Serpentine Hot Springs in Alaska are one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, located on the Seward Peninsula in northwest Alaska. If you’re exploring the state more widely, it’s worth browsing our complete Alaska Hot Springs guide for an overview of all geothermal destinations across the region.
Hidden among the tundra and surrounded by striking granite spires known as tors, the springs create an otherworldly landscape that feels untouched by time. For centuries, this place has been known to the Inupiat people as a site of healing and spiritual power.
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What Should You Know Before Going Serpentine Hot Springs
Serpentine Hot Springs is not a resort or a managed facility but a remote natural site within the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Travelers who enjoy similarly untouched wilderness destinations often also visit Pilgrim Hot Springs, another remote geothermal area not far from Nome.
The water emerges at about 170 °F (77 °C) and cools to a pleasant soaking temperature inside a small public bathhouse built near the creek. The structure provides shelter from the Arctic wind and is maintained by the National Park Service, though there are no staff or amenities on-site.
Visitors must bring all supplies, including food, fuel, and sleeping gear. The area is completely wild — there are no shops, electricity, or cell service. The site is open for both day use and overnight stays, and camping is allowed nearby. Everyone is asked to respect the land, pack out all waste, and keep noise to a minimum so that the calm of this special place remains intact.
How to Get to Serpentine Hot Springs
Reaching Serpentine Hot Springs is part of the adventure. The springs lie deep within the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, about 100 miles north of Nome.
There are no roads leading to the site, so access is only possible by small aircraft or snowmachine, depending on the season. If you’re planning a broader trip from Fairbanks or northern Alaska, you can also look into nearby geothermal areas such as Tolovana Hot Springs.
In summer, visitors usually fly in by chartered bush plane from Nome, landing on a short gravel airstrip next to the springs. Flights take around 30 minutes and must be arranged in advance with local air services. In winter, access is possible by snowmachine or dog team, but only for those experienced with Arctic travel.
Because of the remote location, all supplies must be brought along, and visitors should prepare for rapidly changing weather. Even short flights can be delayed due to fog or strong winds, so it’s best to plan extra time in Nome before and after your visit.
Best Time to Visit Serpentine Hot Springs
Serpentine Hot Springs can be visited year-round, but the experience varies dramatically with the seasons. In summer, usually from June through early September, access by small aircraft is possible, and the tundra around the springs is alive with wildflowers and long daylight hours. This is the most popular and comfortable time to visit.
In winter, the area transforms into a silent, snow-covered landscape. Traveling here by snowmachine is an unforgettable adventure, but it requires careful planning and experience in Arctic conditions. The bathhouse remains open, though temperatures can drop far below freezing, making the warmth of the springs even more magical.
Spring and fall are considered the shoulder seasons, often marked by unpredictable weather, melting snow, and limited visibility, which can make travel difficult. For most visitors, summer offers the safest and most accessible experience.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs at Serpentine Hot Springs
Serpentine Hot Springs is part of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, and access is managed by the National Park Service. The site is open year-round and there is no entry fee. Visitors can enjoy the hot springs freely, and camping nearby is also allowed without charge.
There are no reservations or permits required for soaking or camping, but visitors are expected to follow federal guidelines and treat the area with care. Because the site is extremely remote, it is essential to plan ahead, bring all supplies, and be self-sufficient during your visit.
For the most current information about park access and any updates, visit the official National Park Service website.
Where to Stay Nearby Serpentine Hot Springs
At Serpentine Hot Springs, visitors can camp freely near the bathhouse or stay inside the small public bunkhouse cabin maintained by the National Park Service. The cabin is basic but cozy, with bunk beds, a wood stove, and a table, offering shelter from the Arctic weather. There is no fee or reservation system, and use works on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camping around the springs is also allowed, and most visitors set up tents near the creek or among the granite tors. You must bring your own food, sleeping gear, and firewood, and pack out everything you bring in.
The nearest town is Nome, about 100 miles away, which serves as the main travel hub for flights and supplies before visiting the springs. Nome offers a few small hotels and guesthouses.
Recommended Stays Nearby Serpentine Hot Springs
Noxapaga Suites
A modern and comfortable option in the heart of Nome. Noxapaga Suites offers spacious studio-style apartments equipped with a kitchen, washer and dryer, and reliable Wi-Fi, making it ideal for longer stays or travelers preparing for backcountry trips. The interiors are bright and tastefully furnished, balancing modern comfort with local character. Guests praise the cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and friendly hosts, which make this property one of the best-rated stays in Nome.
Raven’s Nest Studio Suite
A cozy, private stay perfect for couples or solo travelers who want peace and quiet before or after their visit to the hot springs. Raven’s Nest Studio Suite features a comfortable queen bed, kitchenette, private bathroom, and beautiful interior design that reflects the Alaskan spirit. Guests appreciate the attention to detail, quiet location, and excellent communication with the hosts. A great choice for a restful night in Nome with easy access to local attractions.
What to Do Nearby Serpentine Hot Springs
The main reason to visit Serpentine Hot Springs is to soak in the warm mineral pools and enjoy the peaceful wilderness that surrounds them. The area is perfect for those seeking solitude, silence, and connection with nature. Most visitors spend their time relaxing in the water, watching the mist rise over the tundra, and exploring the landscape dotted with the unique granite tors that make this place so striking.
There are also short hiking opportunities around the springs. You can walk across the open tundra, climb the nearby tors for panoramic views, or photograph the surreal rock formations glowing in the Arctic light. Wildlife sightings are common — caribou, foxes, and migratory birds are often seen in the area.
Before or after your visit, you can take some time to explore Nome, the gateway to the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. This small but lively town on the coast of the Bering Sea offers a mix of Alaskan history, gold rush heritage, and local culture. You can visit the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, walk along the beach scattered with driftwood and sea glass, or simply enjoy the quiet charm of this end-of-the-road community.
Other Springs Nearby Serpentine Hot Springs
If you’d like to visit more hot springs in western Alaska, don’t miss Chena Hot Springs Resort, a developed site near Fairbanks famous for its outdoor rock pools and reliable northern lights viewing in winter. It’s one of the most popular destinations in our list of best Alaska hot springs, offering a completely different experience compared to the wild character of Serpentine.