Surprise Lake Hot Spring

Dillingham Census Area County, Alaska · Near Dillingham
56.9280°N, 158.1200°W · 1,075 ft
54°F air · Good soaking weather 1,075 ft Open Backcountry National Park Service

Surprise Lake Hot Spring is inside Aniakchak National Monument, on Park Service ground, Dillingham Census Area, with Dillingham itself about 150 miles distant. the access on record says open. The water was sampled in July 1976 and carries iron in the mix, but no temperature was taken, so the record gives no answer on soaking. Nobody logged a pH either; the sample covered dissolved solids and minerals.

Sixteen miles to the nearest road. National monument backcountry with no named trail in the record. Elevation is low, and the climate is wet and snowy, with over 160 inches of snow in a season and an average temperature a little above freezing. No campground is attached, and no fee.

Summer, with no best-month data to narrow it further. Expect to be on your own entirely; the file lists no cabin and no fee. Monument rules apply, so check with the National Park Service about permits. The 1976 chemistry is the only water data, and it says nothing about heat.

Monthly Climate
22°
Jan
26°
Feb
24°
Mar
31°
Apr
39°
May
47°
Jun
52°
Jul
52°
Aug
46°
Sep
38°
Oct
30°
Nov
25°
Dec
Annual Precip: 53.8 in Annual Snow: 164.3 in
Current Conditions
54°F
Light Rain NE 58.0 mph Good soaking weather
Sunday 57° Low 46° Light Rain 100% precip
Labor Day 53° Low 45° Chance Light Rain 33% precip
Tuesday 55° Low 45° Chance Light Rain then Rain Showers Likely 59% precip
Wednesday 53° Low 41° Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers 54% precip
Thursday 57° Low 41° Chance Rain Showers 51% precip
Water Chemistry Sampled 1976-07-25

The water at Surprise Lake Hot Spring contains 548 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief) and iron (iron-rich springs may support circulation).

Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 45 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 31 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 99 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 23 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 86 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 13000 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Temperature
No data recorded
Avg Air Temp 36°F
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Distance to Road 16.3 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency National Park Service
Designation National Monument
Unit Aniakchak National Monument
Manager National Park Service
Protection 1 - Permanent protection, natural state
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Surprise Lake Hot Spring located?
Surprise Lake Hot Spring is located in Dillingham Census Area, Alaska at 1,075 feet elevation, near Dillingham. Coordinates: 56.9280°N, 158.1200°W.
How do I get to Surprise Lake Hot Spring?
Surprise Lake Hot Spring has Backcountry road access (16.3 mi from the road).
Is Surprise Lake Hot Spring free to visit?
Surprise Lake Hot Spring has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
What minerals are in the water at Surprise Lake Hot Spring?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. Total dissolved solids measure 548 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS