Natural hot spring · Alaska
Chena Hot Springs
Fairbanks North Star County, Alaska · 43 miles northeast of North Pole, AK
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 153°F (67°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- North Pole, AK (43 mi / 70 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
About Chena Hot Springs
Editor's note. Chena Hot Springs Resort is about 60 miles east of Fairbanks at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road. Winter visitors come for the outdoor rock lake and the chance to see the northern lights. The resort also runs its own geothermal power plant and an ice museum.
Chena Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Fairbanks North Star County, Alaska, about 43 miles northeast of North Pole, AK. The nearest large city is Fairbanks, AK, roughly 51 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 153°F (67°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Chena Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 65.05300, -146.05700.
Getting there
- Nearest town: North Pole, AK. The spring is about 43 miles (70 km) northeast of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Fairbanks, AK, about 51 miles (82 km) in a straight line.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near Chena Hot Springs
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Chena Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 153°F (67°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Chena Hot Springs?
Chena Hot Springs is in Fairbanks North Star County, Alaska, about 43 miles northeast of North Pole, AK. The GPS coordinates are 65.0530, -146.0570.
Can you soak at Chena Hot Springs?
The source is too hot to enter safely. Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Chena Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Circle Hot Springs, about 51 miles northeast. Tolovana Hot Springs is about 82 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.