How hot is the water at Chief Shakes Hot Springs?

The source spring emerges at over 120°F, but the tubs are equipped with cold-water diversion valves allowing bathers to adjust the soaking temperature to a comfortable 100°F–104°F.

Are there changing rooms available?

Yes, the Forest Service facility includes changing rooms, wooden deck benches, and an outhouse adjacent to the boardwalk.

How do you get to the hot springs?

You must take a jet boat charter from Wrangell across the Stikine Delta and up into Hot Springs Slough.

How hot is the water at Chief Shakes Hot Springs?

The source spring emerges at over 120°F, but the tubs are equipped with cold-water diversion valves allowing bathers to adjust the soaking temperature to a comfortable 100°F–104°F.

Are there changing rooms available?

Yes, the Forest Service facility includes changing rooms, wooden deck benches, and an outhouse adjacent to the boardwalk.

How do you get to the hot springs?

You must take a jet boat charter from Wrangell across the Stikine Delta and up into Hot Springs Slough.

Hot Springs

Chief Shakes Hot Springs

Forest • Peaceful • Relaxing

Hot Springs Overview

A Glimpse of the Attraction

A natural geothermal oasis tucked deep inside the Stikine River wilderness. Soak in mineral hot spring waters sheltered by timber soaking tubs amidst lush old-growth rainforest.

Perfect For...

• Geothermal soaking relaxation • Stikine River jetboat layovers • Off-grid wilderness retreats

Not the Best Fit For...

• Luxury commercial spa seekers • Land-only road travelers • Fast non-boat itineraries

Top Highlights

Natural Wilderness Geothermal: Subterranean hot spring water flowing at over 120°F in the Tongass National Forest.
Dual Tub Facilities: Includes both a sheltered indoor soaking house and an open-air redwood tub under the forest canopy.
Scenic Forest Boardwalk: 0.3-mile raised timber boardwalk through lush fern beds and old-growth trees from the dock.
Historic River Layover: Traditional restorative stopping point for Stikine River travelers for generations.

Deep Dive

The Attraction

Chief Shakes Hot Springs is a geothermal haven nestled on the forested flats of the Stikine River valley. Heated by deep subterranean geothermal activity along tectonic fault lines, the mineral-rich waters emerge at temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C) before being piped into two wooden soaking structures.

The site features an indoor redwood tub within an enclosed changing shelter, as well as an open-air outdoor tub surrounded by moss-draped cedar and hemlock trees. An adjacent picnic area, changing rooms, and nearby Forest Service cabins make this a classic wilderness retreat for locals and river explorers alike.

Soaking in the natural, sulfur-free geothermal water while watching mist drift through old-growth rainforest is a restorative contrast to the cool winds of the Stikine River. The facility is maintained through a cooperative ethic between the US Forest Service and visiting river travelers who keep the bathhouses clean.

It represents the ultimate wilderness reward at the midpoint of a Stikine River jetboat run, blending geologic wonders with total forest immersion.

Location

How Do I Get Here?

Distance

(From Cruise Ship Dock)

30 Mi

Get There Via

Boat

Located roughly 28 miles up the Stikine River from Wrangell, along the Hot Springs Slough. Accessible only by river jet boat to the slough landing, followed by a gentle 0.3-mile wooden boardwalk trail through the forest to the springs.

View on Google Map

Trip Essentials

Logistics & Requirements

Local Insider Note

As a lifelong travel enthusiast and former wilderness guide with years spent exploring the remote corners of Wrangell and Southeast Alaska, I’ve put this guide together to give you true local insider insight. Southeast Alaska’s terrain and maritime weather are dynamic, and having the right expectations makes all the difference. Whether you're exploring on your own or joining us on a tour, these logistics and requirements are designed to help you pack right, navigate the elements safely, and make the absolute most of your time on the island.

Jonas Crabtree

– Your Guide in Wrangell

Important Things to Know

The hot springs are a shared public-use facility; pack out all trash and respect other visitors. Test water temperatures before fully entering, as natural geothermal flow can vary. The site is located in wild bear habitat—store personal gear appropriately and stay aware on the boardwalk.

Best Timing & Season

Accessible year-round, though peak access via river charter is May through September. Navigating Hot Springs Slough is dependent on river water levels and high tides on the Stikine Delta.

What to Bring

Swimsuit, quick-dry towel, slip-on shoes or sandals for the bathhouse boardwalk, drinking water to stay hydrated, and a waterproof bag for dry clothes.

Fees & Permits

Free public access. Maintained by the US Forest Service (Tongass National Forest). Features two enclosed timber soaking tubs (one fully sheltered inside a wooden cabin, and one open-air outdoor tub).

Accessibility & Difficulty

Requires boat transfer to a timber river dock, followed by an easy, flat 0.3-mile wooden boardwalk through the forest. Modest mobility required to step into and out of hot tubs.

Clear Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot is the water at Chief Shakes Hot Springs?
The source spring emerges at over 120°F, but the tubs are equipped with cold-water diversion valves allowing bathers to adjust the soaking temperature to a comfortable 100°F–104°F.
Are there changing rooms available?
Yes, the Forest Service facility includes changing rooms, wooden deck benches, and an outhouse adjacent to the boardwalk.
How do you get to the hot springs?
You must take a jet boat charter from Wrangell across the Stikine Delta and up into Hot Springs Slough.

View Map

Explore Tours

Learn More

Recreation Area

Muskeg Meadows Golf Course

Distance
From Dock

2.5 Mi

Get
There by

Meadows • Recreation • Scenic

Experience one of the most uniquely Alaskan golf courses on earth—a 9-hole USGA-rated course carved right out of temperate rainforest and peat muskeg, complete with a local raven rule.

View Map

Learn More

Popular Trail

Nemo Saltwater Access Trail

Distance
From Dock

14 Mi

Get
There by

Nature • Peaceful • Scenic

Hike down through towering spruce and cedar forest to reach a secluded saltwater beach along Zimovia Strait. This hidden gem offers beachcombing, scenic picnic spots, and tranquil water views south of town.

View Map

Learn More

Historic Landmark

Petroglyph Beach Historic Park

Ancient Tlingit petroglyphs carved into beach rocks in Wrangell, Alaska

Distance
From Dock

0.8 Mi

Get
There by

Culture • History • Scenic

Walk among ancient rock art pecked into dark metamorphic slate right at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Located less than a mile from downtown Wrangell, this park offers a rare look at prehistoric Indigenous craftsmanship, beachcombing, and panoramic views across the Stikine Strait.

View Map

Explore Tours

Learn More

Popular Trail

Rainbow Falls Trail

Panoramic view from the Wrangell Falls trail overlooking Eastern Passage and the Stikine River Delta near Wrangell, Alaska.

Distance
From Dock

4.7 Mi

Get
There by

Nature • Scenic • Waterfall

Journey into deep temperate rainforest along a cascading creek that culminates in a dramatic waterfall observation deck. This signature Wrangell day hike delivers towering old-growth trees, lush ferns, and sweeping coastal views.

View Map

Learn More