Let’s get this out of the way first: there are no natural hot springs near Anchorage. If you’re staying in the city and hoping for a short drive to a soaking spot, you’re out of luck. The nearest hot springs require a long road trip or a flight to remote areas.
Most of Alaska’s accessible hot springs are concentrated around the Fairbanks area, where geothermal activity is more prevalent — check our guide to hot springs near Fairbanks for those options.
That being said, there are a few hot springs in (very) long-distance driving range from Anchorage — we’re talking 8 to 10+ hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Southeast Alaska, where a few remote hot springs like Goddard or Baranof offer scenic, off-the-grid experiences.
If you’re ready to make the journey, here are the best hot springs worth the detour. Distances from Anchorage are in brackets.
Hot Springs Near Anchorage
1. Chena Hot Springs Resort (418.5 Miles)
Chena Hot Springs Resort isn’t exactly close to Anchorage — but at over seven hours by car, it’s the closest driveable hot spring from the city, located near Fairbanks, the second-largest city in Alaska.
While the distance may sound long, it’s important to remember that Alaska’s vast landscapes often come with extended travel times. For many visitors, the journey north becomes part of the adventure — especially if you’re planning to explore other attractions in Interior Alaska along the way.
The resort’s signature feature is Rock Lake, an outdoor soaking area reserved for adults (18+) and filled with natural, mineral-rich geothermal water. Unlike the indoor pools, which are treated with chlorine for sanitation, Rock Lake offers a completely natural soaking experience, with temperatures around 106°F year-round. For families and younger guests, the resort also offers a large indoor heated pool maintained at approximately 90°F.
If you’re staying overnight at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, hot springs access is included. Day visitors are also welcome: adult passes are $20, with discounts available for children (ages 6–17), seniors, and free entry for kids under five with a paying adult. The Pool House is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM.
Beyond the pools, Chena Hot Springs offers a full-service massage cabin, where you can book Swedish, deep tissue, or hot stone massages, as well as reflexology and aromatherapy sessions. These services are a perfect pairing with the natural geothermal waters for a deeply relaxing Alaskan getaway.
With its unique outdoor setting, year-round accessibility, and convenient lodging, Chena Hot Springs is by far the most popular and approachable hot spring experience closest to Anchorage — even if it requires a road trip to get there.
2. Tolovana Hot Springs, Tolovana River Valley (460 Miles)
The next closest hot spring to Anchorage is Tolovana Hot Springs, located around 460 miles away in the Tolovana River Valley. Unlike resort-style hot springs, Tolovana is a primitive and remote retreat, ideal for those seeking an off-the-grid soaking experience deep in the Alaskan wilderness.
Reaching the hot springs is an adventure in itself, as they are accessible only by trail. The most common route is the Tolovana Hot Springs Trail, a roughly 10-mile hike (each way) that traverses scenic ridgelines and valleys, offering stunning views of Alaska’s untouched landscapes. Hikers should be well-prepared, as the terrain can be challenging, especially in winter. For more details on the trail, check out the Tolovana Hot Springs Trail on AllTrails.
The accommodations here are rustic, with basic cabins that require advance reservations. Each cabin features a wood stove for heat, propane for cooking, and an outhouse, but guests must bring their own sleeping bags, food, and drinking water. While simple, these cabins offer direct access to natural outdoor mineral baths, which are available year-round.
Beyond soaking in the hot springs, visitors can take advantage of the remote location to enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife watching, and even water activities. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including moose, black bears, and porcupines, so keeping an eye out for local creatures adds to the adventure.
One of the biggest draws of Tolovana Hot Springs is its incredible stargazing and Northern Lights viewing. Thanks to its isolation from light pollution, this is one of the best places in Alaska to witness the Aurora Borealis, especially from August through April when the nights are darkest.
For those considering a visit, day-use access is available for $40 per person per day, but overnight stays require reservations. Prices vary depending on the season, and advance booking is highly recommended. For current rates and reservations, visit the official Tolovana Hot Springs website.
3. Manley Hot Springs Resort, Yukon-Koyukuk (513.4 Miles)
Located more than 500 miles and approximately 10 hours from Anchorage, Manley Hot Springs is one of the most remote yet accessible hot spring destinations in Alaska. Unlike many natural hot springs in the state, which require long hikes or flights to reach, Manley Hot Springs is accessible by road—though the journey itself is an adventure, especially in winter.
The hot springs are housed inside a greenhouse, providing a unique and tranquil soaking experience. Within this lush setting, visitors will find three rustic concrete tubs, surrounded by thriving tropical vegetation that flourishes in the warm, mineral-rich steam. This combination of hot spring relaxation and an indoor botanical retreat makes Manley Hot Springs one of the most distinctive geothermal bathing spots in Alaska.
Unlike other hot springs in the state, access to the greenhouse pools is by appointment only, ensuring a private and serene experience for visitors. The hot spring pool is open daily from 8:00 AM until midnight, and entry is just $5 per person, making it an affordable and relaxing stop for those venturing into Alaska’s rugged interior.
For those looking to stay overnight, Manley Hot Springs Resort offers three premium cabins, each featuring modern amenities and distinctive furnishings, blending rustic Alaskan charm with cozy comfort. Visitors can also explore the historic Manley Roadhouse, a local landmark dating back to 1903, where they can enjoy a meal and experience a slice of Alaskan frontier history.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick soak or staying overnight, Manley Hot Springs offers a secluded yet accessible escape, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat after a long drive through Alaska’s vast wilderness.
For more information or to plan your visit, check out the official Manley Hot Springs website or explore the town’s offerings on Travel Alaska.
4. Goddard Hot Springs, Sitka (596 Miles)
Nearly 600 miles from Anchorage, Goddard Hot Springs is a remote yet breathtakingly scenic natural hot spring located about 45 minutes south of Sitka. This hidden gem is only accessible by boat or floatplane, offering visitors a truly off-the-beaten-path Alaskan experience with stunning waterfront views and rolling hills as a backdrop.
Unlike many hot springs, Goddard Hot Springs is completely free to visit and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making it an ideal budget-friendly activity for travelers exploring Southeast Alaska. The site features two sheltered bathhouses, each housing stainless steel soaking tubs. The hot and cold natural spring water is mixed to create a comfortable soaking temperature, allowing for a relaxing experience in any season.
For those looking to extend their stay, several campsites are available in the surrounding meadows, offering a peaceful retreat in nature. Alternatively, visitors can book the Tom Young Memorial Cabin, located just across the bay for a more rustic overnight experience.
Whether you’re searching for a peaceful soak in nature, an adventure accessible only by air or sea, or a cost-effective way to unwind, Goddard Hot Springs is a must-visit spot in Alaska’s remote wilderness.
For more information, visit Alaska.org’s Goddard Hot Springs guide.
Hot Springs Near Anchorage – Final Thoughts
While there are no hot springs near Anchorage, those willing to travel will find a handful of unique geothermal pools scattered across Alaska. The closest option is a developed resort offering modern comforts, including spa treatments, heated indoor pools, and a naturally fed outdoor hot spring.
For a true wilderness escape, some hot springs require hours of hiking or even a flight into the backcountry, rewarding visitors with mineral-rich waters far from civilization. Some of these remote spots also offer a front-row seat to the northern lights during winter months.
If coastal scenery is more appealing, one of Alaska’s most picturesque hot springs sits right at the water’s edge, accessible only by boat or floatplane. Meanwhile, those looking for a budget-friendly yet charming soak can visit a rustic greenhouse-style spring, where warm waters and lush vegetation create a one-of-a-kind experience.
