Kanuti Hot Springs

Kanuti Hot Springs

Bettles, Alaska

4.8(12)primitiveChallengingFreeClothing Optional

Click thumbnails to view larger photos • Photos from Google Maps

🌡️Temperature135°F
🏊Typeprimitive
🥾DifficultyChallenging
💰PriceFree
📅Best SeasonSummer
👥Crowd LevelLow

About Kanuti Hot Springs

Deep in the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge above the Arctic Circle, these springs are among the most northerly in the U.S. Reached only by bush plane or extended winter travel, the hot pools sit in a vast sub-arctic wetland teeming with migratory birds in summer.

Access

Backcountry

🏕️

Overnight

Yes

👙

Clothing Optional

Yes

Features

Arctic CircleWildlife refugeExtreme remotenessMigratory birds

Water Minerals

SulfurSodiumSilicaLithium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water temperature at Kanuti Hot Springs?
The water temperature at Kanuti Hot Springs is 135°F.
How much does Kanuti Hot Springs cost?
Kanuti Hot Springs is free to visit.
Is Kanuti Hot Springs clothing optional?
Yes, Kanuti Hot Springs is clothing optional.
What minerals are in the water at Kanuti Hot Springs?
The water at Kanuti Hot Springs contains Sulfur, Sodium, Silica, Lithium.
How difficult is it to get to Kanuti Hot Springs?
Kanuti Hot Springs has a challenging difficulty level with backcountry access.

Recent Google Reviews

Jake Sellers• Google Review

"Overall it was good. The hot spring itself is nice and relaxing as long as the other people are too. When it's quiet I could spend hours in there. The rooms aren't great. There's stuff broken all ov..."

2/13/2026
Trudy Smith• Google Review

"We found Chena Hot Springs resort to be relaxing and everything we had hoped for. We stayed in a dry cabin and had access to an outhouse- we signed up for the true Alaskan experience. There were ple..."

1/22/2026
Ashley Roberts• Google Review

"Absolutely loved this hot springs! We did not stay at the resort but it's close enough to fairbanks we stayed in a hotel there. Chena is beautiful and relaxing. Great place for family couples, and ..."

2/11/2026