Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a year-round geothermal soak, seasonal outdoor adventures, aurora viewing, lodging, and dining about 60 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska. A successful visit takes more planning than the remote setting may suggest, especially when you consider the drive, pool age rules, high water temperature, activity reservations, and rapidly changing weather.
Quick Answer
Chena Hot Springs is a remote resort about 60 miles from Fairbanks. You can soak year-round, visit the Aurora Ice Museum, join seasonal tours, eat on-site, or stay overnight. Allow 1.5–2 hours each way from Fairbanks, and remember that the natural outdoor lake is limited to guests age 18 and older.
Key Takeaways
- Chena Hot Springs is approximately 60 miles from Fairbanks, and the resort recommends allowing 1.5–2 hours for the trip.
- The outdoor natural hot springs lake is for adults age 18 and older, while the indoor pool welcomes all ages with proper supervision.
- The Pool House is currently open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., with final admission at 11:30 p.m.
- Aurora season generally runs from late August to mid-April, but clouds and solar conditions affect every viewing opportunity.
- Plan seasonal tours, transportation, warm clothing, meals, and overnight lodging before making the drive.
At a Glance
| Time Required | At least half a day; a full day or overnight stay is more comfortable when traveling from Fairbanks |
| Difficulty | Easy at the resort; winter driving and some guided activities require more preparation |
| Tools Needed | Swimsuit, towel, water bottle, sandals, dry clothes, and season-appropriate outerwear |
| Cost | Current Pool House rates start at free for children age 5 and under and reach $20 for adults; transportation, lodging, food, rentals, and tours cost extra |
Getting to Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs Resort is at 17600 Chena Hot Springs Road, near milepost 56.5. The resort describes the route as approximately 60 miles from Fairbanks and recommends allowing 1.5–2 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. That makes it a manageable day trip, but not a quick drive.
If you drive, follow Chena Hot Springs Road to its eastern end. The road passes forests, hills, and wildlife habitat, so watch for moose and other animals near the roadway. In winter, check conditions before departure, carry suitable cold-weather supplies, and leave extra braking distance.
The resort also operates a scheduled shuttle between Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs. Current information lists airport, hotel, and landmark pickup points. Seats must be reserved at least 72 hours before travel and are not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email. The published fare is currently $90 one way or $180 round trip per person.
Pro Tip: An overnight stay removes the pressure of making a late drive after soaking or waiting for the aurora. It also gives you a second chance if clouds block the sky on your first night.
Soaking in the Hot Springs
The Pool House pass includes access to several facilities, but the rules differ by area. The outdoor natural hot springs lake is restricted to guests age 18 and older. Families can use the indoor heated pool, while children age 17 and under may use the outdoor deck hot tub with adult supervision. There are no lifeguards on duty.
According to the resort’s current Pool House information, the outdoor lake averages approximately 106°F and about four feet deep, although its depth can vary with spring activity. The lake is not chlorinated; geothermal water circulates through it, and the resort says it is drained, cleaned, and refilled weekly. The indoor pool uses salt water, and the hot tubs are chlorinated.
The outdoor hot springs lake averages about 106°F, so short soaking periods, hydration, and attention to how you feel are more important than trying to stay in for a long session.
Pool Hours and Current Admission
The Pool House is currently open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Final admission is at 11:30 p.m., and guests must leave the water by 11:45 p.m. The resort is open year-round, including winter, although maintenance or severe weather can affect individual facilities.
| Guest or Service | Current Posted Price |
|---|---|
| Adults age 18–59 | $20 |
| Seniors age 60+ | $18 |
| Children age 6–17 | $17 |
| Children age 5 and under | Free |
| Towel service | $5 |
| Locker | $0.50 in quarters |
Prices and operating details can change. Dressing rooms, showers, lockers, hair dryers, and restrooms are inside the Pool House. Swimsuits are available for purchase, but bringing your own is simpler.
Warning: There are no lifeguards on duty. Leave the water if you feel dizzy, weak, nauseated, unusually tired, or overheated. Do not drink alcohol before or during a soak, do not swallow the water, and do not enter if you have diarrhea. The CDC advises pregnant visitors to consult a healthcare professional before using hot tubs and says children under 5 should not use hot tubs.
Accessibility at the Pool House
The resort says the adults-only outdoor lake is accessible with assistance. A wheelchair is available to help eligible guests enter the lake. Because the setting includes wet surfaces, changing weather, and outdoor paths, travelers who need assistance should allow extra time when arriving.
Outdoor Activities and Adventures
The resort offers activities throughout the year, but the exact schedule depends on snow, trail conditions, staffing, and demand. Check the current Chena Hot Springs activity list before building your day around a particular tour.
Year-Round Activities
- Pool House: Access to the hot springs facilities for day visitors and overnight guests.
- Aurora Ice Museum: A guided visit through a year-round ice environment with sculptures and an ice bar.
- Geothermal tour: A guided introduction to the resort’s energy and greenhouse projects.
- Kennel tour: A look at working Alaskan huskies and the care and history connected with dog mushing.
- Massage therapy: Appointments focused on relaxation and recovery.
Winter Activities
Winter offerings may include dog sledding, electric snowmobile rides, ice fishing, sunset trips, and guided aurora-viewing tours. Each activity has its own minimum age, duration, price, clothing requirements, and cancellation terms. Reserve popular tours early rather than expecting walk-in availability.
Summer Activities
Summer choices may include hiking, guided ATV rides, side-by-side tours, horseback riding, kennel experiences, and geothermal tours. Long daylight hours make it easier to combine several activities, but they also prevent meaningful aurora viewing around midsummer.
Seeing the Northern Lights
Chena sits away from central Fairbanks and beneath the auroral oval, giving it dark-sky advantages. The resort lists its general aurora season as late August through mid-April. Even during that period, an appearance is never guaranteed. Cloud cover, daylight, moonlight, and solar activity all influence visibility.
You may watch from the resort grounds or reserve a guided trip to a higher viewing area. Plan to stay awake late, dress for prolonged outdoor exposure, and give yourself more than one night when aurora viewing is a priority.
Note: The hot springs stay open year-round, but the aurora does not follow the resort’s operating calendar. Summer visitors receive long daylight hours, while darker autumn and winter nights provide better viewing opportunities.
Accommodations and Dining Options
You do not need to stay overnight to use the pools, restaurant, or available activities. However, lodging can make the remote location easier to enjoy, particularly if you want to watch for the aurora after midnight.
On-Site Lodging Choices
The current lodging overview includes several accommodation styles:
- Moose Lodge: Traditional lodge rooms with convenient resort access.
- Bear Family Suites: Larger spaces designed for families and groups.
- Fox Rooms: Wood-accented rooms close to the hot springs area.
- Cabins: Rustic accommodations with private surroundings.
- Yurts: Simple forest lodging for a more unusual stay.
- Camping and RV sites: Seasonal outdoor accommodation near the resort; site features and utility availability depend on the selected booking.
Room type, bathroom arrangements, internet access, cancellation terms, and rates vary. Review the details for the exact unit rather than assuming that every lodging type includes the same amenities.
Dining Experiences Available
The resort’s current dining page lists a main restaurant and the Aurora Café. The main restaurant is in the central building near the front desk and gift shop. It serves breakfast from 7:00–11:30 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and dinner from 5:00–10:00 p.m.
The restaurant does not take reservations; seating is first-come, first-served. The menu includes breakfast plates, salads, sandwiches, fish, pasta, entrées, children’s choices, and beverages. Some produce comes from the resort’s geothermal-heated greenhouses. The Aurora Café provides coffee and lighter food options, although selection and hours may vary.
Exploring the Geothermal History
Chena Hot Springs has a documented history stretching back more than a century. According to the resort’s historical account, brothers Robert and Thomas Swan found the springs on August 5, 1905, after learning that a U.S. Geological Survey crew had observed steam in the upper Chena River area. By 1911, the property included a bathhouse, stable, and 12 cabins.
The water is warmed by heat beneath Earth’s surface and rises through the local geothermal system. It is more accurate to describe that process as geothermal heating than to claim that the springs sit above active underground lava flows.
The resort has also developed geothermal and other renewable-energy projects. It states that it produces its electricity from renewable sources and uses geothermal heat in buildings and greenhouses. Visitors interested in the technology can read the resort’s renewable-energy overview or join the geothermal tour when offered.
Many visitors find a warm soak calming after travel or outdoor activity. However, the experience should be described as relaxation rather than medical treatment. Mineral water is not a substitute for professional care, and anyone with a condition affected by heat should seek medical advice before soaking.
Tips for Your Visit
What to Bring
- A swimsuit and towel, unless you plan to rent a towel or buy swimwear.
- Sandals or water-resistant footwear for wet surfaces.
- A refillable water bottle and dry clothes for after your soak.
- Two quarters if you want to use a locker.
- Warm layers, gloves, a hat, and insulated footwear for winter activities or aurora viewing.
- Insect repellent and a light-blocking sleep mask for summer travel.
- Any required medication and cold-weather emergency supplies when self-driving.
Planning Your Time
| Visit Type | Suggested Plan | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Half day | Drive from Fairbanks, soak, eat, and return | Travelers with limited time |
| Full day | Add the Ice Museum, geothermal tour, or one seasonal activity | Day visitors wanting a complete experience |
| Overnight | Soak, dine, join activities, and watch for the aurora without a late return drive | Winter visitors and aurora seekers |
Arrive with enough time to check in, change, and learn the facility rules before entering the water. Drink water throughout your visit, take breaks between soaking periods, and save strenuous activities for before your longest soak rather than immediately afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there age restrictions for using the hot springs?
Yes. The outdoor natural hot springs lake is limited to guests age 18 and older. The indoor heated pool is available to all ages, and guests age 17 and under may use the outdoor deck hot tub with adult supervision. Children must remain supervised throughout the Pool House area.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to Chena Hot Springs?
The resort’s current public pool and dining pages do not publish a general outside-food policy. Do not take food or glass containers into pool areas without permission. The resort has a restaurant and café, and guests with dietary or medical needs should confirm the applicable facility rules before arrival.
What are the operating hours of Chena Hot Springs?
The Pool House is currently open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Final admission is at 11:30 p.m. Restaurants, tours, lodging services, and other facilities follow separate schedules.
Is there a fee for parking at Chena Hot Springs?
The resort’s current public transportation information does not list a general parking fee. This is different from the paid Fairbanks shuttle and does not guarantee that every specialized parking or transportation service is free.
Are pets allowed at Chena Hot Springs Resort?
The current public lodging overview does not publish a clear resort-wide pet policy, so a blanket yes or no would be unreliable. The resort does state that service animals are welcome on its shuttle when notice is given during booking. Lodging-specific restrictions may differ.
Do I need to stay at the resort to use the pools?
No. Day visitors may buy Pool House passes and use available resort activities and dining without booking an overnight room. Guided activities can still require advance reservations.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The resort identifies late August through mid-April as its general aurora season. Dark, clear nights offer the best opportunity, but no date guarantees a display. Staying for two or more nights improves your chances of encountering suitable conditions.
Are towels and lockers available?
Yes. The Pool House currently lists towel service for $5 and lockers for $0.50. Lockers require two quarters. Showers, dressing rooms, hair dryers, and restrooms are also available.
Is the outdoor hot springs lake accessible?
The resort says the lake is accessible with assistance and that a wheelchair is available to help eligible adult guests enter. The natural lake remains restricted to guests age 18 and older.
Sources
- Chena Hot Springs Pool House — current hours, admission, age limits, temperatures, facilities, and accessibility.
- Chena Hot Springs Transportation — distance, travel time, shuttle prices, and booking requirements.
- Chena Hot Springs Activities — seasonal tours, age limits, durations, and aurora season.
- Chena Hot Springs Lodging — current rooms, suites, cabins, yurts, camping, and RV options.
- History of Chena Hot Springs — documented discovery and early resort development.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hot-Tub Safety — heat, alcohol, pregnancy, child, and illness precautions.
