Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, AK
📍 City/Country: Fairbanks, AK
📝Description/Tips: Chena Hot Springs, located about an hour from Fairbanks, Alaska, is a geothermal resort known for its steamy outdoor rock pool, surrounded by snow in winter and lush greenery in summer. While the resort offers cozy accommodations, dining, and activities like the ice museum and Aurora viewing, you can also visit just for the day with a hot springs pass.
💸 Price Range: $20 (for the day pass) for adults, $17 for children 6-17, $18 for seniors 60+
⭐️ Rating: (My PERSONAL rating, ymmv)
3/5
✨ Pros:
The water temperatures varied in different areas. In the winter, the view of the mountains is great. There are lockers and shoe racks. Less than a 2 hour drive from Fairbanks. You don’t need to stay at the resort; worth a day trip, it’s something to do that’s not too far from the main area of Fairbanks. The water is rich in minerals and many people claim its therapeutic properties. The hot water was very soothing during the winter, and it’s kinda neat to see your hair freeze 😛
👀 Cons:
We saw some trash at the bottom of the springs, like used bandaids. We arrived there early (opens at 7 am) to avoid the crowds and the possibility of someone peeing and other bodily fluids in the water. Because the water is rich in minerals like sulfur, there is a distinct smell. I’m personally very sensitive to sulfur and anything that smells like eggs and fart, and I didn’t shower til I got back to the Air BnB because I did not want to use the showers in the locker room.
📝 Some tips:
🛅 Bring change if you want to use a locker! It costs 50 cents EACH time you open and close the locker.
🔘 for $5 you get ONE towel. It’s advertised as towel service so I thought we could get extra towels if needed.
🔘 bring swim wear. This is not a nude bath house. The resort does sell swimsuits and swim trunks but for the quality, I would say quite overpriced at $40+.
🔘 Manage expectations - we went in February so there was lots of snow. The atmosphere is very rustic and appears less appealing without all the snow covering everywhere 😝 a lot of the resort looked worn out and apparently many people have reported that the rooms are dirty and gross, and customer service leaves a lot to be desired. We arrived there early because we didn’t want to be swimming in gross water, and we were one of the first groups there, but we saw a lot of trash and used bandaids 🤢 there were also people using the water jets like a shower… again this is not something that bothers and grosses out all people so you do you.
🔘 Bring slippers/flip flops/sandals for the locker room area. There are showers in the locker room but I personally didn’t want to take a chance, they didn’t look very clean.
🔘 the drive from Fairbanks to the resort can be bumpy and if there’s a lot of ice you’ll need to drive a little slower so keep in mind it could take longer than 1.15 hours to get there.
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Chena Hot Springs is a remarkable destination that attracts visitors for its relaxing hot spring baths and natural beauty. The geothermal mineral waters are not only refreshing but are also rumored to have therapeutic effects, making it a favored retreat throughout the year. Due to its unique landscape, visiting in winter offers a magical experience, where the steaming pools contrast beautifully with the snow-covered surroundings, giving you a chance to enjoy warm baths while soaking in the panoramic views of the Alaska Range. Additionally, to make the most of your visit, consider planning your trip to coincide with the northern lights for an extraordinary experience. Chena Hot Springs also features an ice museum, showcasing stunning art made entirely from ice and snow. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including snowmobiling and hiking, depending on the season. Remember that cleanliness can vary, so it's wise to take personal hygiene items and perhaps even your own towel if you're sensitive to public facilities. Other tips include dressing in layers due to fluctuating temperature conditions, and bringing cash for locker usage. Remember that summer visits can reveal a different side of Chena Hot Springs, where lush greenery and vibrant wildlife paint a picturesque outdoor setting perfect for relaxation and exploration. Don't forget your swimsuit, as the location is not a clothing-optional resort, ensuring guest comfort in shared spaces.
I live here in Fairbanks, and I find your report very accurate. Despite the “common courtesy” and “common sense” of not stepping into public waters with cuts that still need bandaids, people are still stupid and think the rules don’t apply to them. Same where it says “nobody under 18 in the rock pool” people still sneak their kids out there. And no diving I’ve seen 3 idiots dive and they all hit their heads on the bottom because it’s under 4 feet deep. Let me address your concerns of varying water temps.. this IS a hot springs and naturally the water can come out at over 160 degrees from the ground , they have natural hot springs water pumped in through 4 hoses, but have to mix it with cold water so you don’t end up a boiled lobster. 🦞. The cold air alone is not enough to cool it off but it does help in winter so less cold water is required Nov through March. Residents do NOT get a discount (sad but true) so we usually buy the 10 punch pass which is currently $150 that’s the only discount you get as far as I know, no “elderly” pass price discount or anything like that. I’ve only stayed in a room once there and it was tidy, so I would guess maybe just the change in staff caused an issue. Also “post covid” poor work ethic plays a part just like everywhere else in the nation. The sulphur is strong, so BRING BOTTLES OF WATER, do not drink out of the fountain! Sulphur in your belly can cause you to feel like barfing. Also BRING SNACKS. The restaurant out there does a really good job with their menu, not not everyone is prepared to actually feed for instance a family of 5 at 20 to 40 per plate depending on your drink preference Enjoy!