Hot springs in Alaska in winter

Soaking in winter

Winter is the best time of year for most hot springs. The water feels hotter, the steam comes off the pools and the crowds thin out after the holidays. The catch is getting there. Forest roads close or go unplowed from November, trailheads disappear under snow, and a spring that was a five minute walk in September can be a long ski in January.

Every spring on this page has a winter note from its official source or recent trip reports. Resorts and town pools keep running all season, though many change their hours, so check their website before you drive. For wild springs, carry chains, tell someone where you are going, and check the spring page on the day. Our daily check flags Forest Service closures and National Weather Service winter storm warnings.

Open all winter (2)

Resorts, town pools and roadside springs on plowed roads. Most are open daily; a few close on holidays or midweek.

1. Chena Hot Springs Resort

   Paved road, open year-round; Interior Alaska winter driving.

2. Manley Hot Springs Resort

   Elliott Highway maintained year-round; ice and snow.

Worth the extra effort (6)

Reachable in winter, but with a gated road, a snowy trail, a 4WD requirement or a boat. Plan ahead and turn back if conditions are bad.

1. Baranof Warm Springs

   Boat access only; pools open year-round, winter transport limited.

2. Hutlinana Hot Springs

   Best in winter by ski or snowmachine; 7 miles.

3. Selawik Hot Springs

   Reachable only with snow cover, by snowmachine.

4. Serpentine Hot Springs

   Open year-round; fly in or snowmachine in winter.

5. Tenakee Hot Springs

   Ferry or floatplane only; reduced winter service.

6. Tolovana Hot Springs

   Best in winter on packed trail; ski or snowmachine.

Snowed in until spring (1)

These springs are closed or out of reach in a normal winter, usually because the road or trail is buried. They are not on the map above. Check back from late spring.

1. Pilgrim Hot Springs

   Open to public June 19 to Sept 27 only.