Fairbanks North Star Borough County, Alaska·Near Salcha
65.0530°N, 146.0570°W
· 1,150 ft
153°F1,150 ftRoadsideCamping nearby (23.1 mi)
Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution
At 153°F, the source water at Chena Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
File:Auroras and Friends - Flickr - brady193.jpg — cc by 2.0
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.
History of Chena Hot Springs
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
Chena Hot Springs is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and easy day trips.
Monthly Climate
-3°Jan
3°Feb
10°Mar
29°Apr
46°May
58°Jun
60°Jul
54°Aug
43°Sep
24°Oct
5°Nov
0°Dec
Annual Precip: 18.6 inAnnual Snow: 40.2 in
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryAir -3°F · Water 153°F · +156° contrast
DecemberAir 0°F · Water 153°F · +153° contrast
FebruaryAir 3°F · Water 153°F · +150° contrast
January offers 63°F more contrast than July
USGS Field Measurements
Recent Temperature
149.0°F
(65.0°C)Measured Aug 05, 1915
Water ChemistrySampled 1958-07-06
The water at Chena Hot Springs is slightly alkaline (pH 8.1) with 388 mg/L total dissolved solids.
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...
USGS Quad: CIRCLE (A-5) 15 · PP 492: 18.0 · Circ 790: 14.0 · NOAA: 1.0 · AMS Map: CIRCLE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Chena Hot Springs?
Chena Hot Springs has a water temperature of 153°F (67°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Chena Hot Springs located?
Chena Hot Springs is located in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska at 1,150 feet elevation, near Salcha. Coordinates: 65.0530°N, 146.0570°W.
How do I get to Chena Hot Springs?
Chena Hot Springs has Roadside road access (0 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Chena Hot Springs?
Yes, Cripple Creek Campground is located nearby (23.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Chena Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 8.1 (slightly alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 388 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Chena Hot Springs?
The water at Chena Hot Springs reaches 153°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Chena Hot Springs crowded?
Chena Hot Springs is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Chena Hot Springs?
Essentials for Chena Hot Springs: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.
