Best Alaska Hot Springs

Alaska’s hot springs offer a unique way to experience the state’s geothermal activity while soaking in naturally heated mineral waters. Whether you’re looking for a full-service resort with spa facilities, a community-run soaking spot, or an off-grid wilderness experience, Alaska has a range of hot springs to suit different travel styles.

Hot springs in Alaska have been used for centuries by indigenous communities and later by gold miners and settlers seeking relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Today, they continue to attract visitors looking for a break from the cold, a scenic retreat, or a natural healing experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best Alaska hot springs, including their locations, accessibility, and costs. Use the table below for a quick overview of the top hot springs before exploring each in detail.

Best Alaska Hot Springs: Quick Comparison of Top Soaking Spots

Best Alaska Hot Springs: Our Top Picks for Every Traveler

Chena Hot Springs

Situated in the beautiful city of Fairbanks in Alaska’s interior, the Chena Hot Springs Resort is one of the premier resorts in the state. It offers visitors a full-service stay while enjoying the complex’s eponymous thermal baths.

Featuring onsite lodging, dining, and spa services, the Chena Hot Springs is a favorite naturally heated pool amongst visitors to Alaska, thanks to its convenient amenities, tranquil setting, and well-maintained facilities.

While a full-service accommodation, the real draw to the resort has always been the Chena Hot Springs themselves. Discovered in 1905, the hot springs quickly became a popular tourist attraction and were even known to be able to soothe pains. Naturally, the pools were famous amongst the region’s residents and gold miners.

Visitors to the springs today continue to embrace the site’s healing powers and are invited to swim in the outdoor natural heated pool, which enjoys a steady temperature of 106 degrees.

Goddard Hot Springs

A perfect blend of onsite amenities and an isolated oasis in Alaska’s natural landscapes, the Goddard Hot Springs is one of the best rustic community hot springs in the state.

Located on Baranof Island, 16 miles south of Sitka, the Goddard Hot Spring requires a boat charter to reach. These services are offered in Sitka and bring visitors through the shoals of Hot Springs Bay before dropping them off on the idyllic island.

Historically frequented by the indigenous peoples of the area, the Goddard hot Spring was first discovered by European settlers in the mid-1800s and, like Chena Hot Springs, quickly became famous for its healing abilities.

Today the hot springs’ facilities include two bathhouses, an outhouse, boardwalks, and a nearby campground for visitors to spend the night. The natural hot springs are a free attraction for visitors and maintain an astounding 153 degrees, only made bearable by the availability of nearby cold water.

Shelokum Hot Springs

Tucked away 90 miles north of Ketchikan, the Shelokum Hot Springs is one of Alaska’s most isolated thermal pools. It is an excellent primitive hot spring for reconnecting with nature while soaking in its healing waters.

Starting at Bailey Bay, the Shelokum Hot Springs is a 2.2-mile hike from the trailhead. The path features a steady incline to Lake Shelokum, the shoreline of which visitors will follow until they come to the springs.

Thanks to the rigorous journey to reach the site, the Shelokum Hot Springs experience far fewer tourists than other thermal pools in the state. Still, the beautiful surrounding landscapes of mountain views and dense forests reward trekkers with a relaxingly tranquil soak.

Visitors should note that the springs feature natural water temperatures of a grueling 198 degrees, which is unbearable for the human body. Luckily, visitors can control the hot and cold water, and most guests prefer to bathe around 100 degrees.

Camping is available nearby, offering a convenient spot to rest before making the return hike.

Which one to visit?

In this article, we decided to offer three distinct experiences, each catering to different types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a full-service resort with all amenities, a rustic community hot spring, or a remote wilderness soak, there’s a perfect destination for you.

For comfort and convenience, Chena Hot Springs Resort is the best choice. Located near Fairbanks, this full-service resort features onsite lodging, dining, spa treatments, and year-round access to its geothermal pools. With a steady temperature of 106°F, the mineral-rich waters provide a relaxing soak in all seasons, making it the most accessible hot spring in the state.

For a balance between nature and accessibility, Goddard Hot Springs is a great option. Situated on Baranof Island, it requires a boat ride from Sitka, but the journey itself is scenic and peaceful. The hot springs feature two bathhouses, a boardwalk, and a nearby camping area, offering a more rustic yet comfortable soaking experience. Admission is free, making it an affordable and rewarding destination.

For an off-grid wilderness adventure, Shelokum Hot Springs delivers the most secluded and rugged experience. Located 90 miles north of Ketchikan, visitors must hike 2.2 miles through dense Alaskan forests to reach the springs. The natural water temperature reaches 198°F, but the mix of hot and cold water can be adjusted. With no facilities available, Shelokum is perfect for those who enjoy primitive camping and exploring untouched landscapes.