Tucked away in Alaska’s intrepid interior, Fairbanks is one of the state’s most remote cities. However, those willing to brave the region’s daring landscapes are rewarded with some of the most pristine natural attractions in the world, including several of the planet’s most pristine hot springs.
From world-renowned thermal resorts to primitive thermal pools tucked deep in the untouched wildernesses of the state’s mountainous terrains, visitors can find soothing tranquility at these six hot springs near Fairbanks, AK. (Distance from Fairbanks in brackets).
6 Hot Springs Near Fairbanks, Alaska
1. Chena Hot Springs Resort (61.5 Miles)
Boasting an extensive resort complex, the Chena Hot Springs Resort is the premier hot springs near Fairbanks and features a massive variety of onsite amenities and services to enjoy while soaking in the property’s famous mineral waters.
Discovered in 1905, the Chena Hot Springs has developed into one of the world’s premier thermal resort destinations and boasts a massive outdoor hot spring lake, a heated indoor pool, and two hot tubs.
Averaging around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the indoor pool is chlorinated, as are the two hot tubs. Meanwhile, the massive outdoor thermal lake boasts elevated temperatures of 106 degrees and is completely untouched, boasting its natural mineral composition renowned for its therapeutic properties.
Along with offering one of the most accessible hot springs near Fairbanks, the Chena Hot Springs resort provides a full-service experience, complete with luxury accommodation options, an extensive spa facility, an onsite restaurant, and numerous activities, including the world’s largest year-round ice environment, the Aurora Ice Museum.
While the resort makes for a fantastic day trip from town, the Chena Hot Springs is also a superb choice for basing your exploration of the region and offers luxury accommodation and amenities.
2. Tolovana Hot Springs (97.5 Miles)
While located only slightly further out of town than the Chena Hot Springs, the Tolovana Hot Springs are some of the most remote thermal pools near Fairbanks and require a 100-mile drive and a 10-mile hike to reach.
From the trailhead near milepost 93 of the Eliot Highway, visitors follow the ten-mile trail through the daring landscapes of Alaska’s interior before finally arriving at their destination, where they are rewarded with three man-made hot tubs overlooking some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding region.
The hot springs average between 125 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit from the source and features a natural flow through the pools for a clean and rejuvenating experience.
While the springs can be visited as a day trip, many visitors prefer to spend the night before returning to the trailhead. Luckily, the hot springs feature three nearby lodges, despite being an isolated setting.
Equipped with the basic necessities, the Tolovana Hot Springs is the perfect setting for enjoying a remote Alaskan retreat while soaking in the springs’ curative waters.
3. Hutlinana Hot Spring (130 Miles)
Another remote hot spring tucked away in the rugged terrains surrounding Fairbanks, the Hutlinana Hot Springs requires a slightly shorter 7-mile hike to reach but is again well worth the journey and one of the most rewarding geothermal attractions in the area.
Nestled along the Hutlinana River, the hot springs feature average water temperatures of 106 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring and the river are divided by only a thin rock wall, so be careful which side you are jumping into.
Unlike the Tolovana Hot Springs, the Hutlinana Hot Springs does not boast onsite amenities or lodging. Instead, visitors looking to spend the night have a selection of snow camping and primitive camping sites throughout the trail, which may not be as comfortable of an option.
4. Manley Hot Springs (156 Miles)
Despite being a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Fairbanks, the Manley Hot Springs are actually more accessible than both the Hutilana and Tolovana Hot Springs, as it doesn’t require a long and demanding hike to reach.
On top of that, the Manley Hot Springs is a much smaller complex than the extensive Chena Hot Springs resort and is one of the most popular examples of an authentic community hot spring in the state.
Established over a century ago in 1902, the Manley Hot Springs was once a popular resort with 45 guest rooms. But the extensive Complex has since burned down and has instead been replaced with the simple facility servicing the site today.
Operating out of a spring-fed greenhouse, visitors to the Manley Hot Springs can soak in one of three concrete mineral tubs fed directly from the natural spring source. Surrounded by vegetation, the pools offer a soothing soak in a historical setting.
While once a thriving mining community, Manley has since become a ghost town and houses a population of a mere 42 residents as of the 2020 census. As such, guests will find few services in town, with the only accommodation being found at the Manley Roadhouse.
5. Kilo Hot Spring (152.5 Miles)
Only accessible through a 40-mile hike or a private flight, the Kilo Hot Springs brings the remoteness of the Hutilana and Tolovana Hot Springs to a whole new level.
Nestled along the Kanuti Kilolitna River on the northern side of the Ray Mountains, the Kilo Hot Springs provides one of the most idyllically positioned thermal pools in the state and offers some breathtaking vistas to admire during your mineral soak at an elevation of 1,604 feet above sea level.
Spanning 211 feet, the Kilo Hot Springs is comprised of several mineral pools. While varying in temperature, most pools average around 122 degrees and boast high mineral concentrations renowned for their therapeutic properties, perfect for soothing well-worn muscles after the extended trek to reach the site.
Due to its extremely remote location, Kilo Hot Springs has no nearby amenities. Instead, visitors should pack all the camping equipment they may require during their trip. It is important to keep in mind that no camping is permitted within 100 feet of the springs.
6. Kanuti Hot Springs (290 Miles)
Tucked away deep in the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge, the Kanuti Hot Springs is another collection of remote hot springs near Fairbanks. However, unlike many of the other remote hot springs on this list, the Kanuti Hot Springs does not require a long hike to reach. Instead, they require visitors to engage in a 14-mile journey down the Kanuti River.
Surrounded by a thick forest and grass fields, the Kanuti Hot Springs consists of two pools that can reach elevated temperatures of 150 degrees. Luckily, the springs are found along the Kanuti River and allow the cooler water to flow through, providing a comfortable soaking experience.
There are no amenities in the region surrounding the hot springs. In fact, there aren’t even established campsites. Instead, visitors are left to their own devices to engage in dispersed camping, completing the overall off-grid experience that the remote springs provide.
Despite being one of the most demanding hot springs in the state, the Kanuti Hot Springs are some of the most adventurous attractions to visit and one of the most rewarding hot springs near Fairbanks, AK.
