Chena Hot Springs Resort
4.2(5.8K)google
Hot Spring
Overview
Chena Hot Springs Resort, located roughly 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, is a legendary, century-old wellness destination renowned globally for its healing, mineral-rich thermal waters. The resort features a massive outdoor natural rock lake filled with soothing hot spring water, allowing guests to relax comfortably even during freezing winter sub-zero temperatures. Powered entirely by sustainable geothermal energy, the property serves as a premier basecamp for viewing the spectacular Aurora Borealis, offering a magical blend of thermal relaxation and aurora hunting.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1-2 days
Best TimeThe absolute best window is winter (December to March). The ultimate experience is soaking in the scalding natural outdoor rock hot spring in sub-zero temperatures while your hair freezes into icicles and the green aurora borealis dances directly overhead.
Getting ThereLocated approximately 60 miles east of downtown Fairbanks. Driving is the standard option via Chena Hot Springs Road. In winter, the highway is regularly hard-packed with snow and ice, requiring 4WD or winter tires, plus alertness for moose on the road.
Travel Tips
- The 60-mile Chena Hot Springs Road is prone to massive frost heaves and sudden moose crossings; strict adherence to speed limits is vital during midnight aurora hunts.
- The outdoor natural geothermal Rock Lake enforces a strict legal age limit of 18 and older; minors are entirely restricted to the indoor regulated family pool.
- The resort perimeter is an unstable cellular deadzone; preload offline regional basemaps and verify SUSV aurora tracking vouchers early at the Activities Center.
Reviews
Positive
- Soaking in a scalding natural hot spring amidst sub-zero snow, with frosted hair under the starlit sky; this raw experience completely lives up to its name.
- The hot spring pool edge is monitored by dedicated safety lifeguards, and the locker rooms offer ample storage cubbies and basic showers.
- Beyond the hot springs, the resort packs an ice museum and dog sledding, delivering great one-stop recreational fun and variety.
- Far removed from city light pollution, looking up at night from the open-air pool offers an incredibly high chance of seeing brilliant auroras explode.
Heads up
- The locker room and shower facilities are dated and hygiene maintenance lags; the floor is often watery and slippery, feeling cramped and messy during peak crowds.
- The final stretch of road from Fairbanks is heavily potholed with zero cell service; during winter snow and ice, road conditions are highly hazardous.
- The dining options inside charge exorbitant prices with cold service and incredibly slow food delivery, suspect of tourist traps; the value is disappointing.
- Due to its massive fame, endless tour buses flood in every evening, turning the outdoor pool into a packed public bathhouse, erasing all raw tranquility.