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Chena Hot Springs is on every list of things to do in Fairbanks. It’s somewhat iconic!
Tucked away in the woods about an hour’s drive east of Fairbanks, this hot springs resort serves up a natural geothermal spa with a generous side of fun outdoor activities.
But I was surprised to learn that summer is actually the low season for visiting Chena (pronounced CHEE-na) Hot Springs. I guess more people like the idea of sitting in a steaming pool of hot water in the dark dead of an Alaska winter, staring up at the dancing aurora borealis…than soaking under the midnight sun.
(And when I say “soak under the midnight sun/aurora borealis” I mean until 11:45pm, when the pool area closes. So, midnight-ish.)
There’s obviously no aurora visible in summer due to all that sunlight, but there is still plenty to do at Chena Hot Springs. In addition to soaking in the hot springs themselves, you can go hiking on one of the many trails, chill in the ice museum, or go on an ATV or dog sled ride. All very quintessential Alaska activities!
Let me tell you what to expect at Chena Hot Springs and what makes this place a great stop on your Alaskan summer adventure!
About the Chena Hot Springs Resort
The Chena Hot Springs Resort is centered around a natural hot spring that was discovered in 1905 by gold mining brothers Robert and Thomas Swan. (I’m guessing that Native people probably already knew it was there). It didn’t take long for a resort to pop up as a getaway for people seeking the restorative powers of these healing waters.
And the resort has been going strong ever since!
People still come from far and wide, year-round, to soak in the pool, hoping the water’s rich minerals will cure whatever ails them.
The resort has developed well beyond just the hot springs to include a host of other activities to entertain you throughout the year. You can do lots of activities if you stay overnight in one of their 80 rooms or 8 cabins—or at their campsite.
The Hot Springs
The origin of the slightly stinky, warm, bubbling pool seems a bit mysterious. But in reality (aka science), it’s geothermal energy hard at work. heat sneaks up from deep underground, dissolving minerals along the way.
The water reportedly contains sulphur, sodium, fluoride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron, lithium, and chloride.
The lake and pool facilities are open year-round from 7am to 11:45pm. There are no lifeguards.
If you aren’t staying at the resort, you have to purchase a day pass to access all the waters ($20 for adults) and pay $5 additional for a towel if you don’t bring your own.
Rock Lake
The natural Rock Lake is the main event at the Chena Hot Springs. The Rock Lake is considered a “flow through hot springs”, as water is constantly (and naturally) drained and refilled, 2-3 times per day. The resort also completely drains and cleans the lake once a week to try to stay on top of the algae.
It’s no Blue lagoon. The pool has a green-brown tinge and feels very “natural”.
The hot springs runs at an average of 106° F (41°C). And you know it’s natural because there are distinct cool, warm, and hot (and very hot!) patches as you glide around the pool. You’ll also feel the pebbles underfoot (you might even want to wear water shoes).
Because the Rock Lake is filled with natural water from deep in the earth’s bowels, the water can also contain bacteria. They do test regularly to make sure any bacteria levels are safe, but they still recommend anyone with cuts or scrapes not bathe in the pool. And for this reason, children under 18 are not allowed.
According to the website, the Rock Lake is accessible with assistance (and they offer a special wheelchair to roll into the lake).
And yes, swimsuits are required! (And they have swimsuits for sale, in case you didn’t pack right.)
Outdoor Hot Tubs
If you want to soak in a hot tub, but want a little more jet action than the natural springs provide, they also have outdoor hot tubs. These tubs are filled with chlorinated geothermal water, which kills the bacteria.
Watch out for the slippery walkways!
Pool House (Indoor Pool and Hot Tubs)
For the kids and the faint of heart, there is an indoor pool and hot tubs.
The indoor pool is filled with salt water and is heated to an average temperature of 82-86°F (28-30°C).
Locker Rooms
If you are reading reviews, the locker rooms and shower areas are perhaps the most maligned areas of the whole resort. And, yeah, they are a little tired and disheveled. Part of that is on the resort, part of it is on the messy guests.
It’s especially annoying that you have to pony up two quarters to use the (mandatory) lockers to store your stuff.
Spa (Massage Therapy)
It’s not a resort if they don’t offer massages, right?
Well, Chena Hot Springs delivers! They offer a variety of 30, 60, and 90 minute massages, including reflexology, hot stone, therapeutic, deep tissue, and Swedish massages.
It’s a good idea to book ahead.
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Other Resort Activities
The hot springs are relaxing and all, but there’s more to do at Chena Hot Springs than soaking in the restorative waters. If you can drag yourself out of the pool, you’ll find a bunch of ways to keep yourself busy for a few hours or days at the resort. Some activities are free, others will cost you.
If there’s a tour or activity you really want to go on, I recommend booking ahead. Or just pop over to the resort’s Activity Center to book your activities. They have laundry facilities there as well!
Aurora Ice Museum
After seeing the Ice Museum in Fairbanks, I was wondering “do I really need to see another ice museum?”
But am I glad I did— the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs is a real highlight! And, honestly, the ice sculpture here is on a totally different level than the Fairbanks Ice Museum. If you have to pick ice museum to visit, this one is the way to go.
The Aurora Ice Museum is open year-round. And you can only visit the Aurora Ice Museum on at 45-minute tour, usually offered five times per day between 11am and 7pm.
The Aurora Ice Museum is basically like one of those tennis court tents chilled to sub-zero (25°F or -7°C). The resort claims that it is the world’s largest year-round ice environment, created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow.
Didn’t pack for winter for your summer vacation in Alaska? No worries. Grab a complimentary parka on the way in (you won’t regret it).
Step in, and WOW. What is this magical place?!? Next level ice mastery! There are incredible ice sculptures made of the clearest ice, beautifully lit. Most of the sculptures are the labor of love of Steve and Heather Brice, local legendary ice sculptors.
Your guide will tell you about the ice itself and the history of the various sculptures. Note that some sculptures are victims of an AC breakdown a few years ago, but that’s all part of the story.
There are even a few rooms in the back where you can actually stay overnight (for a price!).
Then you’ll gather at the ice bar to enjoy your appletini (21+ only, obvi!) in a genuine glass made of ice. I’m not even a fan of appletinis, but this one was somehow delicious!
Then you are free to walk around and gather content for your Instagram feed before heading back outside and ceremoniously smashing your ice glass to the ground! Or you can keep it as a souvenir…for a few minutes.
Cost (Summer 2025): $20 for everyone (must be 6 or older). Optional purchase: a delicious Appletini in a hand-crafted ice glass for $20 (pro tip: $10 cash refills *might* be offered once you are inside).
Chena Kennel Tour or Dog Cart Ride
Is that the sound of dogs barking in the distance? Yes!
Chena Hot Springs Resort has its own working mushing kennel with over 50 Alaskan Huskies. You can meet these pups in a few ways: just stop by (which is what we did)…or book a kennel tour and/or dog cart ride.
Chena Kennel Tour
You’ll get to visit the dogs at the kennel and learn everything about the sport of mushing from an experienced musher. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see Husky puppies!
These 40-minute tours are available twice a day in summer (noon and 4pm as of 2025).
Cost (Summer 2025): $25 for “adults” (12 and older) and $15 for children (must be 6 or older)
Dog Cart Ride
On this 15-minute ride, you’ll get to experience a 1.5 mile trail on a wheeled cart pulled by a team of Alaskan Huskies! These guys need to practice all year long to stay in mushing shape for winter.
Dog cart rides run almost every half hour from 10:30am to 3:30pm in summer.
Cost (Summer 2025): $65 for “adults” (12 and older) and $32.50 for children (2-11)
ATV Tour
If you are 16 and older, hop on a single-rider ATV for a 45-minute thrill ride through the nearby trails. You will be led by an expert guide.
Tours run five times a day in summer starting at 10am, with the last tour out at 6pm.
Cost (Summer 2025): $80 for everyone (must be at least 16 years old)
If you’ve got kids or just don’t want to drive, you can opt for a Side x Side ATV tour to take you to the top of Charlie Dome.
Tours run five times a day in summer starting at 9am, with the last tour out at 5pm.
Cost (Summer 2025): $65 for “adults” (12 and older) and $32.50 for children (5-11)
Horseback Riding
Don’t love machines? Take a horse out for a ride instead!
They welcome both first-time riders and experienced riders for 30-minute or 1-hour tours to explore the local trails.
There are no age requirements, but riders must be at least 4.5 feet tall. Horseback riding books out online well in advance. You can always call ahead or check with the activity desk when you arrive.
Cost (Summer 2025): $60 for 30 minutes
Hiking
You can access eight trails of varying levels by walking right out of the resort.
We chose the easy-peasy Nature Trail and ended up at the aptly-named Beaver Pond. And, yes—we saw beavers!
Note that this trail is used for dog-sled tours and is closed between 11am and 4pm.
Cell service is basically non-existent, so let someone know if you are going for a hike. And remember that this is bear country, so know your bear etiquette and carry bear spray if you have it. You can also expect to see moose…and I hear they can be pretty gnarly as well.
Bug spray is essential out there!
Geothermal Energy Tour
The entire Chena Hot Springs Resort runs on geothermal power, which means the lights stay on with clean, local energy. And it takes a lot of energy to keep the Ice Museum cold in summer!
They offer behind the scenes tours of the Geothermal Energy plant and their very own greenhouse, where they grow fresh fruits and veggies throughout the year.
These 45-minute tours are available twice a day in summer (2pm and 4pm as of 2025).
Best of all, this tour is free!
Staying at Chena Hot Springs
If you only have a time for a day trip, so be it.
But if you are coming this far, why not stay a night or two and relax a little? To take in the waters, as they say.
Lodging ranges from simple hotel rooms to cabins to the lodge. There’s also a campground for RVs and tents.
- Moose Lodge: spacious rooms in the main lodge
- Fox Rooms: cozy basic rooms (a little dated), a little more budget-friendly (this is where we stayed)
- Bear Family Suites: two-room suites, popular with families (but only accessible by stairs)
- Cabins: the full Alaskan experience! Charming cabins…complete with no running water – but you get an outhouse!
- Yurts: do those cabins sound too fancy? The yurt has no heat, electricity, or plumbing. And you have to bring your own sleeping bag and linens for this super budget option.
- Camping / RVs: Campsites are available on a first-come first-serve basis. There are no electric or water hookups, but potable water and a dump station are available during the summer.
Book well ahead to secure your preferred spot during summer (or any time of year). Rooms (not including cabins, yurts and camping) start around $200 per night.
One benefit of being an overnight (non-camping) guest is that you get free unlimited access to the hot springs! And complimentary towels!
Yurts and campsites do not include swim passes.
Dining at Chena Hot Springs
You’ll work up an appetite between all the hot water and outdoor fun. And there’s only one place to eat.
The main lodge was recently rebuilt and has a charming woodsy restaurant, bar, and gift shop. The restaurant offers classic American fare, with something for everyone, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The most amazing part is that a lot of the food is made with veggies grown in the on-site greenhouse and other Alaska produce, so you can feel really good about what you are eating—talk about local!
And after dinner, you might just want to retire to the Trails End Lounge and see who can tell the best bear story.
How to Get to Chena Hot Springs
Chena hot springs sits around 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. It’s a pretty straight show out of town, running roughly alongside the Chena River.
There’s no public transit. But you’ve still got a few options.
Resort Shuttle
The resort offers a shuttle to and from Fairbanks, but it’s honestly VERY expensive. At $90 per person each way, it can add up pretty fast if you have more than one person. But if it’s your only option, well, it’s your only option.
Tour
If you just want to go for the day, there are options to do a day tour from Fairbanks to see the Aurora Ice Museum and soak in the pools. If you don’t have a car, this is a great option.
Drive / Rent a Car
But truly the best way to get to Chena Hot Springs is to rent a car. The drive is scenic, with wide-open sky and lush green forests on either side. You’ll have the freedom to stop if you see something interesting by the side of the road. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a moose or two—we saw a momma and baby crossing the road! (Luckily far enough ahead of us).
Don’t expect places to stay, eat, or shop along the way. Once you leave Fairbanks, I don’t recall seeing a single shop or restaurant. It’s pretty much just the road and trees.
Tips for Your Trip to Chena Hot Springs
Here’s what to bring on your trip to Chena Hot Springs.
- Snacks. If you are a snacker, know that your options at the resort are limited (and priced accordingly). Bring whatever energy bars or drinks you will think you will need for all your outdoor activities.
- Swimsuit. You know to bring this! I’m just reminding you. Otherwise you’ll have to buy one at the resort (swimsuit shopping…everyone’s favorite, after jeans shopping)
- Water shoes. The hot spring floor is pebbly and uneven. If you have princess feet, you might want to pack a little extra protection.
- Towel. If you aren’t staying at the resort, they will rent you a towel for $5. So bring your own towel if you want to save money.
- Cash. Cash is always handy for tips, especially if you are doing a guided activity. And you’ll need two quarters for those lockers (pool staff can give you change).
- Bug spray. If you plan on wandering around during the day, you’re going to want the bug spray. The mosquitos are real!
- Bears! Know your bear etiquette and pack the bear spray if you plan to wander around in nature.
Key Takeaways on Chena Hot Springs in Summer
Long days, exploring serene nature, and soaking in steaming waters under a seemingly eternal sun. That’s Chena Hot Springs in summer. It makes for a great getaway from Fairbanks, either just for the day or overnight.
Some people complain that the resort facilities are a little tired, and sure, yeah, a little. But I think you need to take a minute to think about how this place is in the middle of nowhere, Alaska and appreciate the little paradise that they have built here.
Over 100 years of soothing the weary bones of travelers can’t be wrong.
