Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs flow at 153 degrees Fahrenheit from the Yukon-Tanana Plateau near Salcha in Interior Alaska, achieving a remarkable 125.4-degree temperature differential above the continental climate where average annual temperatures plunge to just 27.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The roadside location at 1,150 feet elevation provides accessible geothermal viewing in a subarctic landscape.
The springs emerge from plateau terrain where continental climate extremes dominate, with annual snowfall of 40.2 inches and minimal precipitation of just 18.6 inches. Steam rises spectacularly from the springs into winter air that regularly drops below minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, creating dramatic visual contrast between thermal water and frigid surroundings. The landscape of the Yukon-Tanana Plateau stretches away with white spruce forest defining the environment.
The springs formed through geothermal circulation in the Yukon-Tanana Plateau basement rocks, part of Alaska's Interior geothermal system. The springs consist of several hot soaking pools and have supported recreational development including indoor facilities powered by geothermal energy, demonstrating both natural and engineered use of the thermal resource.
Roadside access from the highway makes these springs exceptionally convenient to reach, located just 50 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The onsite facilities include day-use areas and lodging options. Year-round access is possible, though winter travel to Interior Alaska demands preparation for extreme cold and seasonal daylight limitation.
Is Chena Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
- Winter soaking with dramatic temperature contrast
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
The water at Chena Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.1) with 388 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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Located at milepost 60 of the Steese Highway, Cripple Creek Campground has 12 first come first served universal design campsites, as well as 6 walk-in campsites. The campground also has a riverside day use area with fishing access along the Chatanika River. Winding through tall white spruce trees along the river between the day use area and the campground is a short interpretive trail for visitors. A class I-II float trip to the Upper Chatanika State Recreation Site at milepost 39 is approx...