Take a boat deep into Alaska’s Tongass National Forest for a long, hot soak and personal escape at the White Sulphur Hot Springs. There’s not much to do in the area except soak, rest, and breath in the fresh air while watching for wildlife or reading a book, but who could possibly need more?
Hot Springs Pools
As early as 1916, hunters, trappers, and miners working in the wilderness of Alaska helped to construct this cabin and bathhouse. Once known as a health spa facility, this site has been reconstructed twice: once in 1966 and again in 2012.
The bathhouse boasts views of the nearby Pacific waters washing over rocky cliffs. The beach is a popular place to take a low-tide stroll and is a favorite for nature lovers hoping to sight a brown bear or moose coming down for a drink.
Bubbling up at 135°F, the bathhouse and outdoor pool’s water temperatures are controlled to allow you to soak comfortably. Both pools are free to use and there is a bathroom on-site.
Lodging
The 12’x14′ White Sulphur Springs Cabin is a Pan Abode-style cabin that overlooks the North Pacific. Its most recent update accommodates up to six weary travelers and is beautifully outfitted with a wood stove for heat, a cooking counter, a table/bench, an ax, and an outhouse. The cabin does not include cooking utensils or mattresses, so bring your supplies and a sleeping bag.
Recreation
Recreation options to add to your White Sulphur Hot Springs adventure include boating, hiking, fishing, photography, and soaking in a natural warm springs pool. With easy terrain, hiking is highly accessible and you can explore Lake Elfendahl and Lake Morris, which are conveniently located only 2 hours away.
Another well-marked hike is White Sulphur Springs Trail to Mirror Harbor, and it is quite easy to manage. Take a long stroll and return before nightfall for a long soak in the hot springs waters until your heart’s content. All in all, a visit to White Sulphur Hot Springs and cabin is as quintessentially Alaskan as you can possibly get.
Getting There
The springs can be found on the west coast of Chichagof Island, on the north shore of Bertha Bay. Just 65 miles from Sitka, Alaska, within the Tonga National Forest, White Sulphur Hot Springs pools and cabin can be accessed primarily by boat.
You can charter a short ride from Pelican, Alaska, dock at Mirror Harbor and proceed by walking the 1 mile White Sulphur Springs Trail. This is a local’s best advice for discovering the newly renovated cabin that sits just 50 feet away from the hot springs bathhouse.
Visitors may also charter a floatplane or take a kayaking trip along the Chichagof Island coastline to discover this quaint cabin and bathhouse.
Details
Address: Tongass Dr, Sitka, Alaska 99835
Phone: 907-747-6671
Season: Year-Round
GPS: 57.8061° N, 136.3392° W
Website: fs.usda.gov…
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