Nylen Hot Springs
Nylen Hot Springs occupy protected National Forest land in Southeast Alaska at 1,664 feet elevation, where open public access combines with backcountry character. The remote location requires genuine hiking effort despite open access policies, filtering visitors to those capable of sustained wilderness travel.
Tongass National Forest surrounds these springs with temperate rainforest at 1,664 feet elevation, where annual precipitation reaches 83 inches and over 135 inches of snow accumulates despite temperatures averaging only 37 degrees Fahrenheit. The 8.4-mile approach from accessible trailheads winds through wet, vegetated terrain characteristic of Alaska's Southeast.
Nylen Hot Springs sit in the Tongass National Forest ecosystem protected under USFS management for extractive-use compatibility. The accessible trail system and remote cabin facility reflect efforts to balance preservation with recreation access, allowing visitors to explore this geothermal resource safely.
These springs require a substantial 8-mile hike from the nearest trailhead to Kook Lake Cabin, achievable in a full day for experienced hikers. Reserve the USFS cabin ahead when planning a visit. Summer months provide optimal hiking conditions in the temperate rainforest, though rain and occasionally snow occur year-round.
Is Nylen Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Backpacking adventures
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Day trips with young children
Overview Kook Lake Cabin sits on the west end of Kook Lake, approximately 45 miles northeast of Sitka, Alaska. The cabin is available May through November, weather permitting, and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. The cabin is remote and accessible by floatplane, weather permitting, 30 minutes from either Sitka or Juneau. The cabin can also be reached by a boat and hiking trip. The cabin is about an 8-mile hike from Corner Bay. Visitors are respons...