Some enjoy high-end resorts and spas where their every whim is catered to. But in Interior Alaska, there lies a totally different kind of weekend escape spot: Tolovana Hot Springs is a magical place, actually in the middle of nowhere. The journey through the interior Alaska wilderness is part of the experience, and as the miles tick away, you will leave your worries along the trail.
When you arrive at the simple accommodations and slip into the rich, mineral waters, you won’t be able to remember anything about the rest of your life or the problems therein. This adventure is a true Alaskan experience, and everyone finds it hard to leave this peaceful oasis (and the luxurious hot tub). Head to Tolovana Hot Springs, the hot tub hideaway of your dreams, ASAP! It can be found 45 air miles northwest of Fairbanks, on Tolovana Hot Springs Dome. Find a map here!
Tolovana Hot Springs is the picture of simplicity with the entire facility consisting of three cabins to accommodate various sizes of groups, three hot tubs, and a cold spring for fresh drinking water.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
You can access the springs by hiking the 10-mile trail any time of year. The trails are widely used and gently glide up and down the rolling hills. If you prefer, there is an air strip for small plane access.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
The springs seep along the south facing side of Tolovana Hot Springs Dome, about 600 feet above the floor of the Tolovana River Valley. The tubs are located in the perfect spots for accessing the hot, natural waters.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
Once you have arrived at the springs and settled into your cabin, you can enjoy rafting on the Tolovana River, skiing and hiking in the surrounding area, bird watching, and of course, lots of soaking.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
Spring is the ideal time for the journey and reservations are much coveted. You can ski, snow machine, snow shoe or dog mush to the cabins for a true Alaskan adventure. There are longer, 26-and-50-mile trails if you crave even more intensity.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
Fall is a picturesque time as the tundra along the hillsides lights up in red, orange and gold. August and September are wonderful months to visit the hot springs, although the trails can be muddy.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
Unlike most Alaskan hot springs, the waters here are low in sulphates, so they smell fresh. The hot springs come out of the ground with a temperature of 125-145 degrees Fahrenheit. The waters are naturally saline, absolutely perfect for soaking.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
Each tub is tucked in a different secluded spot so even if all the cabins are occupied, you can hide out with your friends and enjoy a peaceful soak in the middle of nowhere.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
This pristine environment is maintained by everyone who visits. You must bring everything you need as far as food and sleeping bags, and haul out all your trash to keep this perfect place a serene escape for everyone.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
Although the journey can be harder in the winter, there is nothing like a hot springs soak beneath the aurora before snuggling into bed next to a crackling woodstove. You’ll love a visit to Tolovana Hot Spring any time of year.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
If you like this article, try this article: These 10 Trails Lead To The Most Secluded Hot Springs In Alaska. You also might enjoy this article: This Beautiful Trail in Alaska Leads You Right To A Gorgeous Hot Spring.
Tolovana Hot Springs Official Website
Have you been to Tolovana Hot Springs? Tell us about the adventure in the comments – we love to hear all about your travels!
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Address: Tolovana Hot Springs, Alaska, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hot Springs in Alaska January 27, 2022 Tori Jane What is the best hot springs resort in Alaska? Alaska is home to many lovely hot springs; several of them have been developed greatly, with many having entire resorts pop up around them. There are more than one, but there’s also a short list of resorts that tend to come up again and again when people are discussing the “best ofs”. One such amazing place is the unforgettable Chena Hot Springs Resort, which is easily one of the best of its kind in the nation. It’s an amazing place year-round, but winter is our favorite time to visit. There’s just something so amazingly refreshing about soaking in a natural hot spring with a literal paradise built all around you as the chilly air meets your skin and the occasional snowflake falls. Another excellent, best-of-hot springs in Alaska is the springs you just read about, Tolovana Springs. In Juneau, you can find Pearson’s Pond Luxury Suites, and Manley Lodge is built up around Manley Hot Springs and is also well worth a visit (or ten). Alaska is an excellent destination for hot springs lovers! Where are the best natural hot springs in Alaska? Let’s be real here: the term “best” tends to be pretty subjective, but it is true that some hot springs draw in more crowds than others, and one could argue that that’s what makes one the “best” as opposed to another. So, in that case, the most popular hot springs might qualify as the “best”, but many more would still argue that it’s the off-the-beaten-path ones that are really the “best”. That being said, some of our picks for the best natural hot springs in Alaska include all the ones you can hike to! Some of the best gems are Baranof Warm Springs (not hot – warm), Shelokum Hot Springs, Pilgrim Hot Springs, and Chief Hot Springs. For more information on any of those (and a few more), check this article out!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hot Springs in Alaska
January 27, 2022
Tori Jane
What is the best hot springs resort in Alaska? Alaska is home to many lovely hot springs; several of them have been developed greatly, with many having entire resorts pop up around them. There are more than one, but there’s also a short list of resorts that tend to come up again and again when people are discussing the “best ofs”. One such amazing place is the unforgettable Chena Hot Springs Resort, which is easily one of the best of its kind in the nation. It’s an amazing place year-round, but winter is our favorite time to visit. There’s just something so amazingly refreshing about soaking in a natural hot spring with a literal paradise built all around you as the chilly air meets your skin and the occasional snowflake falls. Another excellent, best-of-hot springs in Alaska is the springs you just read about, Tolovana Springs. In Juneau, you can find Pearson’s Pond Luxury Suites, and Manley Lodge is built up around Manley Hot Springs and is also well worth a visit (or ten). Alaska is an excellent destination for hot springs lovers! Where are the best natural hot springs in Alaska? Let’s be real here: the term “best” tends to be pretty subjective, but it is true that some hot springs draw in more crowds than others, and one could argue that that’s what makes one the “best” as opposed to another. So, in that case, the most popular hot springs might qualify as the “best”, but many more would still argue that it’s the off-the-beaten-path ones that are really the “best”. That being said, some of our picks for the best natural hot springs in Alaska include all the ones you can hike to! Some of the best gems are Baranof Warm Springs (not hot – warm), Shelokum Hot Springs, Pilgrim Hot Springs, and Chief Hot Springs. For more information on any of those (and a few more), check this article out!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Alaska is home to many lovely hot springs; several of them have been developed greatly, with many having entire resorts pop up around them. There are more than one, but there’s also a short list of resorts that tend to come up again and again when people are discussing the “best ofs”. One such amazing place is the unforgettable Chena Hot Springs Resort, which is easily one of the best of its kind in the nation. It’s an amazing place year-round, but winter is our favorite time to visit. There’s just something so amazingly refreshing about soaking in a natural hot spring with a literal paradise built all around you as the chilly air meets your skin and the occasional snowflake falls. Another excellent, best-of-hot springs in Alaska is the springs you just read about, Tolovana Springs. In Juneau, you can find Pearson’s Pond Luxury Suites, and Manley Lodge is built up around Manley Hot Springs and is also well worth a visit (or ten). Alaska is an excellent destination for hot springs lovers!
Where are the best natural hot springs in Alaska?
Let’s be real here: the term “best” tends to be pretty subjective, but it is true that some hot springs draw in more crowds than others, and one could argue that that’s what makes one the “best” as opposed to another. So, in that case, the most popular hot springs might qualify as the “best”, but many more would still argue that it’s the off-the-beaten-path ones that are really the “best”. That being said, some of our picks for the best natural hot springs in Alaska include all the ones you can hike to! Some of the best gems are Baranof Warm Springs (not hot – warm), Shelokum Hot Springs, Pilgrim Hot Springs, and Chief Hot Springs. For more information on any of those (and a few more), check this article out!
