Hot Springs On Lower Ray River
Lower Ray River Hot Springs occupy BLM public land just 12.3 miles from the Dalton Highway at 630 feet elevation, making them relatively accessible by Alaska standards. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management with open public access, these springs offer a backcountry experience from a main highway corridor.
The springs emerge along the Lower Ray River in boreal forest mixed with tundra elements typical of the central Alaska interior. Water flows through a landscape of river valley terrain between ridges, with vegetation reflecting the subarctic climate. The Dalton Highway's proximity shapes the visitor experience, providing highway access followed by backcountry bushwhacking to reach the thermal features.
The Lower Ray River flows through territory historically used by indigenous peoples and later exploited during Alaska's gold-mining era. The geothermal activity here derives from broader geothermal zones in central Alaska. The Dalton Highway's construction in the 1970s made the region increasingly accessible to modern visitors while maintaining remote character.
Access is via the Dalton Highway; park at a designated pullout and bushwhack to the springs (approximately 12.3 km). Five Mile Campground lies 21 miles north, offering 7 campsites with vault toilets and potable water. Visit spring through fall; winter conditions are severe. Bring detailed maps and navigation gear for off-trail travel.
Is Hot Springs On Lower Ray River worth visiting?
Best for
- Backpacking adventures
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Day trips with young children
Five Mile Campground is located approximately 4 miles north of the Yukon River crossing, at Dalton Highway milepost 60. Newly improved in 2022, it offers a vault toilet, potable water in an artesian well, the only RV dump station along the Dalton Highway, and 7 gravel campsites each with a picnic table and fire ring. A campground host may be present from late May to early September. July 5, 2023: The RV dump station is not available for use at this time due to unforeseen damage. Repairs ar...