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Fairbanks is often considered the hot springs capital of Alaska, thanks to its unique geothermal activity and proximity to several natural mineral pools. While there are no hot springs within the city limits, a handful of hot springs near Fairbanks offer incredible soaking experiences—ranging from well-developed resorts to secluded backcountry pools accessible only by hiking, paddling, or even flying in.
Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-access thermal spa with luxury amenities, a rustic soak in a remote setting, or an off-the-grid adventure deep in the Alaskan wilderness, there’s a hot spring for every type of traveler.
Some of the closest options include Chena Hot Springs, a full-service resort just over an hour from town, and Manley Hot Springs, where you can soak in greenhouse-covered tubs in a historic setting. For those seeking a challenge, Tolovana Hot Springs and Hutlinana Hot Springs require multi-mile hikes but reward visitors with solitude and stunning natural surroundings. Meanwhile, Kilo and Kanuti Hot Springs push the limits of adventure, accessible only via extreme backcountry travel.
Hot Springs Near Fairbanks Map
6 Hot Springs Near Fairbanks, Alaska
1. Chena Hot Springs Resort (61.5 Miles)
Located just an hour and 20 minutes from Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs resort is the most accessible hot spring in Alaska and a favorite year-round destination for both locals and visitors.
The resort’s main attraction is Rock Lake, a naturally fed, mineral-rich outdoor hot spring exclusively for adults (18+). Unlike the indoor pools, which are treated with chlorine, Rock Lake maintains its completely natural composition, with soothing temperatures around 106°F year-round. For families with younger visitors, there’s also a heated indoor poolkept at approximately 90°F, providing a more family-friendly soaking option.
Guests staying overnight at the resort enjoy complimentary access to the hot springs, while day visitors can purchase passes for $20 per adult, with discounts available for children (6–17), seniors, and free entry for kids under five with a paying adult. The Pool House operates daily from 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM, ensuring plenty of time to enjoy a relaxing soak.
Beyond the pools, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a full-service massage cabin, where visitors can book Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massages, as well as reflexology and aromatherapy sessions—a perfect way to enhance the relaxation experience.
With its easy access from Fairbanks, well-developed amenities, and natural beauty, Chena Hot Springs is the go-to hot spring destination in Interior Alaska, offering a perfect mix of comfort and adventure.
2. Tolovana Hot Springs (97.5 Miles)
Just over two and a half hours from Fairbanks, Tolovana Hot Springs is one of Alaska’s most remote and rewarding soaking experiences. Located in the Tolovana River Valley, this primitive hot spring is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape far from modern distractions.
Reaching the springs requires effort: the only access is via the Tolovana Hot Springs Trail, a roughly 10-mile hike (each way) starting from Milepost 93 on the Elliott Highway. The trail winds across rolling ridgelines and through quiet valleys. Conditions can be especially challenging in winter, so proper preparation is essential. For details, check the Tolovana Hot Springs Trail on AllTrails.
Rustic cabins are available near the hot springs and must be reserved in advance. They include a wood stove, propane for cooking, and an outhouse—but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bags, food, and drinking water. While the accommodations are basic, they offer direct access to natural mineral tubs with views over untouched wilderness.
The hot tubs, which average 125–145°F, are available year-round. Along with soaking, guests often enjoy hiking, skiing, wildlife watching, and stargazing. The area is home to moose, porcupines, and the occasional black bear, and on clear nights from August through April, the Northern Lights are often visible overhead.
Day use costs $40 per person, while overnight stays require a cabin booking. Pricing varies by season. For up-to-date rates and availability, visit the official Tolovana Hot Springs website.
3. Hutlinana Hot Spring (130 Miles)
Hutlinana Hot Springs is one of the more adventurous soaking destinations near Fairbanks, located deep in Alaska’s wilderness and accessible only by a 7-mile hike. Despite the challenging route, the spring is a favorite among locals and seasoned adventurers—and for good reason.
Tucked alongside the Hutlinana River, this natural hot spring maintains water temperatures around 106°F year-round. The soaking area is separated from the icy river by just a narrow natural rock wall—so make sure you’re stepping into the right side. Some brave visitors even alternate between the cold river and the hot spring for a natural contrast bath experience.
There are no amenities or facilities at Hutlinana, and no cabins or shelters—so if you plan to stay overnight, be prepared for primitive camping or snow camping, especially in winter. The trail is most commonly used in winter, when frozen ground makes for more reliable footing and snow machines can assist with access. That said, conditions can vary widely and hikers should come prepared for remote backcountry travel.
4. Manley Hot Springs (156 Miles)
Despite being a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Fairbanks, Manley Hot Springs is surprisingly more accessible than some of the other remote soaking options near the city. Unlike Tolovana or Hutlinana, which require long hikes, Manley is reachable entirely by road—making it a convenient option for those not up for a backcountry trek.
The hot springs themselves are tucked inside a greenhouse structure, creating a serene and warm indoor environment that stands in stark contrast to the often chilly Alaskan outdoors. Visitors can soak in one of three concrete tubs, each filled with mineral-rich water directly sourced from the spring and surrounded by tropical vegetation. It’s a unique experience—part hot spring, part indoor garden oasis.
Originally developed in the early 1900s, the site once featured a full resort complex with over 40 guest rooms. Today, only the greenhouse and a few nearby accommodations remain. Access to the soaking area is by appointment only, ensuring a peaceful and uncrowded experience. The hot spring is open daily from 8:00 AM to midnight, and entry costs just $5 per person.
Manley itself is a tiny, remote town with only a handful of residents and limited services. Lodging is available at the Manley Roadhouse, a historic inn and restaurant that has welcomed travelers for over a century, and a few premium cabins are also available near the springs.
If you’re seeking a quiet, low-cost, and road-accessible geothermal retreat—without needing to hike for miles into the wilderness—Manley Hot Springs delivers a memorable and off-the-beaten-path experience.
5. Kilo Hot Spring (152.5 Miles)
Accessible only by a 40-mile backcountry hike or private bush plane, Kilo Hot Springs is one of the most remote and adventurous geothermal destinations near Fairbanks. For experienced hikers or those seeking solitude far from civilization, this primitive hot spring delivers an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Located in the Ray Mountains along the Kanuti Kilolitna River, the springs sit at an elevation of 1,604 feet and are surrounded by sweeping Arctic tundra. The views alone make the effort worthwhile. Scattered over an area of approximately 211 feet, the spring system features several shallow mineral pools, each varying in size and shape. Temperatures tend to hover around 122°F, offering warm, therapeutic water that’s especially rewarding after the grueling journey in.
The route to Kilo is unmarked and requires advanced navigation skills, often involving multiple days of hiking through rugged terrain and river crossings. Most visitors opt to travel in late summer when the landscape is dry, and the conditions are more favorable. Despite the remoteness, Kilo has gained a loyal following among off-grid explorers.
There are no amenities at the springs—no cabins, shelters, or services. Campers must bring all supplies and gear and be prepared for true wilderness camping. Note: camping is not permitted within 100 feet of the springs to help protect the fragile environment.
For those who make the journey, Kilo Hot Springs is one of the purest natural soaking experiences in Alaska—completely undeveloped, quiet, and deeply rewarding.
6. Kanuti Hot Springs (290 Miles)
Kanuti Hot Springs is one of the most remote and rewarding geothermal destinations near Fairbanks, tucked deep within the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge. Unlike some other hot springs in Alaska that require long overland hikes, Kanuti is only accessible by river—typically by navigating a 14-mile paddle down the Kanuti River, followed by a short hike from the riverbank to the springs.
Surrounded by untouched boreal forest and wide-open tundra, the area is incredibly scenic and rich in wildlife, offering a truly immersive backcountry experience. The springs themselves consist of two primary pools, with source temperatures that can reach up to 150°F. Thankfully, cold water from the nearby river mixes with the spring water, creating a more comfortable soaking experience depending on the pool and the season.
There are no developed amenities at Kanuti Hot Springs—no marked campsites, shelters, or services. Visitors must come fully self-sufficient and be prepared for dispersed camping. It’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the fragile environment of the refuge.
Because of its remoteness, Kanuti Hot Springs is best visited in warmer months, when the river is navigable and temperatures are mild. It’s not an easy journey, but for those up for the adventure, it’s one of the purest wilderness soaksyou’ll find in Alaska.
Hot Springs Near Fairbanks – Final Thoughts
Fairbanks is the best launch point for visiting hot springs in Alaska. If you’re looking for the easiest option with full facilities, Chena Hot Springs is just over an hour away and offers both indoor and outdoor pools, plus lodging and spa services.
If you’re up for more of an adventure, Tolovana and Hutlinana require hikes but reward you with solitude and natural tubs. Manley Hot Springs is a road-accessible alternative with a unique greenhouse soaking experience. For true wilderness seekers, Kilo and Kanuti are remote, undeveloped, and only reachable by multi-day hikes or paddling in.
Each hot spring offers a very different kind of experience — from casual day trips to full-on backcountry expeditions. Choose based on your time, ability, and appetite for adventure.
