Pilgrim Hot Springs
178°F
Source water (NOAA)
4WD road
Moderate access
Free
No fee reported
Pilgrim Hot Springs, also called Unaatuq, is a Native-owned geothermal site about 60 miles northeast of Nome on the Seward Peninsula, with natural pools and the ruins of an old orphanage. Visitors need a free day-pass permit and may enter between mid-June and late September, with a 7 mile gravel spur from the Kougarok Road. Overnight lodging and camping are limited to paying guests.
01 · Before you go
Plan your visit
What to expect on the ground: rules, facilities and when to go.
- Dogs allowed
- Camping nearbyOvernight camping and cabins only in designated areas for paying guests.
- Parking
- QuietDuring the summer season, June to September.
- Hours10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for day visitors in the 2026 season; closed Tuesdays
- Reservations required
- SeasonOpen to visitors from June 19 to September 27 in 2026, closed Tuesdays. Outside the season the site is closed to the public.
- Closed or out of reach in winterOpen to public June 19 to Sept 27 only. Winter guide
- Free to soakDay-pass permit is currently free (sponsored by Norton Sound Health Corporation). Overnight stays in designated areas are for paying guests.
Best time to go. During the summer season, June to September.
02 · Live
Conditions
Access status, weather and hazards. Closure feeds are checked automatically every morning.
Checked 22 Oct · updated daily
Checked Oct 2026: the operator lists the 2026 season as June 19 to September 27, so the site is closed for the winter now and the 2027 dates are not yet posted. No 2025 or 2026 road closure found; a road repair closure was announced in 2020 only.
Permit required for every visitor and check-in with the on-site caretaker. Land around the property is Mary's Igloo Native Corporation land, and boat access from the river needs permits from both Unaatuq and Mary's Igloo. Remote, with no cell service after leaving Nome. Dogs must be leashed and kept out of the pools. Pack out all trash. Gravel roads can be rough.
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03 · Route
Getting there
Nearest town: Nome.
- 1
From Nome follow Front Street to Beam Road, which becomes the Nome-Kougarok Road.
- 2
At about mile 53 turn onto the gravel spur marked Pilgrim Hot Springs, 7 miles.
- 3
The spur is rough and suited to four-wheel-drive vehicles.
- 4
Park at the gate and walk about 10 to 15 minutes to the pools.
65.0930, −164.9220 · nearest town Nome, AK
04 · Where to stay
Stay nearby
Start early and stay close. Places to stay near Nome, from campgrounds to cabins.
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Checked against 4 sources, with closures, wildfires and weather warnings re-checked daily.Show sourcesShare your photosSuggest an update
- pilgrimhotsprings.com (season, hours, permit, rules)
- pilgrimhotsprings.com (directions, contact, camping)
- beringstraits.com (ownership, management, land access)
- hotspringsguides.com (general guide)
