Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska

Sitka City and Borough County, Alaska · Near Sitka
57.0894°N, 134.8331°W · 75 ft
54°F air · Good soaking weather 75 ft Backcountry Camping nearby (2.8 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska

The orange dot marks the spring, in a frame about three quarters of a mile wide.

This listing is for the community of Baranof Warm Springs itself, the small, mostly seasonal community on the east shore of Baranof Island that takes its name from the springs beside it. No temperature is attached to this entry, so it is not a soaking record; the water is covered under the springs page. Sitka is the nearest town, about twenty miles west.

Location

Sea-level coast in Sitka City and Borough. Old Mine Road, nearly thirteen miles away, is the closest road the record knows, and Baranof Island has no road or air link to the outside anyway. Around sixteen feet of snow falls in a typical winter and the rain never goes away for long. Baranof Lake cabin sits a little under three miles off.

No best months are recorded for this entry and access is left unstated. Landowner is blank as well. The 1972 water sample shown here belongs to the springs themselves, so look there for temperature and soaking advice. Getting in and out is a boat question, full stop.

History of Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska

Wikipedia has it as a small, primarily seasonally occupied community in the Alexander Archipelago, sometimes called plain Baranof, and says the name likely comes from the island.

Terrain

USGS hasn't flown a detailed laser scan here yet, so this view comes from aerial photos and older elevation data.

Setting
Canyon floor
Steep ground climbs away on both sides of the spring.
Highest ground nearby
616 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the north
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from west to east, about 0.6 miles end to end.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Monthly Climate
32°
Jan
31°
Feb
33°
Mar
40°
Apr
49°
May
54°
Jun
58°
Jul
58°
Aug
53°
Sep
44°
Oct
36°
Nov
33°
Dec
Annual Precip: 102.1 in Annual Snow: 190.9 in
Current Conditions
54°F
Cloudy N 0.0 mph 94% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 56° Low 48° Mostly Sunny 13% precip
Wednesday 54° Low 49° Rain Showers 100% precip
Thursday 52° Low 48° Chance Light Rain 53% precip
Friday 51° Low 48° Heavy Rain 100% precip
Saturday 51° Low 48° Heavy Rain 96% precip
Water Chemistry Sampled 1972-03-23

The water at Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska is alkaline (pH 9.4) with 268 mg/L total dissolved solids.

pH 9.4 Alkaline
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 1 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 0 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 48 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 28 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 6 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Baranof Lake Cabin 2.8 mi away

Overview Baranof Lake Cabin sits on the shores of greenish-blue Baranof Lake on the southwestern edge of Baranof Lake, 20 air miles east of of Sitka, Alaska. The cabin is generally available June through October, and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska. This is a remote site. The cabin can be accessed by a 25-minute floatplane trip, weather permitting. In poor weather and low clouds, flying time can double, as flights must go the northern route around Baranof Islan...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
No data recorded
Avg Air Temp 44°F
Access
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road Old Mine Road
Distance to Road 12.7 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska located?
Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska is located in Sitka City and Borough, Alaska at 75 feet elevation, near Sitka. Coordinates: 57.0894°N, 134.8331°W.
How do I get to Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska?
Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Old Mine Road (12.7 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska?
Yes, Baranof Lake Cabin is located nearby (2.8 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Baranof Warm Springs, Alaska?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 9.4 (alkaline). Total dissolved solids measure 268 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS, Wikipedia