Chena Hot Springs Resort
Chena Hot Springs Resort is a Hot Spring and Resort at Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, United States
Chena Hot Springs Resort is a remote geothermal retreat about 100 kilometres east of Fairbanks, at the end of a long road into the Alaskan Interior. Naturally heated mineral water is the reason it exists. It feeds indoor pools and a large outdoor rock lake where guests soak in steaming water while the winter air freezes their hair, one of the great simple pleasures of the far north. Beyond the springs the resort spreads into lodges, an ice museum kept frozen year-round with its own ice bar, and a working geothermal plant that powers and heats the whole place. Dog-sledding, snowmobiling and hiking fill the days. What really draws people here, though, is the sky. Sitting inland at around 65°N, well within the auroral zone and far from any city glow, Chena is one of the most reliable aurora spots in Alaska, and the resort will even wake guests with a phone call when the lights come out. On a clear winter night the aurora blazes over the hot pools and the surrounding hills, and there are few better ways to watch it than chest-deep in warm water.
Where to find Chena Hot Springs Resort?
65°3'11"N, 146°3'24"W
Aurora hunting in Fairbanks?
The aurora season here runs from August to April, with the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in September, October, February and March.
What do people think of Chena Hot Springs Resort?
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Ice Hotel! Ice Bar! Indoor and outdoor hot springs-fed pools (which are quite nice!) Japanese tourists! A 65 mile drive straight east of Fairbanks, but so worth it. The drive is great too.
Rick W21 March 2012
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Ask for the Northern Lights phone call... But sleep in your thermals to get outside quick!
Imelda25 March 2011
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This place is more of a tourist trap, but it does offer some good activities. Avoid the springs and do other activities such as biking or the ice museum.
Alexander D28 October 2018
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Definitely a bit touristy but a SOLID hot springs resort with tons of interesting geothermal research/applications and great hiking nearby.
Samir L17 August 2017