Tolovana Hot Springs, LTD
Fairbanks, AK
Remote backcountry hot springs accessible by trail or air; rustic cabins available
With a population of over 733,391 and iconic cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Alaska is far more than a cultural powerhouse — it is one of the premier hot springs destinations in the United States. Geothermal energy simmers beneath the surface across wide stretches of the state, feeding dozens of natural soaking pools that draw visitors year-round. Whether you are road-tripping through remote desert terrain or winding along mountain passes, the chance to slip into steaming mineral water is never far away.
Alaska holds a notable place in the story of American hot springs. Alaska sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has over 100 known hot springs, many in remote wilderness areas accessible only by bush plane or extended hikes. Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks is the most developed, operating year-round with geothermal-powered facilities. Manley Hot Springs, Tenakee Springs, and Pilgrim Hot Springs are other iconic destinations steeped in indigenous and Gold Rush-era history. From early Indigenous use to 19th-century health tourism and the modern outdoor recreation boom, soaking culture here has evolved while retaining its core appeal: the simple pleasure of warm mineral water in a beautiful setting. With Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau as convenient launch points, getting to a spring in Alaska is easier than you might think.
Fairbanks, AK
Remote backcountry hot springs accessible by trail or air; rustic cabins available
Sitka, AK
USFS-maintained hot springs cabin on Chichagof Island, accessible by boat or floatplane
Fairbanks, AK
Year-round resort with natural hot springs, aurora viewing, ice museum, and geothermal energy tours
Tenakee Springs, AK
Community bathhouse in small Alaskan village accessible only by ferry or floatplane
Manley Hot Springs, AK
Historic hot springs in remote Alaska village with natural soaking pools
Safety should always come first when visiting hot springs in Alaska. Test water temperature before entering — some springs exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit at the source and can cause severe burns. Never submerge your head in geothermal water, as harmful microorganisms can thrive in warm environments. Stay on established trails when hiking to remote springs, carry a first-aid kit, and let someone know your plans. If you are visiting a developed resort, staff will guide you, but at primitive springs you are responsible for your own well-being. Cell service is often unreliable near backcountry springs, so download maps and directions ahead of time.
Many Alaskan hot springs are on state or federal land managed by BLM, USFS, or the National Park Service. Wilderness springs require Leave No Trace practices and may need backcountry permits. Water temperatures can exceed 150 degrees F at the source — always test before entering. Bears are common near remote springs; bear-safe food storage is mandatory in many areas.
Explore hundreds of natural hot springs and thermal resorts nationwide.