bush plane or by trail travel. Trekkers are advised to carry food and a warm sleeping bag. Other activities in this area are canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, bird watching and many more.

Location: 93rd Mile Of The Elliot Highway

9. Serpentine Hot Springs

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This natural oasis in Bering Land Bridge National Reserve is the most visited location. The place has bunkhouse as well as a bathhouse for tourist available throughout the year. The pool here reaches temperatures between 140 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The place is being used by Alaskan natives’ sine thousands of years now. The constant supply of hot water with the sweet sounds of nature encourages one to relax and unwind here.

Location: Bering Land Bridge National Reserve

10. Tenakee Hot Springs

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This place is located in a remote village of Southeast Alaska. Tenakee Springs have bathhouses, a hundred local residents, and the area itself is oozing with charm and rich history. Eagles, whales and a lot of other wildlife viewing opportunities are there in this place. This place has no road or vehicles and to top that there is no cell reception as well. Thus, making it perfect to completely unplug from the outside world.

Location: – Chichagof Island, Alaska

11. Kanuti River Hot Springs

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The cross-country’s remote hot spring is 12 miles west of Dalton highway from the 103-mile marker. During summers, a 14 mile of the scenic float is enjoyed by the visitors down the Kanuti River. This is a popular area in the wintertime for cross country skiers. The temperature of the water in the hot spring reach up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Location: Dalton Highway, Alaska

12. Pilgrim Hot Springs

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This area is located on the Seward Peninsula. The buildings here date back to the 1900s and today the place is on the National Register of Historic Places, though most of the historic buildings have deteriorated over the years. The hot springs reach a temperature of 178 degrees Fahrenheit and give a view of the Kiqluiak Mountains. The place is now owned by Unataaq, LLC. Before visiting here, do check in at the Nome Visitors Center for directions and permits if required.

Location: Nome, Alaska

Further Read: 8 Best Resorts In Alaska To Unwind At Your Own Pace Amidst Nature In 2022!

Chena hot spring, White sulfur, and Goddard are among the best hot springs in Alaska. 12 well known hot springs are given here and no one knows how many unknown ones are yet to be discovered, the given hot springs are all natural hot springs in Alaska that are also the best ones. Though reaching some of them is quite a task but nonetheless, once you reach the spot the hot spring will rejuvenate you for other fun activities in the spot. So, plan a trip to Alaska and enjoy!