Alaska is dotted with hot springs and soaking the icy chill off in hot water is an Alaskan pastime from time immemorial, long before Westerners arrived. Many are conveniently located for the traveler, but the easy-to-reach spots can be overcrowded and not quite the relaxing escape most people crave when visiting hot springs in Alaska. To truly get away from it all, including the crowd, you have to go farther into the Alaskan wilderness and that often requires hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter. For those who want to earn their soak, these trails to remote and interesting hot springs provide a rewarding experience.
You may need to climb a hill, fight through the branches, or slog through a muddy spot, but when you get to soak your tired muscles in a hot pool of pure mineral water in a beautiful Alaskan hideaway, with just a few others around, all the trouble is worth it. These Alaska hot springs spots are the hot watering holes that locals have been sneaking off to for hundreds of years since a hot soak in cold weather never goes out of style. So get a crew and plan a nice long weekend to spend conquering the wild on some of the best hiking trails in Alaska that lead to hot springs.
Our list of the best, most remote hot springs in Alaska starts at Tolovana Hot Springs. There are several trails to Tolovana, the most common being a 10.1-mile trek from milepost 83 on the Eliot Highway, about 100 miles north of Fairbanks. Although beautiful in summer, hiking or mountain biking can be boggy, buggy and grueling. Go in the autumn, after the ground freezes and the bugs are gone, or early winter when there is enough snow to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or dog mush the trail. You will find yourself at an idyllic little hot springs with two cabins, available for rent year-round through their website. The springs are low in sulfur and have about the same salinity as sea water, making the soak free from the rotten egg smell of many natural hot springs. Learn more about planning your epic trip to Tolovana Hot Springs.
From the nearby town of Sitka, you can traverse the 16 miles of the Baranof Cross-Island Trail to reach the springs. The treacherous nature of the rocky hike can make it take up to 3 days, but there is a beautiful alpine meadow that's perfect for camping half way. The warm springs consist of 9 pools scattered near the icy torrent that spills from Baranof Lake into the Harbor. The main pools are near the shore, but a little higher up are the hidden pools the locals prefer.
Shelokum is 90 miles north of Ketchikan in the Tongass National Forest. A scenic 2.2-mile trail begins at Bailey Bay and arrives at the pools. The hot springs are completely undisturbed, undeveloped and au naturale, featuring a healthy population of unique algal plant life. A three sided cabin stands at the site for a rustic bathhouse or temporary shelter. Learn more about the magical Shelokum Hot Springs in Alaska.
Located along the Serpentine River, this hot springs is in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. From Nome, you'll drive 86 miles to the edge of the preserve and begin the hike. Across the 30 miles of open tundra, you will see incredible views of the treeless landscape. In the summer, it's a 2-3 day hike (bring your GPS tracker and extra batteries!) and in winter, a snow machine ride through arctic conditions. The hot springs has a bunkhouse and a bathhouse and gets up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Also called Iyak which means "cooking pot" in Inupiaq, the springs were touted for their healing properties long before the first Westerner staked a claim at the springs in 1900. Learn more about planning your visit to Serpentine Hot Springs by visiting the National Park Service website.
The Pilgrim Hot Springs are known as the "Shangri-la of the North." First a mining boom town then a Catholic Mission and Orphanage left many historic buildings in the area. People have long used the heat from the springs to warm houses with plumbing that won't freeze in the harsh winter and greenhouses for food gardens. There is an 8 mile gravel road from the Nome-Taylor highway, very rough and hard on vehicles, but a pleasant hike. The springs are a scorching 178 degrees, but visitors find the pools divine in the Arctic air. Before planning your visit, be sure to visit the official Pilgrim Hot Springs website.
Near Wrangell, this hot springs is a favorite spot of locals. Take a boat from town along the river to the start of Chief Shakes Slough. A short hike leads to open air and red wood hot tub. A perfect day trip when in the area. Learn more about the beautiful Chief Hot Springs.
About 12 miles West of the Dalton Highway, this hot springs is truly remote. There are no trails and the thick underbrush makes hiking a challenge, but for a real Alaskan adventure, it doesn't get much better. Most float the Kanuti River from the Dalton Highway crossing in a pack raft, enjoy the springs, and hike back over Caribou Mountain. This one is only for those with backcountry experience and excellent gear, but the 150 degree hot springs and the cool river nearby make for an unforgettable hot springs adventure. Learn more about accessing Kanuti Hot Springs.
The picturesque Prince of Wales Island is a beautiful spot to explore. The springs are about 12 miles from the town of Craig. Take a boat to the trailhead and walk up a nameless creek that spills the bay. Bears frequent this area, so be careful as you pick your way up the slick mile long hike to the springs. The pools are constantly bubbling with mineral water from the Earth at a rate of 7 gallons an hour. The sparkling, warm pools are refreshing, clear and highly carbonated for a natural hot tub you'll never forget. Learn more about planning your trip to one of the most beautiful, remote hot springs in Alaska.
Melozi, or Melozitna Hot Springs, was developed with a nice lodge and was in operation until the 1980s. Now abandoned, the lodge and beautiful pool are still accessible by the super adventurous. Ski or snow machine the 30 miles from the Yukon River at the abandoned village of Kokrines. Only recommended for the super-prepared and hearty, this trip is a dream for those who want a classic Alaskan hot springs tub to themselves.
Located in the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness area, 65 miles northwest of Sitka. Once you arrive by float plane and travel to the trailhead by boat, there is a 1 mile, year round accessible hike up to the springs. Bath houses have been built and rebuilt here for over 100 years. Enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean as you soak your cares away at this remote and beautiful hot springs. Learn more about visiting White Sulphur Hot Springs.
Have you been to any of these amazing natural springs in Alaska? If so, be sure to tell us all about your cold-weather adventures in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
For even more thrilling winter adventures, check out our list of the best winter hikes in Alaska. Just make sure to check the trail conditions and weather first, we want everyone to stay safe on their excursions!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
hot springs in Alaska
Beth C. |December 13, 2021
What is the best winter hike in Alaska?
One of the best winter hikes in Alaska would be the Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood. The trailhead is just 40 minutes from Anchorage and is enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike. Winner Creek Trail is 6.4 miles long. You'll want to take the trailhead from Crow Creek Road. As you embark on your adventure, you'll appreciate the fact that the trail is wide enough for both hikers and snowshoers to enjoy.
What is the snowiest town in Alaska?
The snowiest town in Alaska is Valdez. This small town receives an average of 300 inches of snow per year! Valdez is situated on a fjord in the Prince William Sound. Because the town is located near the base of the Chugach Mountains, it's in a prime location to receive tons of snow. As you can imagine, such heavy snowfall nearly slows life down to a complete halt during the winter. And while some choose to head elsewhere for a milder winter, many flock to Valdez for the once-in-a-lifetime skiing opportunities. Those looking for a truly epic ski or snowboard adventure have been known to helicopter up to the mountain passes.
