Visit to Chena Hot Springs: Soaking and Adventures in Every Season

Chena Hot Springs is such an Alaskan icon, especially in the winter. It’s more than hot springs though and you can actually spend several days here relaxing and enjoying being disconnected from the rest of the world. But what can you do on a day trip to Chena Hot Springs? There is a lot to do, including guided tours in both summer and winter. I feel like winter is a better time to visit, having been in both summer and in the dead of the cold, because the activities and vibe are really wonderfully Alaskan, but you’ll figure out how to add it to your trip.

Have you gotten to visit Chena Hot Spring or stay overnight at the Chena Hot Springs Resort outside of Fairbanks? If not, read on and you’ll be able to tell if it’s something that would enhance your Alaska trip. If you have any questions about the day trip activities, tours or planning your visit, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you have a great experience!

Highlights of Chena Hot Springs

I would guess that most people visit Chena Hot Springs as a day trip from Fairbanks versus staying overnight. I really enjoyed staying at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, but if that’s not in the cards for your visit, that’s fine. It’s an hour’s drive from Fairbanks or North Pole and then when you arrive, you can proceed into the lodge to start your day trip. The main lodge building has a restaurant and a great gift shop full of Chena merch and Alaskan art, and then when you’re ready you can head to the hot springs building.

You’ll pay your entry fee, get your towels, take off your shoes and then head into the locker rooms. After you’ve changed into your swimwear (this is an all-ages, mixed gender hot spring experience) you can head to the pools. Inside you’ll find two spa tubs (hot tubs) and a large swimming pool. This is the only area kids are allowed and they do need supervision.

Note: if you’re staying at the Chena Hot Springs Lodge as a guest, you passes for use of the springs are included.

When you’re ready for the main attraction, you’ll head outside and enter the large rock hot spring pool. It’s beautiful and spacious, with some spots being hotter than others. No one under 18 is allowed in the rock pool, also called the hot spring lake, keeping it a very adult environment. It’s asked that hot spring goers be respectful of others with a low noise level, but that everyone enjoys themselves. You can sit, swim or be sprayed by the hot water from the spring. In winter, it’s extra pretty and enjoyable.

Hot Springs Day Pass here!

Tips for a Great Chena Hot Springs Visit

Planning a day trip to Chena Hot Springs is easy in any season. There are lots of hikes both leaving from the Chena Hot Springs Resort and the Chena River corridor on the way up. You can go hiking or fishing and then head to the hot springs to relax. While you’re here you can also do the free geothermal energy tour or pay for the Chena Ice Museum tour (year round indoor ice palace).

If you stop into the adventure center, take a look at the other optional paid activities on property. In the summer there are ATVs and horseback riding, and in the winter you can take trips up the mountain for sightseeing and then at night do my favorite Aurora Borealis tour. I will say, if you’re visiting in the winter, the late night snow cat tour to watch the northern lights is phenomenal!

If you’re just planning a day trip to Chena Hot Springs for the soaking activity only, that’s totally fine too. It’s always recommended that you consult a doctor before doing a hot spring soak, and they can advise on how long is best to be in the hot waters. I like 20 minute sessions and to go multiple times in a day, but some people aren’t that into it. I think it feels wonderful, and if you get to visit in the winter the contrast of hot and cold is just beautiful and fun.

Being Prepared for Chena Hot Springs

You don’t need to bring your own towels to Chena Hot Springs, as you can rent a towel for a few dollars, but I like to have a nice towel, personally. I also recommend bringing flip flops, as I don’t like to walk on wet locker room tile or decking, but some people have no problem with it. If you have a waterproof case for your phone or camera, the hot spring rock pool is a cool place to get photos. If you are planning on doing this, be respectful, non-intrusive and not annoying about it. Yes, the rock pool at Chena Hot Springs is a really neat place, but it’s also a place of relaxation so allow others to do so.

If you are planning on doing any of the hiking at Chena Hot Springs for sure bring your hiking boots. Some of the trails can be pretty steep and if it’s been raining there may be some mud involved. In any case, Chena Hot Spring gift shop really isn’t an outdoors shop, so come prepared with your own hiking gear (or winter gear).

Parking for Chena Hot Springs and Activities

When you arrive at Chena Hot Springs for your day visit, you can park at the main lodge or one of the overflow parking areas. For winter visits, you’ll park here as well if you’re planning any of the Aurora Borealis tours or dogsledding. In any case, park and then walk to the tour starting point; you can’t drive throughout the property except to your cabin if you’re staying overnight in one. Getting to Chena Hot Springs isn’t difficult.

From Fairbanks, it’s about an hour’s drive heading out of town along the Chena Hot Springs Road. You’ll see lots of recreation spots on the way, so take note of any place you want to stop on your way back. North Pole is also about an hour away, and if you’re looking to go fishing or do ATVs, this is a great town to plan that in. Visiting Fairbanks is so much fun and coming out here to Chena Hot Springs, even if just for a day trip, is a great addition to your time in Fairbanks in any season.

Things to do in Fairbanks

I feel like when people talk about visiting Alaska, Fairbanks is a last thought, but it shouldn’t be. I love this city, it’s people, it’s dogsled culture and the beautiful nature all around it. Fairbanks is THE winter destination in Alaska with ample dark sky space to watch the Northern Lights and endless outdoor opportunities, whether you’re looking for a mellow snowy escape or hardcore Alaskan adventures. In summer, Fairbanks is a great home base for visiting the Arctic Circle, Denali National Park, spending days kayaking or fishing. It’s beautiful!

Ideas for Fairbanks activities:

Where to Stay in Fairbanks, Alaska

Keep in mind when you’re planning your trip to Fairbanks that it is not a large city. It’s the second largest in Alaska, but it’s not huge. Hotel options are limited and when it comes to booking a luxury hotel stay, that’s not really a thing here. There are nice hotels and really cool lodges and vacation rentals, but white glove luxe ain’t happening. We’ve stayed in all kinds of Fairbanks accommodations, so have solid recommendations (below). I like being based downtown if we have a diverse, busy itinerary, but staying outside of town up in the hills is such a treat, it’s worth planning a night or two away from the city.

You’ll find that the cost of lodging in Fairbanks ranges wildly from season to season. In the summer, standard hotel rooms are not likely available for under $250 per night, with the average being well over $300 per night. In the winter you can get some awesome hotel deals as low as $125 per night. Just keep this in mind as you’re planning your visit to Fairbanks or anywhere in Alaska.

Here are our hotel picks in Fairbanks: