Hot Springs On Great Sitkin Island
Great Sitkin Island's hot springs occupy upper volcanic slopes at 2,514 feet within Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, where the US Fish and Wildlife Service maintains permanent protection and restricts public access. These springs exist in pristine habitat 20.3 miles from any road in extreme backcountry.
The springs sit on the upper mountainous terrain of an active volcano, surrounded by tundra and volcanic features. Water emerges hot against a landscape of sparse vegetation and exposed rock, with views across the Aleutian archipelago. The setting is dramatically isolated, with harsh coastal weather creating a landscape of raw geological power and complete remoteness.
Great Sitkin is an active stratovolcano with a history of eruptions, most recently in 1974. The hot springs result from ongoing geothermal activity within the volcanic system. The island lies within the Aleutian volcanic arc, a region of intense crustal activity where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath North America.
Access is restricted and requires special permits from US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect critical habitat. Only authorized research expeditions may visit. The extreme location (32.7 km from roads) demands expert mountaineering and maritime skills. Winter conditions are severe (79.3 inches annual snow). Do not attempt without official permission.
Is Hot Springs On Great Sitkin Island worth visiting?
Best for
- Backpacking adventures
Not ideal for
- Day trips with young children