White Sulphur Springs (Hooniah H S)
White Sulphur Springs, also known as Hooniah Hot Springs, flows at 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) at just 15 feet elevation on Bertha Bay's northern shore on Chichagof Island. This spring offers one of Southeast Alaska's most developed and accessible hot spring experiences with a dedicated USGS cabin located 0.2 kilometers away.
The setting encompasses the northern shore of Bertha Bay on Chichagof Island within the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness Area. The landscape features dense coastal rainforest, dramatic mountains, and the wild Pacific coast. Average annual temperature stands at 44.3 degrees Fahrenheit with substantial precipitation of 113.2 inches and snow of 170.2 inches yearly. The thermal water emerges from mineral-rich sources (TDS 276 mg/L, sulfate 35 mg/L) into this pristine, weather-exposed coastal wilderness.
The spring flows at sea level where geological processes drive thermal activity in the Tongass region. Its relatively low sulfate content (35 mg/L) and modest TDS (276 mg/L) suggest recent surface circulation. The spring has been used by local communities and visitors for generations, earning the dual name Hooniah (the local Tlingit name). The U.S. Forest Service protects the site within Tongass National Forest under protections allowing extractive use.
Access requires boat travel from Sitka (approximately 65 miles) to Bertha Bay, weather permitting. The White Sulphur Springs Cabin provides base accommodations and is available for reservation. The spring lies 4.1 miles from the nearest road via boat access or hike. Summer and early fall offer best visiting conditions when weather is most stable. Visitors must be prepared for remote wilderness conditions and challenging travel. The cabin requires advance planning and reservation.
Is White Sulphur Springs (Hooniah H S) worth visiting?
Best for
- Overnight camping trips
The water at White Sulphur Springs (Hooniah H S) contains 276 mg/L total dissolved solids.
Overview White Sulphur Springs Cabin is located on the northern shore of Bertha Bay, 65 miles northwest of Sitka, Alaska, on Chichagof Island within the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness Area. The cabin makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. This is a remote site in a designated Wilderness area. The cabin can be accessed by boat only, weather permitting. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own ameni...