Bradfield Canal Hot Springs

Ketchikan Gateway Borough County, Alaska · Near Ketchikan
56.2330°N, 131.2670°W · 485 ft
135°F 46°F air · Good soaking weather 485 ft Open Backcountry US Forest Service Camping nearby (13.5 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Bradfield Canal Hot Springs

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

Hot water and a very long way from town. Bradfield Canal Hot Springs lies in Tongass National Forest within Ketchikan Gateway Borough, sixty-some miles from Ketchikan. Open, per the Forest Service. Temperature-wise it is hot, above what you can sit in untouched, though short of scalding. No chemistry has been recorded.

Location

Seven-plus miles lie between it and a road that carries no name on file, so count on a backcountry approach. It sits a few hundred feet above sea level in country that gets over forty-five feet of snow in a year, with the rain in between adding up to more than eleven feet. Harding River cabin is the closest listed overnight, thirteen and a half miles distant.

Go between December and February if you follow the record's scoring for best months. Expect to cool the water before a soak. Harding River cabin is a long haul away, so do not count on it as a base. Fees: none recorded. No campground is closer than that cabin.

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
1,095 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the east
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from southwest to northeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

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

Monthly Climate
27°
Jan
28°
Feb
32°
Mar
39°
Apr
46°
May
54°
Jun
59°
Jul
59°
Aug
53°
Sep
42°
Oct
33°
Nov
28°
Dec
Annual Precip: 137.2 in Annual Snow: 552.7 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 27°F · Water 135°F · +108° contrast
February Air 28°F · Water 135°F · +107° contrast
December Air 28°F · Water 135°F · +107° contrast
January offers 32°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
46°F
Fog ESE 12.4 mph 100% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 66° Low 45° Areas Of Fog then Mostly Sunny
Spring is +69° warmer
Wednesday 59° Low 46° Light Rain 100% precip
Spring is +76° warmer
Thursday 60° Low 49° Light Rain Likely 72% precip
Spring is +75° warmer
Friday 58° Low 48° Heavy Rain 100% precip
Spring is +77° warmer
Saturday 58° Low 48° Rain 100% precip
Spring is +77° warmer
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Harding River Cabin 13.5 mi away

Overview Harding River Cabin is located in the Bradfield Canal near excellent fishing and crabbing spots. It is also in a prime spot for viewing birds and wildlife. The site can be accessed by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. Boats and planes should anchor in deeper water, and guests should take small skiffs or punts to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Anglers can fish in th...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
135°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 135°F (57°C)
Avg Air Temp 42°F
Above Ambient +93°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Distance to Road 7.2 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Forest Service
Designation National Forest
Unit Tongass National Forest
Manager US Forest Service
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Bradfield Canal Hot Springs?
Bradfield Canal Hot Springs has a water temperature of 135°F (57°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Bradfield Canal Hot Springs located?
Bradfield Canal Hot Springs is located in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska at 485 feet elevation, near Ketchikan. Coordinates: 56.2330°N, 131.2670°W.
How do I get to Bradfield Canal Hot Springs?
Bradfield Canal Hot Springs has Backcountry road access (7.2 mi from the road).
Is Bradfield Canal Hot Springs free to visit?
Bradfield Canal Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Bradfield Canal Hot Springs?
Yes, Harding River Cabin is located nearby (13.5 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Bradfield Canal Hot Springs?
With care. At 135°F Bradfield Canal Hot Springs is hot enough to need short sessions, fifteen to twenty minutes, and plenty of water. Enter slowly and get out if you feel light-headed.