Hot springs in Alaska
The state of Alaska is home to nearly eighty hot springs, with the highest concentration located along the line of volcanoes on the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian island chain. Another hot spring area can be found in the southeastern part of the state, while other hot springs are scattered throughout the rest of the state. Many of the springs are in their natural state, but in the southeast, many springs have been transformed for ease of use. Areas vary in quality, from wooden changing rooms to luxury complexes.
Hot springs located in Southeast Alaska include:
Baranof hot springs: Located east of Sitka on Baranof Island in Warm Springs Bay. The springs are located next to an impressive 30-meter waterfall and surrounded by glacier-fed lakes, rivers and streams. There are nine springs with varying temperatures of up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The area is accessible by yacht charter and wooden walkways that connect the mountainside to the village of Baranof.
Chief Shakes Hot Springs: Found in the Ketili River. Often accessed by canoe or kayak from the Hot Springs Slough Route, these springs consist of two hot tubs. A tub is under the trees and has a wooden deck and a changing area. The other is enclosed in an armored structure with a changing room. Nearby is a campfire, a picnic table, and a latrine.
Goddard hot springs: Located in Hot Springs Bay on Baranof Island. This ancient spring is known for its healing properties. With homes in place since the mid-19th century, the city of Sitka currently maintains two elegant cedar bathhouses. Above the hot tubs there are shelters that offer hot water from the springs and cold water. The area is accessible by yacht charter and includes tours and facilities.
Shelokum hot springs: Located on the Cleveland Peninsula. The hot springs can be reached via a 2.2-mile trail that leads from Bailey Bay to Lake Shelokum. The only shelter is a three-sided structure. The springs have not been disturbed and are home to algae plants.
Trocadero Soda Springs: Located on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island, near Craig. This is a carbonated spring, bubbling and hissing. The area surrounding the spring has a unique landscape of craters and mounds with colors that change from pale yellow to brick red. Accessible only by boat, the hike to the springs is good for bear watching, but be very careful. The water is said to have “a strong and pleasant taste” and is odorless.
White sulfur hot springs: Located in the West Chichagof-Yakobi desert. Accessible by yacht charter from Mirror Harbor, the springs are only a 0.8 mile walk from the water. Originally called Hoonah Warm Springs, the springs were renamed after a dentist. The bathhouse has a fiberglass screen that allows visitors to enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean while enjoying the hot water bath.