Goddard Hot Springs
Goddard Hot Springs flows at 153 degrees Fahrenheit from just 60 feet elevation on Baranof Island south of Sitka, maintaining a remarkable 109-degree temperature differential in the temperate rainforest environment.
The springs emerge within lush Sitka spruce forests receiving 101 inches of annual rainfall, creating misty thermal pools surrounded by moss-covered rocks and rushing streams in one of Southeast Alaska's wettest ecosystems.
Reservable cabins at Kanga Bay (5 kilometers away) provide a weather-permitting base for visits via floatplane or boat from Sitka. Plan for intense maritime weather and bring waterproof gear year-round.
Named for Captain George Goddard, the springs reflect deep circulation through Mesozoic metamorphic rocks along the Alexander Terrane, with thermal anomalies suggesting active hydrothermal convection in fault-controlled systems.
The water at Goddard Hot Springs is neutral (pH 7.2) with 4880 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration).
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Overview Kanga Bay Cabin overlooks a secluded cove off Redoubt Bay on Baranof Island, and was built in 1998 by local volunteers. It's available year round, weather permitting, and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. The site is remote. It can only be accessed by floatplane or boat. It's 10-minute plane ride or a 40-minute boat ride from Sitka. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own a...
Goddard Hot Springs requires a hike to reach, so pack light but prepared. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.
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