chena hot springs visit

Soaking in Chena Hot Springs: Alaska’s Thermal Wonder

Alaska, renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique natural phenomena, is also home to some incredible hot springs. Among them, Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks stands out as a top destination. Whether you’re planning an extensive road trip through Alaska’s northern regions or seeking the magical Northern Lights, Chena Hot Springs Resort deserves a spot on your itinerary. In this article, we share our firsthand experience, complete with photographs, to guide your adventure.

Exploring Alaska’s Hot Springs Landscape

Alaska’s diverse hot springs offer something for every traveler. From the wild, untamed springs scattered throughout the state to the more accessible and developed resorts, there’s a hot spring experience for everyone.

While southern Alaska boasts the Baranof Warm Springs, Goddard Hot Springs, and White Sulphur Hot Springs near Sitka, the interior regions offer the remote Tolovana Hot Springs, Circle Hot Springs, and Manley Hot Springs. Each has its unique charm and accessibility challenges.

In this article, our spotlight is on the splendid Chena Hot Springs. Exploring this resort ranks high among the must-do activities in the Fairbanks area , making it an essential addition to any Fairbanks travel plan .

Why Choose Chena Hot Springs Resort?

Chena Hot Springs Resort, open year-round , is a gem amidst Alaska’s natural beauty. It’s an ideal destination for both day trips from Fairbanks and longer stays. You can get there on your own or with a tour .

The resort’s outdoor hot springs, indoor hot tubs, and swimming pool offer a variety of relaxing experiences. Additionally, it’s one of the prime locations for Northern Lights viewing in Alaska, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks

We highly recommend this full-day tour to Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks. You can soak in natural hot springs with rejuvenating mineral waters.

Our September Visit to Chena Hot Springs

Visiting Chena Hot Springs in early September was a highlight for Chris and me. The resort was nestled amidst vibrant fall colors, creating a picturesque backdrop for our adventure. During our day of soaking, a misty and foggy ambiance enveloped us, adding a mystical touch to the experience. While the water vapor slightly limited our visibility, it only enhanced the magical feel of the place.

Our time in the hot springs was nothing short of blissful. The warmth of the water contrasted beautifully with the crisp fall air, making every moment in the springs feel like a cozy embrace. After our relaxing soak, we treated ourselves to a delightful dinner at the resort’s restaurant. The only downside? As the designated driver, Chris couldn’t try their tempting cocktails and beers. I, on the other hand, savored a delicious glass of wine, relishing each sip.

Reflecting on our day, Chris mentioned that next time, we might opt for an organized tour from Fairbanks . That way, we both can fully enjoy the experience, perhaps with a cocktail or two, without worrying about the drive back. Regardless, our time at Chena Hot Springs remains a cherished memory, filled with serene moments and the joy of unwinding in nature’s lap.

Costs at Chena Hot Springs Resort

Visiting Chena Hot Springs is affordable , with Day Passes priced at $17 for children and $20 for adults (ages 18-59). Seniors enjoy a slightly reduced rate of $18. Towel service is available for an additional $5.

For those staying at the resort, there’s no extra charge for hot springs access. Lodging prices hover around $210 per night, varying by date. It’s wise to check current prices and reviews.

Our Tip: Booking in advance is crucial, especially during the Northern Lights Season due to the growing popularity of the area.

Accommodation Options at Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs Resort offers several accommodation options to suit different preferences.

• Moose Lodge Rooms : Comfortable rooms with two queen beds, essential amenities, and unlimited hot spring passes. Rates start at $289.99 plus tax.
• Fox Rooms : Cozy rooms with two double beds and basic facilities, including unlimited swim/soak passes. The starting rate is $209.99 plus tax, with pet-friendly options available.
• Bear Family Suites : Ideal for groups or families, featuring two queen beds and additional twin beds, along with a kitchenette. Prices begin at $309.99 plus tax.
• Cabins : Various cabins offer a more rustic experience with different bed arrangements and basic amenities. Rates and features vary per cabin type.
• Camping & RV Sites : Available seasonally with essential facilities for a comfortable outdoor stay. Campsites are $20 per night.
• Yurts : Simple lodging with cots and basic furniture, available seasonally at $65 per night for two persons.

Each option provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty and hot springs of the resort.

Getting There: Your Route to Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks

The journey to Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks is as scenic as it is straightforward. Starting from 10th Ave, join AK-2 W, and then take the Chena Hot Springs Road exit. This 60-mile route, running through the picturesque Chena River State Recreation Area, is a well-maintained, fully paved road. The drive is about 90 minutes, offering breathtaking views.

Our Tip: Don’t miss stopping by Santa Claus House in North Pole for a touch of Christmas magic, regardless of the season.

Accessibility and popularity make Chena Hot Springs a key addition to any Alaskan adventure, especially if your journey includes Denali National Park and Fairbanks.

For those embarking on the challenging Dalton Highway road trip , a soak in the hot springs is the perfect way to unwind. Don’t forget to check our Dalton Highway Safety Tips for a secure journey.

Day Tours to Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks: A Hassle-Free Option

For those short on time or preferring not to drive, consider a full-day organized tour from Fairbanks. It’s an excellent choice for a stress-free day, especially if you’d like to enjoy a drink alongside the relaxing hot springs.

Experiencing the Northern Lights at Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs is a prime spot for witnessing the Northern Lights . Fairbanks and its surroundings, located under the “Auroral Oval,” offer some of the best chances for Aurora Borealis viewing in the U.S. Comparable to famous locations in Norway, this area’s clear, dark skies enhance the experience.

Best Time for Northern Lights Viewing in Chena Hot Springs Resort

While Aurora sightings are never guaranteed, the Northern Lights season in Fairbanks runs from August 21 to April 21, with a high likelihood of sightings. A stay of at least three nights in the area offers about a 90% chance of experiencing this natural wonder.

The remote location of Chena Hot Springs Resort, away from city lights, boosts your chances. The resort also offers Aurora wake-up calls , ensuring you don’t miss out.

Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks

You can embark on a Northern Lights and Hot Springs Tour to the renowned Chena Resort, starting with an enthralling evening at Fairbanks. The tour adventure begins with a guided exploration of the Ice Museum, where you can marvel at intricate ice sculptures crafted by champion carvers.

Upon arrival at Chena Hot Springs, you can enjoy the culinary offerings of the resort’s restaurant. Savor dishes featuring locally sourced vegetables and wild-caught Alaskan salmon (note that dining costs are separate and optional).

Immerse yourself in the legendary healing mineral waters of Chena Hot Springs. This experience is particularly magical on a crisp winter night. Although the appearance of the Aurora Borealis is never guaranteed, the sight of these dancing lights across the dark Alaskan sky is an awe-inspiring possibility. Check out more details and book your tour .

Even if the Northern Lights elude you, Chena Hot Springs remains a magical destination. Its tranquil beauty provides a perfect respite at any time of the year. Whether you visit in the bright early months of summer or the darker, aurora-filled winter nights, it’s one of Alaska’s finest hot springs.

Explore the Diverse Activities at Chena Hot Springs Resort

Chena Hot Springs is not only a Resort with geothermal water. There is no chance of boredom. Whether you plan a romantic weekend or a family holiday, you have amazing activities for everyone.

Soaking in the Hot Springs

At Chena Hot Springs, you’re in for a treat with its all-natural, flowing thermal waters. Picture yourself unwinding in several indoor and outdoor tubs, each offering a unique soaking experience. The standout? The outdoor Rock Lake (18+), is famous for its serene atmosphere and as a prime spot for Northern Lights viewing. Plus, there’s a family-friendly indoor pool, ensuring fun for everyone.

Getting into the Details: The Chena Hot Springs’ Temperatures

Here’s the scoop: the springs naturally churn out water at a toasty 165 F degrees but don’t worry, it’s cooled down for your comfort. The outdoor springs consistently stay around 106 degrees F, perfect for those chilly Alaskan days. For adults seeking a quieter experience, Rock Lake isn’t chlorinated. Inside, the pool is a cozy 90 degrees F and the hot tubs? They’re just right at 100-104 degrees F.

Beyond Just Soaking

After relaxing in the hot springs, why not pamper yourself with some massage therapy? And when hunger strikes, the Chena Restaurant awaits with its inviting menu.

A Visit to Remember: Aurora Ice Museum

Even if you’ve only got a day, the Aurora Ice Museum is a must-see. It’s not every day you get to walk into the world’s largest year-round ice museum, complete with an ice bar. Sipping a drink from an ice glass? That’s a story to tell!

More Than Just Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs packs a punch with activities. Whether you fancy a peaceful hike, a horseback ride, or feeling the thrill of a sled-dog cart ride, this place has it all. Into biking? Hit the trails on a mountain bike. If you’re feeling adventurous, try ATV tours.

And let’s not forget about the river – it’s perfect for rafting, canoe trips, and even a spot of fishing for grayling. For the gold enthusiasts, there’s gold panning. And for a truly unforgettable experience, take to the skies with flightseeing.

Essential Tips for a Great Experience at Chena Hot Springs

• Dress Appropriately: Remember, Chena Hot Springs requires swimsuits. It’s not a clothing-optional spot, so pack your favorite swimwear.
• Soak Smartly: Enjoy the springs, but take a break every 15-20 minutes. These breaks are perfect for staying hydrated, so keep a water bottle handy.
• Towel Up: A quick-dry towel is your best friend in these settings. It helps you stay warm when moving from hot springs to the chilly outdoors. While rentals are available, having your own is always a plus.
• Stay Hydrated: The heat can dehydrate you quicker than you might realize. Regular sips of water are essential to keep your hydration levels up. Pack a Reusable Water Bottle with Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
• Protect Your Belongings: A small waterproof bag is a lifesaver for your phone, camera, and important documents. Lockers and showers are available to secure your items, but if you plan to capture those memorable moments, a protective bag is a must to guard against moisture.
• Embrace the Quiet: Hot springs are a haven of relaxation and tranquility. Keeping noise to a minimum allows everyone to enjoy the serene environment and connect with nature.
• Respect Privacy: Always be respectful of others’ privacy. This means refraining from commenting on appearances and avoiding photographing strangers.
• Avoid Cosmetics in the Pools: Even biodegradable cosmetics can disrupt the natural ecosystem of the springs. Help preserve the purity of these waters by not using soaps or shampoos during your soak.

Is a Trip to Chena Hot Springs in Alaska a Good Idea?

Absolutely, Chena Hot Springs Resort is a destination that should not be missed. Its uniqueness makes it a must-visit spot, especially for those planning a 2-3 week journey in Alaska. We’re already looking forward to our next visit to this remarkable place.

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Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog. With a degree in Tourism Management and postgraduate studies in Journalism, Agnes combines academic expertise with real-world experience. Alongside her partner, Chris, she's your go-to guide for an authentic Alaskan adventure.

Agnes doesn't just write about Alaska; she lives it. From capturing the state's breathtaking landscapes through her lens to hiking its rugged trails or observing bears and whales in their natural habitat, her firsthand experiences are your compass to all things Alaska.

With Agnes and Chris, you're not just reading another travel blog; you're tapping into a treasure trove of insider tips, curated itineraries, and invaluable insights to make your Alaskan journey truly unforgettable.

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Everything You Need To Know About Chena Hot Springs

If you find yourself visiting Fairbanks, Alaska and are looking for something quiet and relaxing than a visit to the Chena Hot Springs may just be what you’re looking for to add variety to your Alaska vacation.

Set in the back of the quiet and vast Chena River State Recreation Area and only a 60-minute drive from downtown Fairbanks is the unincorporated property of Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Travelers come from all around the world to experience a relaxing dip in their natural hot springs and to view the Northern Lights.

There’s also plenty of other things to do around the springs and the many options cater to the needs of just about any traveler and are the perfect weekend getaway if you’re looking for something different in North Alaska.

Is Chena Hot Spings Worth It?

Table of Contents

Knowing all of this, we decided to check out the Chena River Recreational Area and spend a weekend away at the Chena Hot Springs Resort while we were based in Fairbanks during our Spring road trip through Alaska.

Leaving Fairbanks after breakfast, we started our drive into the recreational area intent on spending our morning hiking the Angel Rocks Trail.

This 3.5-mile loop trail has outstanding valley views and rock formations, the perfect stop before venturing to the end of the road for a 2-night stay at the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Staying at the Chena Hot Springs Resort

The Chena Hot Springs Resort is a privately owned 440-acre resort that operates year-round.

It offers a newly built lodge with comfortable and modern rooms, cabins for rent, yurts and camping spaces to travelers that wish to visit. It also offers a cafe/coffee shop and restaurant with a bar as dining options.

The history of the resort is fascinating, highlighting that gold miners first discovered the hot springs in 1905 and by 1912 Chena Hot Springs became the popular place for the residents of Fairbanks to soak and enjoy its natural benefits.

The resort features just over 80 rooms and family suites in its Moose Lodge, as well as Alaska cabins and camping accommodations for those visiting in the summer months.

The hot springs are at the center of a 40-square-mile geothermal area that produces a steady stream of 165-degree water at all times of the year. Yes, even in those Alaskan cold months.

Resort developer Bernie Karl designed the Chena Hot Springs resort around a 100% sustainable business method.

Much of the food served at the resort is grown in the greenhouse on-site and much of the rest is locally sourced from Interior Alaska. It does not get more natural than that.

The greenhouse, like the springs, and the resort are also heated 100% with geothermal energy. You can take daily tours to learn all about how the resort uses the natural geothermal activity to operate a sustainable property.

Soaking in the Chena Hot Springs

Naturally, the main draw to Chena Hot Springs is to soak in its pools. The resort offers full facilities for you to enjoy the natural pools.

Upon entering, you will be greeted at the main desk of the hot springs recreation area where you pay or show your credit from the hotel to enjoy the hot springs recreation area.

You have the option of utilizing the indoor pool and hot tubs, but the main draw is the outdoor thermal pools.

Rules and regulations are posted everywhere before entering the hot springs and it’s a good idea to look that over before you enter them.

It is recommended to not spend more than 15 minutes in the hot springs at any one time.

Drinking in the Hot Springs is not permitted and you should not enter the Hot Springs if you have even had one drink. We inadvertently tested this out on our visit after enjoying a drink with dinner at the restaurant.

Following dinner, we decided to go for a soak and it was crazy how just one beer affected our body while soaking in the hot springs. This is not something to joke around with so heed the warning.

How Big are the Chena Hot Springs?

The hot springs are large and there is plenty of room to enjoy your experience in peace and quiet.

There is a large ramp that allows you to enter the water slowly, this is nice because there are no steps and it allows you to take your time and adapt to the hot water.

Once in you can make your way around the 100×80 natural hot spring, relaxing along the rocky side or enjoying the waterfall and misters.

While sitting in the hot springs you can enjoy the wide-open view of the Alaskan sky. This is also great for Northern Light viewing in the winter.

Chena Hot Springs Pricing

• $13 ……..Seniors, (ages 60+)
• $15………Adults (ages 18-59)
• $12 ……..Children (ages 6-17 years)
• Free……..Children 5 years and under with paying adult
• $5 ………Towel Service for a day guest
• Towels are available for hotel guests without charge.
• Each pass includes the hot springs lake (adults 18+ only), indoor heated pool, both outdoor and indoor hot tubs, plus use of the locker area and shower facilities.

Your pass acts as a full day pass and the hot springs recreation area is open from 7 A.M to midnight.

What to Wear in Chena Hot Springs

There are men’s and woman’s changing rooms that have lockers where you can pay to lock up your items. So bring some change otherwise the lockers will not lock up.

You can shower before and after in one of the many shower stalls that have shampoo and conditioner available.

As with any hot springs or pool, you will want to bring a bathing suit. Women, I recommend bringing a hair tie to keep your hair up while soaking.

You may also want to bring a swimsuit coverup for moving between the springs and indoor pool. Towels are provided at the resort.

Make sure you pack the right clothing and gear: Ultimate Alaska Packing List

How to Get There

The Chena Hot Springs is located at the end of the Chena Hot Springs Road around 56 miles east of Fairbanks, Alaska. The road offers excellent wildlife watching with chances to view wild moose, bear and much more.

The road is paved and well-maintained. It passes through low, rolling hills with ponds and rivers running next to the road. There are many pullouts and viewpoints along this drive.

We used the Milepost to find the best pullouts along our drive for great photo opportunities. Many places are marked with signs, paved pullout areas, restrooms that are monitored daily and area maps.

The Chena River State Recreation Area is a 397 square mile preserve that includes the Chena River Valley and nearby alpine areas.

This recreation offers public-use cabins and camping and is a premier place for adventure travelers that like canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.

Once you leave the outskirts of Fairbanks you will find little to no residents, gas stations or restaurants, so be sure to stock up on supplies before heading to this area.

Your only dining options are at the end of the road when you reach Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Best Time to Visit Chena Hot Springs

The best time to visit Chena Hot Springs depends on what you want to do. We visited in mid-May and found this to be a fabulous time for a visit. There were fewer people, warm days and everything was getting really green.

However, you won’t see any Northern Lights at this time, the midnight sun is already in full swing so expect daylight until 1 am every day.

You would hate to book your trip with hopes to view the Northern Lights only to find out it is the wrong time of year.

Below we have listed out the best time to visit the Chena Hot Springs, based on what activity you would like to do:

• The best time to visit for Northern Light viewing: November To April
• The best time to visit for soaking in the hot springs: Year-round
• The best time to visit for dog sledding: November To May they run sleds, snow permitting. At the End of May – October they run carts.
• The best time to visit for Hiking: May to October
• The best time to visit for Snowshoeing: December to April
• The best time to visit for Biking: Year-round, on fat tires you can bike from December to April and normal biking from May- November (weather permitting)
• The best time to visit for ATVing: End of May – November (Weather permitting)
• The best time to visit for the Aurora Ice Bar: Year-round

If there are any other activities you are looking to do at Chena Hot Springs Resort during your visit, be sure to contact Chena Hot Springs Resort directly.

Some of the activities they offer are very dependent on the weather and season, sometimes this means things can run late or early as Alaska weather is at times unpredictable.

Other Things to Do at Chena Hot Springs Resort

Angel rocks loop trail.

If you’re into hiking but not into crowds, then you cannot go wrong in the Chena River Recreation Area. The trails are abundant, beautiful, secluded and there are very few travelers here.

While you can have a choice of many great trails, we were recommended to hike the Angel Rocks trail for the variety of landscapes and great overviews from the top of the trail.

Heading around 49 miles up the road towards the Chena Hot Springs Resort from Fairbanks, you’ll find the parking lot to the Angel Rocks trailhead.

It is clearly marked with a state park sign and a paved parking area with bathrooms and picnic tables.  The start of the trail is marked with a map, signs, and advice for hiking the trail safely.

The trail is varied, which we enjoyed, following the river through a wooded area before opening to a field and then climbing sharply up 900ft to a group of granite outcrops.

Reaching the rocks, be sure to scramble up to the top and take in the views because they are unobstructed and stunning of the surrounding area.

Once you’re at the top, you can continue along the loop, turn back the way you came, or make your way to the lip of the ridge and try to glimpse the Alaska Range.

This trail is 1,750 ft. in elevation at its highest point and the hike takes two or three hours. Be sure to work in time to take pictures, enjoy the scenery and pack a lunch.

Traditional Alaskan dog sledding

Chena Hot Springs is more than a great place to soak and view the Northern lights. We enjoyed experiencing a traditional dog sledding adventure while staying at the resort.

Dog sledding is an Alaskan tradition and this is something you must experience when visiting Alaska, even in the spring and summer.

Our dog sledding adventure started with an introduction into the life of the dogs and how dog sledding is more than just a sport, it’s a way of life in Alaska.

These dogs love to run and once they saw the harness they were barking and jumping as if yelling ‘pick me’.

Hooking up the team is an exciting event because these dogs love to pull. We actually had to sit in the cart and hold down the brake to stop the team from taking off too soon.

With a loud yell of ‘hike’, we were flying through the woods as these amazing athletes pulled our cart along the trail.

With the command ‘gee’ we turned to the right. The command ‘haw’ we turned to the left. The dogs loved it as we made our way around the property.

With the yell ‘whoa’ we stopped and our adventure was ended. This traditional Alaskan dog sledding experience at Chena Hot Springs last around 2-3 hours, depending on how much of a dog lover you are.

You will be able to pet, feed and interact with these dogs. The dog kennel is open throughout the day so you can visit the dogs any time during your stay at the resort.

Alaskan ATV Adventure

There is no better way to explore the Chena Hot Springs 440 acre resort than on a 4 wheel ATV. These are the best ATV trails near Fairbanks Alaska.

The trails were great and provided a ton of excitement around every turn. There were large rivers where we had to pass one by one hoping not to get stuck.

There are also straightaways where we could let it loose and fly and roundabouts where we could do donuts. This adventure lasts around 2 hours.

Year-Round Aurora Ice Bar

Belly up to the bar, carved from a single piece of ice, while sitting on a caribou fur-covered ice stool and enjoying the signature Appletini.

This bar is 100% made of ice and so are the martini glasses that the drinks are served in.

For many, this place is about experiencing the only year-round ice bar in Alaska, but it’s more than just an Ice Bar. It is a full-on ice museum filled with large carvings that will have you standing in awe.

Your tour starts by entering the main area where you will get a large parka to keep you warm. Once your small group is ready, you will enter the ice palace to see the magic.

Entrance to the Ice Museum costs $15 per person and tours are given at set times only. If you wish to try a signature Appletini, served in a hand-carved ice glass, the price is an additional $15 per drink.

Northern Lights Viewing in Alaska

Chena Hot Springs is located in a remote area making it one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in Alaska.

There is no light pollution that will restrict your viewing and due to its geologic location, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights is high.

Chena Hot Springs offers great facilities that are located on a mountain top for viewing.

This not only provides unobstructed views but a warm place to hang out since the Northern Lights tend to show during the coldest time of year in Alaska.

Our Weekend at Chena Hot Springs

Taking some time to spend 2 full days and 2 nights exploring the Chena River Recreation Area and Chena Hot Springs was a fantastic way to spend a weekend during our stay in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The drive out was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed the option to hike en route.

We found the new Moose Lodge very comfortable and never had a bad meal in the restaurant.

Soaking in the hot springs after a long day of adventure followed by spending our evenings at the bar with an Alaskan White beer in hand are memories that stick with us from our trip to Alaska.

More on Alaska:

• 21 Alluring Things to do in Alaska
• Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Guide
• Best Time to Visit Alaska: Month by Month Breakdown
• 13 UNREAL Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
• 13 Epic Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (Besides Northern Lights)
• 15 Cannot Miss Things to do in Anchorage
• 27 Things You Should Know About Alaska Before You Visit
• 15 Incredible & Best Places to Visit in Alaska
• Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska: Ultimate Planning Guide
• Denali State Park Heli-Hiking Adventure in Remote Alaska  
• 11 Reasons to Take an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise with UnCruise
• 19 Photos That Prove Juneau, Alaska Is More Than Just A Cruise Stop
• Visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves Before They Melt – Juneau, Alaska
• Alaska National Parks – The Fabulous 8

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I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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Chena hot springs is home base for the best of Alaska

Jun 25, 2019 • 4 min read

The Chena hot springs are a magical place from which to explore Alaska, whether there's summer or snow © Cavan Images / Getty Images

An Alaskan vacation brings to mind images of huge salmon, slow-moving glaciers, never ending mountain ranges, and – for those who’ve visited before – mosquitos the size of eagles. But about 60 miles out of Fairbanks , at the end of a winding road through the wilderness, is an oasis in the woods. Whether you want to soak in healing waters, mush a sled dog team, take a flight seeing tour or visit the world’s largest year-round ice environment, Chena Hot Springs offers it all.

Chill in the Aurora Ice Museum

Chena Hot Springs is more than a wilderness hot spring, though that alone is worth the trip. It also has the world’s largest year-round ice environment – The Aurora Ice Museum . Housed in a giant igloo replica with an internal temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit, going inside requires a parka (loaners are available).

Once inside, the lights are kept dim while colorful bulbs light up award-winning ice sculptures carved by a local couple. For a fee, the tour includes an appletini mixed in a glass carved entirely of ice, at a bar carved of ice, sitting on a stool that is – you guessed it ­– carved of ice. Tradition holds that, once empty, the ice glasses are smashed on the pavement out front while making a wish (They wouldn’t travel well in your luggage anyway).

The truly brave can reserve a night’s stay inside the ice hotel, and sleep on a slab of ice. Guides claim few remain all the way through the night, though.

Relax in the hot springs lake

With the delicious appletini sloshing around in your system, the soothing waters of the hot spring lake feel even more marvelous. Discovered by gold miners more than a century ago, the springs boast mineral content that heals more than just sore muscles. The outside pool averages 106 degrees and the indoor a comfortable 90, and people come from all over the globe to soak in the atmosphere as well as the steaming bath.

Surrounded by boulders and flowering plants, you’ll feel as if you stumbled on an exotic natural pool, aside from the enclosed building and railing along one side. The pool can become crowded, but the experience is still worth it – just sit back, close your eyes, and drift into well-needed relaxation. The outdoor lake is only available for ages 18+ but the indoor pool is fun for all.

Winter nights under the northern lights

Basking under the summer midnight sun in soothing mineral waters is fantastic but a winter visit has its perks too, when the aurora borealis makes an appearance. The dancing lights of the aurora in varying shades of greens, reds and purple are stunning, whether for the first time or the fiftieth. Winter packages at Chena Hot Springs Resort range from day trips to weeklong photography excursions during times when the northern lights are most likely to appear.

The Chena resort is powered completely by its own geothermal plant, harnessing the power of the earth to create enough electricity to power the entire resort and even sell some back to the utility company. The resort offers a guided tour of the facility where an informed guide explains the whole process. There are also several greenhouses where the staff grows its own vegetables, which are served in the on-site restaurant.

High adventure for every taste

Chena Kennels has dog-yard visits and cart rides available in the summer. Loving and smooching on the dogs is not mandatory but highly recommended. With no snow on the ground during summer months, the dogs pull a cart. In the winter sled rides are a thrilling must-do, mushing along trails through the last frontier. Flight seeing up the Yukon River and ATV rides are also an option, as well as horseback rides along scenic mountain paths.

After an active day of enjoying the outdoors and being spoiled by the staff, be sure to schedule one of several kinds of massages offered inside cozy rustic cabins where stressors and struggles are left behind. Finally, after exhaustion sets in, creekside cabins, yurts and a private campground are options for staying over, though reservations need to be booked in advance, especially during aurora borealis season.

Other options

For a more remote hot spring experience, there are a couple options in the Fairbanks area that take a little more creative effort to reach.

• Manley Hot Springs is about 160 miles west of Fairbanks at the end of the Elliot Hwy. It was once a resort, but after it closed a local couple opened a greenhouse on their private land where visitors can sit among their fruit trees and grapevines and soak in the natural mineral spring pools. Reservations required.
• Tolvana Hot Springs is for experienced backcountry explorers only, who can ski, hike, snow mobile or fly into Tolvana Hot Springs, an unmanned natural spring 45 air-miles northwest of Fairbanks. This is a completely bring-your-own trip with no services or emergency contacts. There are three cabins, each with their own outhouse. Reservations required.

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Apr 18, 2024 • 12 min read

The Complete Guide to Chena Hot Springs in the Winter and My Honest Review

I just returned from a 2-day winter trip to Chena Hot Springs to see the Northern Lights. We really lucked out and saw a great display of lights while we were there. To say it was incredible is simply an understatement.

We booked our entire stay right at Chena Hot Springs Resort. I learned a lot and will go over all of the details (including whether I’d stay there again).

This article is not sponsored and I paid for the trip on my own. All information is from my personal experience during my winter stay.

For a comprehensive winter guide to visiting Alaska, you can read it here .

About Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs is the most accessible hot spring in Alaska. It also has the added perk of being a resort. There’s a restaurant, a small bar area, a pool house, many hot tubs, cabins & rooms, an ice museum, dog kennels, and many different tours.

The tours include dog sledding, kennel tours with the sled dogs, northern lights tours, ice museum tours, ice fishing, sunset tour, and snowmobiling (locals call it snowmachining).

There are rooms, cabins, and large family rooms that span many buildings. The basic hotel rooms run about $250-300 per night, and the dry cabins are around $240-300 per night. Many cabins can hold up to 8 people, just keep in mind that a dry cabin means there’s no running water (showers are available at the pool house and there are outhouses at each cabin).

The family suites can hold up to 6 people and include a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker.

Hot springs passes are included with your stay and are open from 7:00am – 11:45pm.

There’s also an Aurora Ice Museum which can only be viewed with a guided tour. Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time to secure a spot.

Getting There

Chena Hot Springs is 66 miles away but due to the icy/snowy roads, it takes a solid 90 minutes to get there.

When we went, most of the drive consisted of incredibly icy roads with no gravel. It was clear, glare ice and we fish-tailed a few times on the drive out and back.

We paid for the resort shuttle because I didn’t want to deal with renting a car or driving on the roads myself. Since this was only a two-day trip, I also wanted something easy and seamless. I prefer to only drive icy roads if I have studded tires and all-wheel drive, and one of those rentals would have cost much more.

If you’re not comfortable driving on icy, snowy, wintery roads, I’d highly recommend the shuttle service.

The other option is to rent a vehicle and drive there yourself. Be sure to compare the rates of the rental car to the shuttle as rental cars can be quite expensive.

See Also: An Epic 10-Day Alaska Winter Itinerary

Know Before You Go

Chena Hot Springs is in the middle of nowhere, which is great for viewing the Northern Lights. This also means there aren’t any amenities nearby. And since it’s a 90-minute drive, it’s not likely that you’ll want to go back into town to grab things you forgot.

There is a small store at the resort which has some sandwiches, chips, snacks, bottled beverages, and some frozen meals. There weren’t too many healthy options, and unfortunately, there wasn’t any fruit for sale.

Hot springs are full of sulfur, and all of the water at the resort tasted like it. If you’ve never had sulfur water, it has an eggy smell and taste (and sometimes tastes like metal to me). It’s not my favorite.

Our room didn’t have a refrigerator, so unfortunately there was no way to keep anything cool.

Here’s what I’d recommend grabbing at the store before you head out:

• Alcohol – the only alcohol available for purchase is inside the restaurant.
• Snacks (we didn’t have a refrigerator, so check your accommodation and plan accordingly)

Winter Weather

We went in mid-March and the average temperature was around zero (0F). At night it would get down to -15F without wind chill. It was breezy when we were there which meant it was much colder than -15F. We were told that the wind is not normal at Chena so it’s unlikely you’ll have much wind while there.

This is actually fairly warm for Fairbanks in the winter. It can get much colder – sometimes down to -50F. I’d plan for negative temps or around zero. It’s better to over-prepare than under prepare when it comes to proper winter clothing!

The Hot Springs & Pool Area

I didn’t go in with many expectations of the hot springs, but this was an area that completely exceeded my expectations. These hot springs are 100% worth the trip! The water was a perfect temperature and the setting was really beautiful with the frozen ice and snow surrounding the springs.

When you enter the building, you take off your shoes and socks and are met with a heated floor. Then you walk into the changing area with locker rooms (no heated floors here unfortunately).

There is a change machine in the lobby if you want to pay 50 cents to lock your locker. We skipped that and just put our belongings in an empty locker.

Then you walk down a small covered corridor to the springs. It’s nice that that part is covered, otherwise, it would feel much colder getting there in just your swimsuit!

There is a ramp and railing to ease you into the water, and there are various levels once you’re in. Much of it is around 3-4 1/2 feet, and some people were sitting on rocks that went around the perimeter of the springs.

The floor is covered in small pebble rocks, so if that isn’t your favorite I’d recommend some water shoes .

Note you don’t need to stay at the resort to enjoy the hot springs. Instead, you can purchase day tickets on their website (which I’d recommend doing ahead of time).

In addition to the hot springs, there’s an indoor pool with a few hot tubs as well as an upper outdoor hot tub with a view of the springs below.

Dining Options

The only restaurant at the resort is located in the main building. This is also where the bar is at, so although the website makes it seem like they’re two different places, it’s all housed in one place.

There’s no phone number to call and no phone lines in the rooms, so the only way to make your reservation is to walk up in person. They also do not have buzzers or any way to reach you, so you have to wait in the building for your turn.

Since there’s only one restaurant serving hundreds of people, it gets quite busy, especially at dinner time.

We arrived at 6pm and weren’t seated until 8:15pm (so we waited over 2 hours!). I believe when we put our name on the list there were about 18 people ahead of us.

We also were told that the main courses were taking about an hour. Since we had a 9:30pm Aurora Tour, we just grabbed some appetizers and salads since those were only taking 25 minutes and we were running out of time.

There is a room in the back to hang out. They have free coffee, tea, and there were some Godiva chocolates as well.

If you have kids, be sure to bring plenty to keep them entertained while you wait for dinner. I’d also recommend snacks and drinks to avoid eventual crankiness.

Breakfast and lunch weren’t as bad. We grabbed breakfast the next morning at 10am and there was no line, but 10am is a bit late for breakfast.

We were told that there are some staffing issues currently, which could explain the long wait times, so your experience may be different.

The bar top is first come, first serve. There are only about 8 seats at the bar so if there are more than two of you, I’d stick to the reservations.

Small Store

There is a small store with sandwiches, soup, some salads, candy, and non-perishable snacks. There are also beverages. Check to see if your room has a fridge before purchasing the perishable stuff.

Vending Machines (Cash only!)

There’s a vending machine in the activity center that’s open 24hrs, so if you arrive super late like we did, this is your only food option. The drink vending machine does not have water.

There are also vending machines in the pool house, but it closes at 11:30pm.

The Northern Lights Tour

We booked the 9:30pm Aurora Tour through the resort. We met at the Activity Center and once everyone was ready, we headed up on SUSV’s, or Small Unit Support Vehicles. They are Swedish and pretty cool machines for the snow. They took us up to the top of the mountain.

At the top, we were led into a yurt. The yurt is heated and they provide free hot drinks (coffee, tea, apple cider, hot cocoa) and ramen noodles. There’s a separate men’s and women’s toilet outside of the yurt. The women’s is heated and the men’s is not. Sorry guys.

Unfortunately, the night we booked the tour, we didn’t see anything. So we mostly hung out in the yurt all night. I didn’t plan for this to happen. If I were to do it again I’d definitely bring my Kindle (the newer one with the light) or have some games or something to do on my phone.

Can You See the Northern Lights without a Tour?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights right from the resort. And actually, the only northern lights we witnessed were the first night right outside the activity center.

In the activity center, there’s an ‘Aurora Viewing Room’ that’s open all night. It faces North where you’re most likely to see the lights and has windows across the wall. There are many seats and it’s heated, which is a welcome change from the bitter cold outside.

I was surprised that other tour companies were using the facility as well. They drove in for a few hours and then left to check out other viewing spots. This could be another great way to see the lights and get different types of photos.

Since we saw the lights the first night (our tour was booked for the second night), our photos were taken from the parking lot. So there were some vehicles and a motorhome that made their way into the foreground. It’s not a huge deal, but I ended up cropping out most of the lower portion of my photos.

Our Accommodation

I usually try to steer away from being negative on here, but I wanted to provide our actual experience and not just the fluff. I also had a hard time finding any real information online about what it’s actually like at the resort.

We stayed in a ‘Fox Room’ in Building 101. When we entered our hotel room, it was hot and humid and had a funny smell. The thermostat had been turned up to 75 degrees F so we promptly turned it down. The room itself didn’t have any ventilation, which is why it was so humid.

And since it’s humid, the windows were completely frozen shut, so there was no chance of getting fresh air.

Overall, the entire place looked like it had seen better days. The bathroom wasn’t super clean and the furnishings were really dated.

Aside from that, the actual bed and pillows were comfortable. The water warmed up quickly, and the thermostat worked just fine.

It’s also important to note that there’s no refrigerator in the fox rooms.

I didn’t mind that it wasn’t completely clean, and honestly, I didn’t expect it to be a nice resort so it essentially met my expectations. I knew I was booking the place to simply be able to rest my head.

The worst part was the stuffy air and the inability to open the windows. It made me feel a bit claustrophobic. The hallway was even warmer so that also wasn’t an option.

This was just my experience in the fox rooms. It’s very possible the dry cabins or larger family rooms are a different experience.

Read Next: An Epic 7-Day Alaska Winter Itinerary

My Overall Experience

The Hot Springs and the Northern Lights were hands down worth the trip! I grew up near Anchorage which typically gets fewer displays of lights than further north (like Fairbanks and Chena). I wish we were able to see them on the night of our tour, but I really can’t complain.

In fact, the apps and data predicted that the best lights would be on the night of our tour. But the storm (a solar storm, that is) actually hit hours earlier than predicted.

The best lights were out at 5:30am. Sadly we called it a night at 4am. This leads me to an important bit of advice: If the lights are out and still looking good, stay out! The sky was still a green hue when we went to bed.

I loved the hot springs. I’m pregnant right now so I was unable to fully enjoy them, but I still went in up to my hips. My friend stayed in for about 45 minutes, and you could come and go as you pleased.

It wasn’t packed by any means and everything was clean. The setting looked quite magical, and it’s open until 11:45pm if you want to experience the springs under the stars.

It’d be nice if they added a deli or cafe for more food options. But if you plan ahead of time, you can mitigate this issue.

The restaurant itself was in great shape and super cute. The inside reminded me of a German brewery with wooden walls, beams, and low ceilings. It was quite cozy. The food was good and there was surprising variety. They had salmon, halibut, and scallops, but also things like yellow curry and pho.

The way they have their service setup needs to be improved so you aren’t waiting hours for a table. I’d definitely recommend heading to dinner at 4pm to avoid the long wait.

How to Take Photos of the Northern Lights

I wouldn’t recommend learning how to use a camera in sub-zero temperatures. And actually, if you don’t take the time to learn your camera before heading out, it’s not likely that you’ll get many shots. So learning your camera is my biggest piece of advice. Don’t skip this part!

Specifically, learn how to set it to manual and be able to change the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture (specific settings listed below). If you can set the custom dials, then set them so you can easily change these settings (or practice until there are no problems adjusting it).

Check to see if your camera can do intervals, meaning take a photo every 10 seconds or whatever you set it to. This setting allows you to set the number of images you want the camera to take and at what timing interval. I set my camera to 12 seconds and 30 images.

This way, you can set up your camera, and then head inside while it gets to work.

Another way to do this is by controlling your camera remotely. Mine can be linked via Bluetooth or Wifi to my phone, although I kept getting an error while we were there. I’m not sure if it was too cold or if something else was going on, so I didn’t end up using that setting.

Learn how to change your lens to manual focus and then get it to focus. I have a Canon R6 and it shows me when I get the lens in focus (the focus area I select has this green square and line indicating it’s all in focus).

The Best Camera Settings

• Shutter speed 5-8 seconds
• ISO 1200-2500
• Aperture 4.0 – 8.0
• Change your lens to Manual Focus. Your camera will not be able to focus in the dark, so you will need to manually set it. Every time you zoom in or out, or change your location, update your focus.
• Set timer to 2 seconds or take photo remotely via bluetooth or wifi. Many newer cameras have this as a built-in option, or you can purchase a remote timer that goes on your hot shoe. The reason for a timer is to avoid camera shake when you press the shutter.

My favorite settings were 5 seconds, ISO 1600, and an aperture of 5.6.

Get your settings ready before you go outside. Even if you’re excited, it’s much easier to do this inside where there’s more light and it’s still warm.

Camera Equipment Needed

• Tripod – You simply cannot take photos of northern lights without one! There would be too much camera shake. If you don’t yet own a tripod, I’d recommend not getting the cheapest one you can find, but also not spending $600 on a tripod (they get expensive!). For about $100, this is the best travel tripod on the market (and my personal favorite). It’s light, sturdy, compact, and made of carbon fiber. It also comes with a stability hook that allows you to add weight in case there’s wind.
• Gloves with finger openings – This is so you can adjust your camera settings and not freeze your fingers. I recommend these ones .
• Extra Batteries – the cold doesn’t help battery life, so stock up on extra batteries!
• Charging Station or Battery Pack – If your stuff dies, be sure to have a way to charge it back up.
• Extra Storage Cards – If you luck out with multiple hours of northern lights, you’ll definitely need more storage to capture all your shots. I brought two 128GB SD cards with me, but more is always better.
• Wide angle or versatile zoom lens – I’d recommend a lens that can zoom wider than 40mm. I had a 17-40mm lens which worked great – I was able to capture most of the sky with just this lens. I do wish I had something a little more versatile such as the 24-105mm. This way I could have zoomed in on some more interesting foreground features and include the sky.

What about an iPhone?

I am not a pro at iPhone photography, but our guides said that if you don’t have a 12 or newer, you cannot take good northern lights photos.

Preventing Camera Issues and Damage

Do not take your camera inside and then outside all night. Every time you take it inside moisture will build up inside the camera. Then when you go outside it will freeze. Our guides explained that many people have completely broken their cameras by doing this.

Instead, set your camera up outside and take the battery in with you. When the lights start, you can simply put the battery back in your camera and start shooting.

Other Shooting Tips

• Set focus to manual. Continuously check your focus by reviewing your images. If I had blurry images, it’s because I got excited and forgot to check that the ground was in focus.
• Setup your settings BEFORE you go outside
• Be willing to make adjustments as you go. If it’s too bright, drop the shutter speed and/or ISO. If it’s too dark, boost the ISO or add more time to your shutter.
• Learn to use your interval timer and/or wireless function
• Be gentle with your equipment. When it’s below zero, things can get brittle and break easier, so keep that in mind when working with thousands of dollars of equipment.

This photo cracks me up. It was our attempt to take an iPhone photo with a long shutter speed. We didn’t know how long the shutter speed would be, so we stayed still for about 10 seconds then moved….well, we should have stayed still longer. Hah!

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I'm Brea, an Alaskan with a serious case of wanderlust. Join me as I share insider information and firsthand accounts to help with your travels. Find destination guides, itineraries, general travel tips, learn how to take better photos, and more! Follow me on Instagram for all my up-to-date travels @travelingigloo

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Visiting Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks Alaska

Last Updated on October 27, 2023

Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks, Alaska has been a favorite place for locals for generations and is also a wonderful destination for visitors. Not only can you soak in the divine hot water, you can also check out the unique ice museum and explore the many trails in the area and try new activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, ATV riding or dog sledding.

I lived in Fairbanks for four years and this was one of my favorite places to go. I even got engaged there! This article is all about the many things to do as well as everything you need to know for an enjoyable soak.

How far is Chena Hot Springs from Fairbanks?

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• How hot is the water?

Is Chena Hot Springs clothing optional?

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Related : 21 Unique things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska

Chena Hot Springs is approximately 60 miles from Fairbanks at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road. The drive takes about an hour and a half, though it may take longer in winter if it’s icy.

The only way to get to Chena Hot Springs is to make the 60 mile drive on gorgeous Chena Hot Springs road from Fairbanks. The road is paved and generally well maintained, although it can get quite icy at times during the winter and you need to watch out for moose along the road!

If you want to get there without a car, you’re in luck. You can arrange for a shuttle with Chena Hot Springs Resort to get a ride. There are also tours from Fairbanks that will take you there as part of the tour.

Yes! The outdoor rock lake is shallow but you can still swim around as much as you want and get a full soak in. The outdoor rock lake is adults only, age 18 and older.

The indoor swimming pool is very popular with families and kids like a traditional swimming pool.

How hot is the water at Chena Hot Springs?

While the water comes out of the spring at 165 degrees F, this is way too hot for soaking, so it is cooled down to a safe temperature.

The outdoor rock lake is usually around 105 degrees F and the indoor pool is kept at about 90 degrees F.

No. Swimsuits are required for everyone at all times.

Yes! The outdoor rock lake has a wheelchair ramp to enter the hot springs and you can borrow a water wheelchair to enter. Depending on your situation, you could also move over to the rocks around the edge to find a comfortable spot.

There are also accessible restrooms and showers with grab bars in the locker room and wheelchair parking close by so you can get to the locker room and pool barrier free.

During the four years I lived in Fairbanks, winter was my favorite time to go! Summers in Fairbanks can get quite hot and that made the hot springs not as inviting. That said, it’s an extremely popular year round destination. There are plenty of things to do no matter when you visit.

The best time to go is any time you happen to be in Fairbanks!

There is something truly magical about soaking in the outdoor rock lake while the northern lights dance above you. That is definitely an experience that’s hard to top!

Related : Why March is the best time to visit Fairbanks, Alaska

There is cell service at Chena Hot Springs, however if you are from out of state your phone may be roaming or may have trouble connecting here. There is some service along a lot of Chena Hot Springs road, but not everywhere, especially once you get further out the road.

Hotels and Lodges

Chena Hot Springs Resort has traditional hotel rooms as well as yurts and dry cabins.

The yurts and dry cabins are much less expensive, but be aware that they do not have restrooms or showers (that’s why “dry” means). With pool passes and the hot springs right there, this isn’t too big of a concern for many people and you can save a lot of money this way! Think of it like camping but you don’t need a tent (and the cabins and yurts are super cute).

The rooms in the lodge have restrooms and showers like normal hotel rooms.

Outside Chena Hot Springs Resort, the Angel Creek Lodge has several classic Alaska roadhouse style cabins and there are a number of vacation rentals along Chena Hot Springs road. It’s also an option to stay in Fairbanks, since it isn’t too far of a drive you can easily make a day trip here.

There’s a campground and RV park at Chena Hot Springs resort. There are also three Alaska State Parks campgrounds along Chena Hot Springs Road. Alaska State Parks also has several public use cabins along Chena Hot Springs Road in Chena River State Recreation Area.

The only place for food at Chena Hot Springs is the restaurant at the resort, which serves three meals a day. If you don’t want to eat there, make sure to bring your food with you from Fairbanks!

If you like pizza and you’re driving out or back in the evening, make sure to stop at Wagner’s Pizza Bus at Mile 24 Chena Hot Springs road. Angel Creek Lodge at Mile 50 Chena Hot Springs Road is very popular with locals and is a classic and delicious Alaska Roadhouse meal experience.

One of the best things about visiting Chena Hot Springs is the many things you can do beyond just soaking in the hot springs!

Soak in the Hot Springs

This is kind of a no-brainer, but really, soaking here is absolutely divine. Make sure to do it! Probably multiple times! It’s a fantastic year round hot springs soaking destination.

Visit the Ice Museum and sip an ice drink

The other must do activity here besides soaking or swimming is visiting the Ice Museum. It is really amazing and unique and you have to do it!

You can only enter the building on a tour to help preserve the ice and the climate controlled environment. Not only will you get to see a place built of ice, which is pretty amazing, but you can also sit down at an ice bar and have a drink in an ice glass. Don’t miss it, it’s totally worth it!

Dog sledding or kennel tour

Chena Hot Springs offers kennel visits in summer and sled dog rides in winter, however I recommend that you have your dog experience either on the way to Chena Hot Springs or on the way back.

The community of Two Rivers, which is about halfway between Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs, is a place you can visit a working kennel and get to know dogs who are doing epic long distance races like the Iditarod. I particularly love Chena Outdoor Collective , so stop there on the way to or from for a better dog sledding experience.

See the Northern Lights

In the summer, you won’t see the Northern Lights because it never gets dark! However, starting in late August and going into early April the super dark skies without light pollution here are absolutely perfect for viewing them.

You can take a tour to do so, or you can just walk outside your room or cabin. Seeing them from the hot springs pool is completely unforgettable!

Related : How to see the Northern Lights in Alaska

Winter only things to do

In winter there are a variety of tours and activities you can take part in, including dog sled rides, aurora viewing tours, snowmobile rides and ice fishing excursions. There is also a network of groomed cross country ski trails in the area. Rentals skis are available at the resort.

Summer only things to do

In summer you can have a blast on an ATV tour or horseback riding. If it’s not too hot there are also often dog cart rides available. There are many hiking trails in the area as well.

Related : Alaskans favorite things to do in Alaska

The drive is really wonderful and beautiful, through mostly forest along with more open areas along the river and marshy ponds that are ideal moose habitat. I don’t think I’ve ever driven this road without seeing at least one moose, so make sure to keep your eyes open for them!

There are several good fishing spots along the road along with a couple of trailheads. Both Granite Tors and Angel Rocks have longer and shorter options and lead to stunning views of the entire area. From Angel Rocks you can even hike all the way through to the hot springs!

For fun food stops, stop at Larae’s for amazing pie and baked goods just outside of Fairbanks and at the Pizza Bus at Mile 24.

Final Thoughts

Chena Hot Springs is a wonderful year round destination near Fairbanks that gives you a chance for a hot springs soak along with plenty of other fun including the ice museum, hiking, skiing and northern lights viewing during northern lights season. It is absolutely worth the trip out from Fairbanks.

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Chena Hot Springs Aurora Viewing Package from Fairbanks

Immerse in healing waters of natural hot springs and be inspired by the spectacle of the northern lights..

Photo Journey:

Home » Tours » Chena Hot Springs Aurora Viewing Package from Fairbanks

Tour Overview

Visit Chena Hot Springs to see the Northern Lights on a rustic Alaska getaway to the perfect spot for seeing aurora borealis. These historic hot springs in Alaska were discovered in 1905 by two gold miners and are now the location of a year-round resort easily reached by the road just 65 miles northeast of Fairbanks. Chena Hot Springs Resort is internationally known for its natural mineral hot springs and is also a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights (aurora borealis). In addition to world-class aurora viewing, this rustic Alaska resort near Fairbanks offers guests numerous outdoor activities, such as cross-country skiing, dog sledding tours, snow machining, and more. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate in the hot springs and pools or with a specialty massage. Chena Hot Springs provides a highly memorable Alaska experience with a wide variety of winter outdoor activities!

Note: March is a great month for visiting Chena Hot Springs.

What's Included

• Four nights accommodations, including two nights in a moderate-class hotel in Fairbanks and two nights at Chena Hot Springs Resort (room in Moose Lodge buildings with private bath)
• Round-trip transfers from Fairbanks
• Two days pool passes for Chena Hot Springs
• All taxes and fees
• 4 to 5-hour Aurora Viewing Expedition tour on day 2

Tour Itinerary

Fairbanks arrival.

Arrive into Fairbanks and transfer from the airport by hotel shuttle or on your own. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for optional activities, such as a tour over the Arctic Circle or dog sledding. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort

Around mid-day, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Chena Hot Springs Resort, 90 minutes east of Fairbanks. While the facilities of the resort can be considered rustic and may not be up to date, the location of the resort offers great possibilities for Northern Lights viewing.  In the mineral spring area, hot tubs and a warm indoor swimming pool provide a relaxing environment. Combined with numerous outdoor activities, Chena Hot Springs offers a great Alaskan winter experience. This evening, enjoy a 4 to 5 hour Aurora Expedition tour. The Aurora tour takes place on a tracked, military style Small Unit Support Vehicle*. Overnight Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Chena Hot Springs Resort

The day is at your leisure to enjoy all the resort has to offer. Optional activities include dog sled rides, snow machine tours, or cross country skiing, and massage. Winter gear can be rented at the resort for a fee. Overnight at Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Chena Hot Springs Resort to Fairbanks

Today, you will be transferred back to Fairbanks. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure in Fairbanks. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Fairbanks Departure

Depending on your flight departure, you may have some more time to explore Fairbanks. Transfer to the Fairbanks airport by hotel shuttle or on own.

* Please note that during the tour you will be sitting in a small confined space with other people.

Dates & Rates

Our standard program includes:, 2 and 3 star hotel accommodations..

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible..

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

Contact us to book this Tour.

Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

• * First Name: *
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• Questions or Special Requests:
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

We are back and we are so blessed to have had such an amazing trip! Everything you planned was perfect! The tour guides were awesome, spiritual, educated and well versed in everything they did.

Mary | New Jersey

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Borealis Basecamp and Northern Lights Tour

Duration: 5 days

Starting at: $1459 / pp

Just outside of Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp offers a new and unique way to see the Northern Lights. The fiberglass domes at Borealis Basecamp have clear, curved windows that stretch 16 feet across each dome roof, allowing you to... Browse itinerary

Alaska Dreams Winter Tour

Duration: 7 days

Starting at: $2139 / pp

Start your adventure with a glacier trek from Anchorage, then continue your journey north to Fairbanks with the Alaska Railroad. Finally, conclude your trip with a stay at the exclusive Borealis Basecamp, where you can watch for the... Browse itinerary

Fairbanks Northern Lights Vacation Package

Duration: 4 days

Starting at: $869 / pp

Spend three nights in Fairbanks exploring the history and culture of this modern northern city, including the opportunity to view the spectacular northern lights, a sight the area is known for around the world. The day starts with... Browse itinerary

Aurora Train Travel in Fall and Winter

Starting at: $1149 / pp

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Chena Hot Springs Resort

56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Chena Hot Springs, AK 99712, United States of America – Great location - show map

Chena Hot Springs Resort Reserve now

Cleanliness

Value for money

Great location!

Offering a hot tub and indoor pool, Chena Hot Springs Resort is set in Chena Hot Springs. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV. Every room has a private bathroom equipped with a bath. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. A daily shuttle is provided from Fairbanks International Airport. The nearest airport is Fairbanks Airport, 55 mi from the property. Fairbanks is 61 mi from the property.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• 2 swimming pools
• Non-smoking rooms
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Free parking
• Airport shuttle
• Family rooms

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.3)

Free private parking available at the hotel

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Property practices

Categories:, hotel area info, restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Amenities of Chena Hot Springs Resort

• Outdoor fireplace
• Picnic area
• Bicycle rental Additional charge
• Accessible parking
• Shuttle service Additional charge
• Daily housekeeping
• ATM on site
• Baggage storage
• Airport shuttle Additional charge
• 24-hour front desk
• Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
• Board games/Puzzles
• Open all year
• Full-body massage
• Head massage
• Foot massage
• Back massage
• Hot tub/Jacuzzi
• Spa Additional charge

See availability House rules

From 4:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Until 11:00 AM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 18 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets are not allowed.

Cards accepted at this hotel

Chena Hot Springs Resort accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

FAQs about Chena Hot Springs Resort

How much does it cost to stay at chena hot springs resort.

The prices at Chena Hot Springs Resort may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

Does Chena Hot Springs Resort have a restaurant on site?

• Chena Hot Springs Restaurant

What are the check-in and check-out times at Chena Hot Springs Resort?

Check-in at Chena Hot Springs Resort is from 4:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.

Does Chena Hot Springs Resort have a pool?

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

What is there to do at Chena Hot Springs Resort?

• Swimming pool
• Bicycle rental

Does Chena Hot Springs Resort have a hot tub for its guests?

Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Chena Hot Springs Resort on this page.

What type of room can I book at Chena Hot Springs Resort?

How far is chena hot springs resort from the center of chena hot springs.

Chena Hot Springs Resort is 500 feet from the center of Chena Hot Springs. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

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Chena Hot Springs Resort: Everything You Need To Know For An Amazing Winter Visit

Last Updated: 3/9/2023

A Winter Visit to Chena Hot Springs Resort near Fairbanks, AK

Tucked in a mountain valley northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska you’ll find Chena Hot Springs Resort . Even in the depths of winter, when average winter temps top out at about 0F, hot spring water emerges from the snow-covered ground at 165F.

But that isn’t the only magical thing about Chena. With its location just south of the Arctic Circle, Chena Hot Springs Resort offers phenomenal northern lights viewing opportunities . It’s truly the perfect destination to discover Alaska in winter .

If you’ve never been to Alaska before, many people will advocate for visiting the 49th state in summer. However, my three-day visit to Chena Hot Springs Resort in December 2019 proved that visiting Alaska in winter doesn’t have to be difficult. With dog sledding; northern lights swirling overhead; and ample trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, I’d argue you haven’t seen Alaska at its very best until you’ve seen it in winter.

Read on to learn all about my all-inclusive northern lights vacation in Alaska at Chena Hot Springs Resort!

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase something through these links, I receive a small commission that helps me create this blog’s content. There’s no extra cost to you.

Pin this Chena Hot Springs Resort post and start planning your winter adventure in Alaska!

Table of Contents

• What makes Chena Hot Spring Resort special?

Why Visit Chena Hot Springs Resort in winter?

Where is chena hot springs resort, how to get to chena hot springs resort in winter, favorite things we did at chena hot springs resort, other activities at chena hot springs resort, dining the chena hot springs resort, chena hot springs resort winter lodging options, tips for going to chena hot springs resort in the winter, what makes chena hot springs resort special.

An historic, off-the-grid resort, Chena Hot Springs Resort has been helping guests experience the Chena River Valley’s geothermal waters since the early 20th century.

In 1905, prospector brothers Robert and Thomas Swan “discovered” the natural hot spring. Since Robert suffered from rheumatism, the pair decided to establish a small resort so Robert and others could ease their pains in the spring’s therapeutic waters. In fact, with its high levels of sodium and bicarbonates, the warm water of Chena Hot Springs is thought to be especially restorative.

Today, Chena Hot Springs Resort continues the Swan Brothers’ legacy of welcoming visitors to the remote mountain river valley. In 2016, the year-round resort transitioned to being 100% employee owned. The resort offers a wide array of lodging options and is known for hot springs bathing, aurora viewing, dog sledding, and its ice museum. You can enjoy a variety of other outdoor activities in both winter and summer.

The geothermal energy that Chena Hot Springs Resort sits on top of does more than create a dreamy hot springs bathing experience. An on-site power plant converts some of that energy into power.  Resort buildings are heated by hot water pipes running through the ceilings, walls, and floors. They also have greenhouse where they hydroponically grow all the lettuce and tomatoes used in the resort restaurant.

No matter the season, water from Chena Hot Springs emerges from the earth at 165 degrees F, as evidenced by this steaming creek running through the main resort in December.

Personally, I didn’t end up at Chena because I’d always dreamed of wading into an outdoor hot springs lake while snow swirled gently around me. While the remote setting of Chena Hot Springs Resort is truly magical, I mostly ended up in this quiet, cold corner of Alaska because it was easy .

I had a very limited time available for my winter Alaska trip and I wanted to make my travels as easy as possible. Chena’s “ Best of Aurora ” package met my stipulations beautifully. The package included airport shuttle, five meals (two breakfast, one lunch, two dinners), two nights in a double queen room in the Moose Lodge, passes to the hot springs pool area, a dog sled ride, a tour of the on-site ice museum, and a night expedition to see the northern lights.

Aside from offering great vacation packages, Chena Hot Springs Resort makes an excellent Alaska winter destination. With its proximity to both Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle, Chena Hot Springs Resort is one of the easiest places to (attempt to) see the aurora borealis in Alaska .

In addition to possibly experiencing the aurora borealis, Chena offers so many other quintessential Alaskan winter experiences such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Of course, you can’t miss the resort’s outdoor hot springs lake .

You’ll find Chena Hot Springs Resort about 65 miles northeast of Fairbanks. Winter brings snowpacked roads, so expect the drive to take at least 1.5 hours. On the drive you’ll drive through a couple remote communities and the Chena River State Recreation Area.

At 65.03 latitude north of the equator, Chena Hot Springs sit just below the Arctic Circle. This is the coldest corner of the United States . Expect temperatures below zero (Fahrenheit) all winter long.

By far the easiest way to get to Chena Hot Springs Resort is via the resort’s Chena Shuttle . The shuttle can pick you up anywhere in downtown Fairbanks, including the airport and hotels. As of March 2023, a round-trip shuttle costs $130 while a one-way shuttle goes for $65, per person, regardless of age. Our shuttle was included in our package price and to be honest, it was a major selling point. Shuttles need to be arranged at least 72 hours in advance.

To ensure Chena has staff available to help with transportation, it’s best to book your shuttle as soon as you’ve solidified your travel plans. Keep in mind that in winter weather it takes about 1.5 hours to get from Chena to Fairbanks so it’s no small logistical feat for the resort to provide a shuttle.

If you’re traveling beyond Chena Hot Springs during your Alaska trip, plan to pick up a rental car at Fairbanks International Airport. I definitely recommend renting a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle for navigating the snow-packed roads!

On the bridge over Monument Creek Trail. This flat two-mile trail was our favorite hike at Chena Hot Springs Resort.

Hike or snowshoe.

A whole network of hiking/snowshoe trails stretches into the mountain wilderness surrounding Chena Hot Springs Resort. Since we visited during a warm snap, we took full advantage of the trails. Despite very deep snow, we did all our hiking in boots and only mildly regretted not using snowshoes once . . . when my poor trail navigation put us on the uphill path to Bear Paw Butte .

Perhaps because of the deep snow or just a general unease among Chena guests to stray too far from the resort, we found these trails wildly underused. We saw a grand total of one other hiker during our three days at Chena. Our favorite hike was the flat, scenic 2.5-mile loop along Monument Creek .

Dog Sledding

Chena Hot Springs Resort is home to Chena Kennel , where you’ll find dozens of spirited sled dogs all vying for their turn to pull the sled. Chena offers guests a 1.5 mile dog sled ride that loops through snow-flocked trees along Monument Creek.

FYI: Sled dogs run at an average pace of 12 mph which means the dogs can easily finish this loop in under 10 minutes.

While we wished our ride had been significantly longer, this is definitely a must-do winter activity at Chena. Be sure to arrive early so you can hang out with the dogs in yard.

Aurora Ice Museum

Perched on the edge of the resort, the Aurora Ice Museum looks like a cross between a giant igloo and a greenhouse. The museum opened in 2005 and operates year-round. Inside, you’ll find an elaborate world completely constructed of ice.

Ice chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The main room includes life-sized ice sculptures, an ice bar, and an igloo all bathed in colorful lights. Two “hotel rooms” sit in the back of the museum, although according to our guide, no one’s ever spent a full night in one of them. You also walk through the workshop where ice artists work on sculptures and restoring museum displays. There’s even a full-sized ice xylophone you can play.

For $15, you can enjoy an appletini (made of equal amounts of McCormick vodka and Sour Apple Pucker) in an ice glass at the Aurora Ice Museum’s bar. And yes, it is a truth universally acknowledged . . . everyone who’s ever visited the Aurora Ice Museum bar wishes for a different drink. You’re only allowed to stay inside the museum for 40 minutes and you can only drink an Appletini so fast so we basically closed down the bar on our tour.

Enjoy an appletini in an ice glass at the Aurora Ice Bar inside the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs Resort. 

The exterior of the Aurora Ice Museum looks like it belongs in Frozen !

Aurora snow coach tour.

A chance to see the northern lights definitely brings most winter visitors to Chena. Winter is generally considered northern lights season in Alaska, although that not because of a particular uptick in solar activity but rather the omnipresent darkness. At winter solstice, Chena receives just four hours of daylight a day. While you can see the aurora borealis any time of year, anecdotally, activity seems to peak around March.

Chena Hot Springs Resort’s Aurora Snow Coach Tour is a 5.5 hour adventure. Tour participants board large, tracked vehicle for a 30-minute ride to the top of Chena Dome . A cluster of yurts and outhouses greet guests at the mountain top.

The heated yurts are stocked with hot drink mixes, hot water snacks like oatmeal and cup of noodles, board games, and sleds. Even on the cloudiest nights, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained during your time on Chena Dome. I highly recommend checking out the awesome sledding hill near the yurts!

During our Aurora tour, our likelihood of seeing the aurora was a two on a scale of nine. It even rained a little at the start of our trip up the mountain. The skies never cleared, but the full moon still shone through the clouds. Some 56 miles in the distance, we spied the twinkling lights of Fairbanks.

It was a great experience, but obviously, it would have been preferable to actually see northern lights!

Our cozy yurt at the top of Chena Dome with the tracked vehicle that brought us up to the aurora borealis viewing area.

Snack selection for aurora tour groups inside the yurt on Chena Dome.

Bathe in the hot springs lake.

If you only do one thing at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, it should be wading into their outside hot springs lake. While you can take in the therapeutic waters of Chena Hot Springs any time of year, there’s something especially magical about enjoying the hot springs in winter.

That said, I’m not sure how anyone stays in the water long enough to have frost form in their hair! (You’ll see that image in lots of Chena’s promotional material.) The lake is kept at 106 degrees F. To achieve that temperature, Chena mixes in cold water since the hot springs come out of the earth at a scalding 165 degrees F! We only lasted in the pool about 20 minutes and we spent most of that time under the cold-water fountain.

Even the shortest time in the pool is unforgettable. Lights with changing colors shine on the lake through the fog and steam. It felt magical and otherworldly.

In addition to the outside lake, the pool complex at Chena Hot Springs also includes an indoor hot springs pool and outside hot tub, as well as locker rooms. There’s no lifeguard on duty, so definitely bathe at your own risk and get out as soon as you feel overheated. One fellow bather advised us to drink two bottles of water after exiting the hot springs to complete the detox. Regardless of your detox hopes, this is an excellent idea.

In addition to the man-made outside lake, Chena Hot Springs Resort’s pool complex includes an indoor hot springs pool and an outside hot tub.

Geo-thermal tour.

Chena offers two free geothermal renewable energy tours daily. Any guest can attend, but you do need to sign up at least fifteen minutes in advance at the Activitorium front desk. It’s a pretty casual tour that takes you to the on-site greenhouses and geothermal renewable energy power plant. I learned a lot on this short tour. Did you know that uranium decay in the earth’s core produces Chena’s hot springs?!

Inside the Chena Hot Springs Resort greenhouse on the geothermal tour. The resort grows many vegetables hydroponically and uses that produce in their restaurant.

 hang out in the activitorium.

The Activitorium is a large building at the resort’s center. This building definitely gives “common room in hostel” vibes. It’s where you meet up for any guided tour and come to rent outdoor recreation equipment like skis and skates.

Don’t be surprised if you see a few guests seeming to live in the Activitorium. Since many flights out of Fairbanks leave very late at night, many guests – ourselves included – need to kill a long stretch of time between checking out of their room and getting shuttled back to the Fairbanks Airport. With ample seating and a good supply of puzzles and books, the Activitorium was well prepared for this reality. There’s even a small counter service café and gift shop.

The Activitorium in the center of the resort serves as a sort of “community center” for guests.

Get a massage

If you came to Chena looking for rejuvenation in the hot springs’ healing waters, then you might want to visit the Chena massage center during your stay. Chena offers deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone massage.

Snowmobiling

You can rent snowmobiles at Chena Hot Springs Resort. We saw a grand total of two snowmobiles poking along the Monument Creek Loop. Although there’s a pretty extensive trail system around Chena, if you’re a hesitant snowmobiler, you might not be super keen to take off into the Alaskan mountains on an unfamiliar machine.

Cross-country Skiing

Once upon a time, there were dreams of a ski hill overlooking Chena Hot Springs Resort. But the forest has reclaimed that hillside and dream. Today, the only option for skiing at Chena is cross-country skiing. The resort rents cross-country skis in the Activitorium. However, there are no groomed ski trails; you’ll be skiing on the hiking/snowshoe trails.

The resort turns off the hot springs to one of the property’s ponds to create a skating rink. We rented skates from the Activitorium and hit the ice. Rented skates are always a gamble and these were no treat; they needed new laces and a good sharpening. If you own ice skates, I definitely recommend packing your own so you can fully enjoy skating in this beautiful setting.

Chena has to divert hot spring water away from this pond in order for it to freeze for ice skating.

Chena Hot Springs Resort’s on-site restaurant serves three meals a day continuously from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. As the only restaurant for miles, dinners include a nice mix of Chena guests, locals, and area guides with their tour groups.

We really enjoyed the menu’s wide variety for each meal. Often the larger the menu, the more suspect I am, but since the restaurant is the only food option for resort guests, it makes sense that they offered a little of everything. We enjoyed seafood one night and curry the next.

Many of the dishes feature tomatoes and lettuce grown in the resort’s greenhouses, although we didn’t find either particularly flavorful. I bet they’re amazing in the summer! You’ll find plenty of Alaskan flair on the menu: from blueberry pancakes at breakfast to wild salmon for dinner.

The Trails End Lounge is located in the restaurant. This well-stocked bar offers full food service and is a great hang-out spot. You can warm up with a number of hot alcoholic drinks including hot toddies, hot buttered rum, and Irish coffee.

If you just want a quick bite, head over to the Aurora Café in the Activitorium. The quick-service cafe serves soup, sandwiches, salads, and coffee drinks. You can also purchase snacks, ice cream, and soft drinks.

We stayed in the Moose Lodge . This 40-room two-story building offers very standard hotel rooms with either one king bed or two queens. You’ll find similar, but slightly smaller, accommodations in Chena’s 32 Fox Rooms . The Fox Rooms – four of which are pet-friendly, each have two double beds rather than queens. Both Moose Lodge and Fox Rooms include a coffee maker, hair dryer, and 8-channel television.

If you need more space than a hotel room, the two-bedroom Bear Family Suites (located upstairs above the Fox Rooms) offer the same amenities of the Moose Lodge and Fox Rooms, but also include a microwave and minifridge. The first bedroom has two queen beds and a full bathroom while the second bedroom has two twin beds and a half bath.

For an authentic Alaskan experience, consider staying in one of the resort’s seven “dry” cabins . There’s no running water in these rustic, pet-friendly cabins, so you’ll need to pop outside to the biffy when nature calls. Happily, since the resort features a pool, it’s easy to shower during your visit.

Check out available Chena Hot Spring Resort rooms here .

• Traveling to Alaska from the lower 48 isn’t unlike traveling to Europe both in terms of the length of travel and the effect of the time change. Most inbound flights land after midnight. Logistically, you will likely need to spend your first night in Fairbanks before journeying on to Chena.

• While there’s a lot of do at Chena Hot Springs Resort in winter, those four hours of daylight go by quickly! Definitely have a plan for the darkness. To maximize the daylight, do all inside activities like eating in the restaurant, touring the Aurora Ice Museum, going to the pool, or taking the geothermal thermal tour after dark. Even so, you’ll end up with a lot of downtime. Plan on enjoying low-tech activities like reading , crafting, knitting, or playing cards because internet service is very limited.

• Chena Hot Springs Resort is off the grid and we’re not just talking the electrical grid. The resort uses notoriously slow satellite internet. When we visited in December 2019, the internet worked well enough to update Instagram, but you definitely wouldn’t be streaming Netflix on it.

• If you happen to visit during a warm snap like we did, opening windows is the only way to cool off your room. Rooms have no thermostat because the entire resort is heated by zones of hot water pipes running through the buildings.

• Save your souvenir shopping for the Fairbanks Airport. We did very well for ourselves at the Twigs Alaskan Gifts shop.

• Pack any winter recreation equipment you own. Grab your biggest suitcase and throw in your own snowshoes and skates. You’ll be so much happier using equipment you’re familiar with.

Would you travel to Alaska to see the northern lights? Do you prefer warm or cold weather destinations?

If you enjoyed this post about visiting chena hot springs resort in winter, check out my other alaska posts.

Hi! I’m Ada, a travel writer based in northern Minnesota, on a mission to see the world. I use this travel blog to provide practical, no-nonsense travel tips and itineraries for both domestic and international travels.

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  Ada is a travel writer based in northern Minnesota. She’s spent two decades as a freelance writer. She’s lived in three countries and has visited all 50 states. In addition to traveling the world, she runs a Boundary Waters outfitters and helps people plan canoe trips and other outdoor adventures in northeastern Minnesota.

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• Chena Hot Springs Is One Of The Gorgeous Hot Springs In Alaska You Can Still Visit In The Wintertime

Megan McDonald

Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.

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If you are looking to have a memorable winter adventure, where you can breathe fresh air and soak in stunning scenery, plan a trip to Chena Hot Springs in Alaska . In addition to only being an hour away from Fairbanks, this incredible resort has hot springs that are fun to visit any time of year; especially in the dead of winter. This means you can gaze at the Northern Lights while relaxing in the mineral hot springs that are located in the Interior of Alaska!

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Have you ever visited Chena Hot Springs in Alaska? If so, tell us about your experience in the following comments section. You can also learn more about the hot springs and the resort on its website .

If you’re looking to explore more great hot springs in the Last Frontier, make sure to read these 10 trails that lead to the most secluded hot springs in Alaska . See why Chena Hot Springs and other Alaska hot springs made the list of enchanting destinations to visit in winter, too.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Chena hot springs in alaska.

What are some of the best hot springs in Alaska?

Aside from Chena Hot Springs, some of the best hot springs in Alaska include the following destinations:

• Manly Hot Springs
• Serpentine Hot Springs
• Tolovana Hot Springs

For more ideas of where to go, check out these  Alaska hot springs  too.

What are some things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska? 

In addition to being near some of the best Alaska hot springs, Fairbanks has something for everyone. This includes the following activities:

• Stay at the Aurora Express
• Indulge in Thai food
• Visiting the  Aurora Ice Museum

 Learn more about what makes Fairbanks a unique place to visit  in this piece.

Where can you view the Northern Lights in Alaska?

Along with visiting Chena Hot Springs during certain months of the year, there are other places throughout the state where you can view the Northern Lights.

• Cooper Landing

For more information on these and other Alaska Northern Lights destinations,  visit this feature article.

If you'd like to drive around to see the Northern Lights, follow this  Alaska road trip.

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Hot Springs Retreats for the Ultimate Relaxation Experience

Posted: June 28, 2024 | Last updated: June 28, 2024

Chena Hot Springs, Alaska

Nestled in the rugged wilderness of Alaska lies Chena Hot Springs, an oasis of relaxation and wonder. Picture yourself immersed in the soothing warmth of natural hot springs, all while being treated to a mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky. And the best part? It’s incredibly affordable, with entry fees as low as $15, offering an accessible escape into some of nature’s most breathtaking sights. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! At Chena Hot Springs, you’ll discover more than just rejuvenating waters. 

Step into the resort’s chic ice bar, where you can sip on frosty cocktails surrounded by stunning ice sculptures. And don’t miss the chance to explore the captivating ice museum, showcasing intricate frozen artworks that will leave you in awe. With a plethora of winter activities to enjoy, Chena Hot Springs promises an unforgettable experience that combines relaxation, natural beauty, and a touch of Arctic magic.

Chinati Hot Springs, Texas

Hidden within the rugged expanse of the Chihuahuan Desert near Marfa, Texas, awaits a true desert gem. The Chinati Hot Springs, also fondly known as Ruidosa Hot Springs were crafted with care by the visionary sculptor Donald Judd. Now under private ownership, the resort boasts eight charming cabins nestled amidst the desert landscape. But the real allure lies in the outdoor hot springs pool and soaking tubs, reserved exclusively for guests. Here, amidst the desert’s stark beauty, visitors can surrender to the therapeutic embrace of waters ranging from a soothing 104 to an invigorating 109 °F.

Hot Mineral Springs, New Mexico

Situated just across Texas’s border in New Mexico, Truth or Consequences stands as a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil escape. Renowned for its hot mineral springs, this charming town boasts a colorful history dating back to the days of the Wild West. Originally named Hot Springs, it underwent a whimsical rebranding in 1950, winning a radio contest and earning its current moniker. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the restorative waters, believed to hold therapeutic properties, or wander through the town’s quaint streets lined with historic bathhouses. 

Banff Upper Hot Springs, Canada

Perched nearly a mile above sea level, the Banff Hot Springs proudly claim the title of Canada’s highest natural hot springs. Just a brief bus trip from the city center, these thermal wonders provide an unparalleled view of the surrounding national park. And the best part? A mere $7.30 grants you access to the expansive pool and bathhouse complex, offering a budget-friendly escape into relaxation. Renovations in 1931, 1961 and 1995 have ensured that the bath house is always up to date and ready for plenty of visitors. After a rejuvenating soak, explore the town’s plethora of winter activities, from skiing and snowshoeing to cozy camping adventures. 

Langford Hot Springs, Texas

Often known as Big Bend Springs or Boquillas Hot Springs, this natural marvel resides within the breathtaking expanse of Big Bend National Park in West Texas. Once the private retreat of J.O. Langford, a pioneering homesteader from the early 1900s, these springs bear his name as a testament to their storied history. Flowing consistently at a soothing 105 °F, the mineral-rich waters have been a source of relaxation and rejuvenation for centuries. Visitors can immerse themselves in the therapeutic embrace of the springs while marveling at the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. And with an array of trails and natural wonders to explore, a visit to Big Bend Springs promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the untamed wilderness of West Texas.

Krause Springs, Texas

Just a stone’s throw away from Austin, Krause Springs stands as a cherished retreat, boasting natural springs and a meticulously maintained pool nestled within its privately-owned grounds. Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, Krause Springs offers more than just aquatic bliss. It’s a haven for camping aficionados and picnickers, providing the perfect setting for memorable outdoor adventures with friends and family. So, if you’re in search of a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further than Krause Springs. It’s a slice of paradise waiting to be discovered just outside the vibrant city of Austin.

Kusatsu Hot Spring, Japan

In the heart of Japan’s prized hot springs region, Kusatsu is a rejuvenating getaway that won’t break the bank. With day passes to its cozy thermal baths priced between $7 to $11, treating yourself to a soak is practically a steal. Plus, there are plenty of free natural public baths nearby and affordable private options for those seeking a more intimate experience. This friendly town warmly welcomes visitors from around the globe, offering cozy accommodations near its famous bathhouses. And when you’re not unwinding in the soothing waters, don’t miss out on nearby ski slopes and must-see landmarks for an unforgettable time in Kusatsu.

Barton Springs Pool, Austin

In the heart of Austin’s Zilker Park, you’ll find a unique oasis that’s perfect for a refreshing dip year-round. While it’s not your typical piping hot spring, this beloved spot maintains a comfortable 70 degrees, making it a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors, no matter the season. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see folks enjoying a morning swim even on crisp fall or winter days. With depths ranging from zero to 18 feet, there’s plenty of space to splash around, and for the more adventurous souls, there’s even a diving board on site. 

Balmorhea State Park, Texas

Escape to the rugged beauty of West Texas and discover the magic of Balmorhea State Park, home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. While it may not be your traditional hot spring, this hidden gem offers something truly special. Fed by the crystal-clear waters of San Solomon Springs, the warm pool has stunning clarity, creating a serene oasis in the heart of the desert. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely swim or simply longing to reconnect with nature, Balmorhea promises an unforgettable escape.

Capote Springs, Marfa

Venture into the heart of West Texas and uncover the hidden marvels of Capote Springs, located just an hour outside of Marfa. Nestled amidst the rugged landscape, this collection of springs offers a soothing retreat from the desert heat. As if that weren’t enough, the area is also home to the majestic Capote Falls, which holds the title of Texas’s tallest and largest waterfall, cascading an impressive 175 feet. While the springs themselves maintain a comfortable average temperature of around 99 degrees, it’s essential to keep in mind that Capote Springs are now privately owned. Therefore, access to these natural wonders requires permission from the landowners.

Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat, Texas

Okay, let’s talk numbers: $400 might seem like a hefty price tag at first glance. But hear us out. That amount covers not just your weekend stay, but also accommodations for two more people in a cozy villa. And what do you get in return? Access to a whole array of goodies at the hot springs resort! Think soothing geothermic baths to melt away your worries, yoga classes to stretch out those knots, and even a jungle walk for a bit of adventure. So, if you’re up for spending $130 a night for an all-inclusive thermal bath spa extravaganza with your pals, why not treat yourself? It’s not just a vacation-it’s an investment in your well-being and happiness.

Saturnia Hot Spring, Italy

Tuscany’s landscape has been the inspiration of legends for centuries. One legend says that long ago, Jupiter and Saturn engaged in an epic battle in the hills, and the ground where Jupiter’s thunderbolt struck now gives rise to bubbling hot springs. Surrounded by the remnants of a bygone era and fueled by the dormant energy of Mount Amiata nearby, these hot springs offer a sanctuary of warmth and relaxation amidst the rugged beauty of Tuscany.

Open round-the-clock, these thermal waterfalls maintain a balmy temperature of 99.5°F (or 37.5°C) year-round. And the best part? It won’t cost you to bask in their rejuvenating waters. So whether you’re a history buff seeking to uncover the secrets of the past or simply in need of a tranquil escape, these legendary hot springs promise an unforgettable journey.

Stanley Hot Spring, Idaho

Embark on a memorable adventure through the rugged beauty of Idaho’s Selway-Bitterroot wilderness, where a rewarding six-mile hike leads you to a tranquil haven: pristine hot springs nestled just outside Elk City. As you traverse the scenic trail, be on the lookout for sightings of native wildlife, from graceful deer to majestic moose. Upon reaching the hot springs, you’ll be greeted by the soothing warmth of the natural pools, offering a welcome respite for weary muscles and a serene backdrop for relaxation. 

Pamukkale Hot Spring

Welcome to Pamukkale, also known as the “cotton castle” in English. Nestled in the southwest region of Turkey, this natural wonder is a sight to behold. Its name comes from the series of 17 cascading pools, formed over centuries by calcium deposits hardening into limestone, that create an otherworldly landscape. Perched high above the city of Denizli, Pamukkale has long been a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and healing. Visitors flock to its rejuvenating waters to soak in the restorative benefits and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. With plenty of budget-friendly accommodations nearby, including guesthouses and hostels, it’s easy to plan a visit without breaking the bank. And with a day pass priced at just about $5, this enchanting destination offers an affordable escape for travelers of all budgets.

Budapest Hot Spring, Budapest

Step into tranquility at Budapest’s iconic Szechenyi Bath complex, the crown jewel of the city’s public baths. Situated right in the heart of bustling Budapest, this beautiful yellow building invites both locals and tourists to indulge in its numerous offerings. For just $16, you can immerse yourself in the large baths for an entire day, choosing from a variety of outdoor and indoor options with different temperatures to suit your mood. To truly embrace the local experience, set your alarm for an early morning dip and start your day off on a blissful note, long before the crowds of tourists arrive to make a splash.

The post Hot Springs Retreats for the Ultimate Relaxation Experience appeared first on Travel Reveal .

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Aurora Borealis

When is the best time to see the aurora borealis or northern lights.

When Can I See the Aurora?

  The Aurora is always up there! Sometimes, however, it cannot be seen because of unclear skies, rain, or snow. It also cannot be seen in the daylight, which is why we cannot see the Aurora in the Summer (if you cannot see the stars, you cannot see the Aurora).  That is why the Aurora is best viewed in the Fall through the Spring, because we start to get more darkness.  

Auroral intensity varies from night to night and throughout the night. The best viewing tends to be late evening to early morning hours, from 10PM-3AM. However, as long as it is dark and the skies are clear there is always a chance to see the Aurora! 

How Long Should I Stay?

When booking your stay at the Resort, it’s best to stay at least two to three nights to have the best opportunity to see them. 

Viewing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis has been listed as one of the “top 100 things to do before you die” by the Travel Channel and in a survey of Japanese, it was listed as one of the top ten things they wanted to see on Earth, (second only to viewing the Pyramids).

Aurora Forecast 

Just like the weather reports, there is also an Aurora forecast! And just like a weather forecast, it is not always accurate, but it can still give you an idea of which days are predicted to have high Aurora activity. 

To get an Auroral Forecast from the Geophysical Institute at the UAF  click here.

Aurora at Chena Hot Springs

  Chena Hot Springs Resort is world renowned for being one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights. It is located under the most active band of northern lights, it is away from the light pollution of city lights, and the skies over Chena are clear more often than those over Fairbanks, 60 miles away. In addition, Alaska’s very cold weather tends to produce clearer skies.

For your viewing pleasure, Chena Hot Springs Resort provides a special “aurora wake up call” for guests staying in the Moose Lodge, since most aurora “shows” are more visible during that time frame

Your best bet is to take a nap before or after dinner and wake up around 10PM. Hang out in the Activity Center with other Aurora chasers and stay up until 3AM! As soon as the Aurora comes out, folks hanging out in the Activity Center will be flocking outside to get their first look at this phenomenon. It makes for a very exciting evening!

Locals will tell you that one of the best experiences one can have is sitting in the soothing natural hot springs rock lake at Chena Hot Springs Resort and watching the lights dance above your head!

You can also take the Aurora Snow Coach tour to the top of Charlie Dome mountain, where we have two Mongolian style yurts to keep you warm and serve you hot beverages and snacks. Up there you will have a 360° unobstructed view of the Northern Lights if they come out.