Alaska Hot Springs

Known as “The Last Frontier” state, Alaska is teeming with intrepid adventures through its pristine natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. It is a destination where you can escape civilization and reconnect with beautiful untouched nature while delving deep into the wilderness to some of the world’s most tranquil hot springs.

Alaska is home to one of the most extensive geothermal activities in the world and features over 130 ancient volcanoes, many of which remain active to this day. These instances of underground volcanic activities have resulted in pockets of naturally heated pools that serve as an escape from the region’s otherwise colder climate.

While there are 79 known thermal hot springs in Alaska, only about 20 of these pools are frequented by both the local population and tourists, and each offers its own unique experiences. Whether seeking a secluded soak or a full-service treatment, this is everything you need to know about Alaska hot springs.

Alaska Hot Springs Map

Alaska Hot Spring Regions

While hot springs can be located throughout Alaska, the most significant concentrations of these thermal pools occur in three specific areas, typically in highly volcanic regions. The majority of Alaska’s most accessible and famous hot springs are located in Alaska’s Southeastern corner, scattered throughout its interior, and on the idyllic Seward Peninsula.

Hot Springs in Southeast Alaska

Featuring one of the most significant concentrations of hot springs in the state, the Alexander Archipelago in southeastern Alaska is home to a vast collection of primitive and small community hot springs.

These thermal pools offer a combination of convenience and idyllic views of Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. From remote rock-lined pools hidden deep in the wilderness to easily accessible soaking spots along the coast, this region provides a diverse range of geothermal experiences.

For those based in southern Alaska, there are also several geothermal pools within reach of major cities. If you’re looking for hot springs near Anchorage, this guide highlights some of the best options just a drive or short flight away.

Hot Spring	Type	Location	Opening Hours	Cost & Permits	Planning a Visit?
Shelokum Hot Springs	Primitive	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round, no restriction	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Shelokum Hot Springs
Trocadero Soda Springs	Primitive	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round, no restriction	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Trocadero Hot Springs soon.
Baranof Warm Springs	Community	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Summer access; Not accessible in winter months	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Baranof Hot Springs
Chief Shakes Hot Springs	Community	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Chief Shakes Hot Springs soon.
Goddard Hot Springs Tub	Community	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Goddard Hot Springs soon.
Tenakee Springs	Community	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Tenakee Springs Hot Springs.
White Sulphur Springs	Community	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on White Sulphur Hot Springs soon.

Alaska’s Interior

Spanning thousands of miles, Alaska’s interior is home to some of the state’s best hot springs, which reach north of the Arctic Circle to the Brooks Range. From primitive hot springs to full-service resorts, the state’s interior is a fantastic spot for sampling a diverse collection of thermal pools.

Many of these geothermal pools are located within easy reach of Fairbanks, making them a popular destination for those exploring the region. For a closer look at the top soaking spots in the area, check out hot springs near Fairbanks for more options.

Hot Spring	Type	Location	Opening Hours	Cost & Permits	Planning a Visit?
Hutlinana Hot Spring	Primitive	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round; Best access in winter	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Hutlinana Hot Spring soon.
Kanuti Hot Springs	Primitive	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round; Best access in warmer months	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Kanuti Hot Spring soon.
Kilo Hot Spring	Primitive	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Kilo Hot Spring soon.
Circle Hot Springs	Community	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Currently closed	Not applicable	Circle Hot Springs is currently closed.
Manley Hot Springs	Community	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round; Access by appointment only	$5 per person	Get all details on Manley Hot Springs
Tolovana Hot Springs	Community	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round	Day use: $40 per person per day; Overnight stays require cabin reservations	Get all details on Tolovana Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs Resort	Resort	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Pool House open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM	$20 (Adults 18-59), $18 (Seniors 60+), $17 (Children 6-17); Free for children 5 and under with a paying adult	Get all details on Chena Hot Springs

Hot Springs in The Seward Peninsula

While the Seward Peninsula may not feature as extensive of a hot spring collection as other regions in the state, the thermal pools found within this beautiful destination along Alaska’s western coast are some of the most pristine.

As a result, the Seward Peninsula promises a dramatically natural landscape for enjoying the healing waters of these sites.

Hot Spring	Type	Location	Opening Hours	Cost & Permits	Planning a Visit?
Pilgrim Hot Springs	Primitive	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Re-opening June 2025	$10 per person, per visit; No permits required	Get all details on Pilgrim Hot Springs
Serpentine Hot Springs	Community	Check Alaska Hot Springs Map	Open year-round	Free to visit; No permits required	Get all details on Serpentine Hot Springs soon.

Types of Alaska Hot Springs

All hot springs in Alaska are geothermic pools heated by the underground activity of ancient volcanoes. Still, despite their similar sources, each of the state’s 20+ visitable pools offers a unique experience. To distinguish these diverse offerings, Alaska’s hot springs can typically be classified into three varieties.

Primitive Hot Springs in Alaska

The most adventurous variety of Alaska’s thermal pools, primitive hot springs are found deep in the state’s natural landscapes, untouched by development. With six primitive hot springs mentioned in this article, these remote soaking spots offer a raw and unfiltered geothermal experience. Unlike developed resorts, these pools remain completely natural, with no formal maintenance, boardwalks, or changing facilities—just steaming mineral water flowing as it has for centuries.

Reaching these primitive pools often requires effort. Some, like Pilgrim Hot Springs, are relatively accessible by road, while others demand a long trek through rugged backcountry. Shelokum Hot Springs  is one of the more secluded options, requiring both a boat ride and a trail hike through the dense Tongass National Forest. Others, like Serpentine Hot Springs, are so remote that visitors often arrive by bush plane, making the soak a well-earned experience.

While reaching these pools can be a challenge, the reward is an untouched setting, free from crowds, where the only sounds are bubbling water and the surrounding wilderness. Some, like Kanuti Hot Springs, are nestled in rolling tundra with nothing but open skies, while others, such as Chief Shakes Hot Springs, are hidden deep within Alaska’s forests.

Unlike resorts that charge admission, primitive hot springs are completely free, making them the most cost-effective way to experience Alaska’s geothermal wonders. However, their remote nature also means visitors must be well-prepared—packing in supplies, respecting the environment, and following Leave No Trace principles to ensure these soaking spots remain pristine for future adventurers.

Community Hot Springs in Alaska

Only slightly more developed than primitive pools, Alaska’s community hot springs provide a balance between untouched nature and basic amenities. Typically managed by a nearby town or local municipality, these hot springs often feature simple structures like changing rooms, bathhouses, or wooden tubs, making them a comfortable yet authentic soaking experience.

These pools are more than just places to relax—they have long served as social gathering spots for local communities, where residents come to unwind, bathe, and connect with neighbors. At places like Goddard Hot Springs, near Sitka, the city maintains small bathhouses, allowing visitors to enjoy a rustic yet sheltered soak with stunning ocean views. Similarly, Chief Shakes Hot Springs, hidden deep in the Tongass National Forest, features both open-air and enclosed pools, providing a natural retreat in a remote setting.

Some of the best-known community hot springs include Manley Hot Springs, located in Interior Alaska. Unlike other remote pools, this one is housed in a privately owned greenhouse, where visitors soak in large, stone tubs surrounded by thriving tropical plants—a stark contrast to the surrounding boreal forest. The natural warmth of the hot spring sustains this greenhouse oasis year-round, offering a truly unique soaking experience.

While some of these springs are easily accessible from popular travel hubs, others require a bit more effort to reach. Hot springs like Tenakee Springs sit within small, off-the-grid communities that can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. These tucked-away locations provide an even greater sense of escape, with fewer crowds and a more serene atmosphere.

Hot Spring Resort in Alaska

Unlike Alaska’s primitive and community hot springs, which offer a more rugged soaking experience, Chena Hot Springs Resort stands as the state’s only full-service hot spring resort. Located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Chena combines geothermal relaxation with modern amenities, making it the most accessible and developed hot spring experience in Alaska.

Visitors to Chena can enjoy much more than just a soak—the resort features onsite lodging, a restaurant, spa services, and year-round activities like dog sledding and guided Northern Lights tours. One of its unique highlights is the Aurora Ice Museum, where guests can sip an appletini from an ice-carved glass after a long soak in the steamy outdoor rock pool.

Because of its popularity, Chena tends to be much more crowded than the smaller, remote hot springs found throughout the state. However, for those looking for a comfortable, all-inclusive experience without venturing too far into the wilderness, Chena Hot Springs Resort remains the best true hot spring resort in Alaska.