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The state of Alaska is home to almost eighty thermal springs, with the greatest concentration located along the volcano line of the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian island chain. Another area of hot springs can be found in the southeastern portion of the state, while other springs are dispersed through the rest of the state. Many of the springs are in their natural state, but in the southeast, many springs have been transformed for ease of use. The areas range in quality from wooden changing stalls to elaborate luxury resorts.
The thermal springs located in Southeast Alaska include:
Baranof Warm Springs: Located to the east of Sitka on Baranof Island at Warm Springs Bay. The springs are situated beside a stunning 100-foot waterfall and surrounded by glacially-fed lakes, rivers, and streams. There are nine springs of varying temperature up to 120-degrees Fahrenheit. The area is accessible by yacht charter and wooden boardwalks connect up the mountainside to the village of Baranof.
Chief Shakes Hot Springs: Found off Ketili River. Often accessed by canoe or kayak from the Hot Springs Slough Route, these springs consist of two hot tubs. One tub is under the trees and has a wooden deck and a changing area. The other is enclosed in screened structure with a changing room. Nearby is a fire pit, picnic table, and outhouse.
Goddard Hot Springs: Located at Hot Springs Bay on Baranof Island. This ancient spring is known for its healing properties. With housing on site since the mid-1800s, the city of Sitka currently maintains two stylish cedar bathhouses Over the hot tubs are shelters which offer both hot water from the springs and cold water. The area is accessible by yacht charter and includes boardwalks and facilities.
Shelokum Hot Springs: Located on the Cleveland Peninsula. The thermal springs can be reached via a 2.2-mile trail that leads from Bailey Bay to Lake Shelokum. The only shelter is a three-sided structure. The springs have not been disturbed and are home to algal plant life.
Trocadero Soda Springs: Located on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island near Craig. This is a carbonated springs, which bubbles and hisses. The area surrounding the spring has a unique landscape of craters and mounds with coloration changing from pale yellow to brick red. Accessible only by boat, the hike to the springs is good for bear-watching, but take extreme caution. The water is said to have “a sharp, pleasant taste” and has no scent.
White Sulphur Hot Springs: Located in the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness. Accessible by yacht charter from Mirror Harbor, the springs are only 0.8 mile hike from the water. Originally named Hoonah Warm Springs, the springs were renamed after a dentist. The bathhouse features a fiberglass screen which allows visitors to enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean while enjoying the hot water soak.
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Source by Laurie L Harley
