Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs

Annette Island Reserve County, Alaska · Near Craig
55.3340°N, 133.6410°W · 570 ft
109°F 48°F air · Good soaking weather 570 ft Open Backcountry US Forest Service Camping nearby (13.9 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs

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

Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs comes out at a temperature you could sit in, on Tongass National Forest land about twenty-three miles from the town of Craig. The county listing puts it in the Annette Island Reserve. Access is open. The temperature and chemistry on file trace back to a survey from 1924, so the figures are old and the spring may behave differently now.

Location

The spring lies ten and a half miles from the end of Suemez Highway Road, which makes this a backcountry trip. Elevation is modest. Rain defines the weather here, with snowfall light for Southeast Alaska. Point Amargura Cabin is the nearest Forest Service shelter on record, and it is a long way off, farther than the road.

January through March are marked as the best months. Expect rain whenever you go. The measured temperature would be comfortable for most people, but that measurement is a century old, so test the water yourself. The sample ran low in dissolved solids with some iron present. Nothing is recorded about fees.

History of Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs

The USGS sampled this water in August 1924. The analysis came back low in dissolved solids and listed iron among the measured constituents.

Terrain

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

Setting
Hillside
The spring sits on a steep slope that climbs to the east.
Highest ground nearby
733 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the east
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
38°
Jan
37°
Feb
38°
Mar
41°
Apr
45°
May
49°
Jun
52°
Jul
54°
Aug
52°
Sep
47°
Oct
42°
Nov
39°
Dec
Annual Precip: 86.9 in Annual Snow: 21.3 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 38°F · Water 109°F · +72° contrast
February Air 37°F · Water 109°F · +72° contrast
March Air 38°F · Water 109°F · +71° contrast
January offers 17°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
48°F
Haze N 0.0 mph 81% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 58° Low 54° Partly Sunny
Spring is +51° warmer
Wednesday 58° Low 54° Rain Showers 96% precip
Spring is +51° warmer
Thursday 57° Low 55° Light Rain Likely 63% precip
Spring is +52° warmer
Friday 58° Low 55° Rain 100% precip
Spring is +51° warmer
Saturday 58° Low 54° Light Rain Likely then Rain Showers 83% precip
Spring is +51° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1924-08-18

The water at Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs contains 156 mg/L total dissolved solids.

Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 4 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 2 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sulfate 20 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 8 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 20 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Point Amargura Cabin 13.9 mi away

Overview Point Amargura Cabin offers guests a unique lodging experience on San Fernando Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site offers a scenic setting for fishing, hunting, beachcombing and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin. The site is accessible by boat or float plane at high tide. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation The location of the cabin is excellent for anglers. Pi...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
109°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 109°F (43°C)
Avg Air Temp 44°F
Above Ambient +65°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road Suemez Highway Road
Distance to Road 10.5 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 Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs?
Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs has a water temperature of 109°F (43°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs located?
Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs is located in Annette Island Reserve, Alaska at 570 feet elevation, near Craig. Coordinates: 55.3340°N, 133.6410°W.
How do I get to Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs?
Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Suemez Highway Road (10.5 mi from the road).
Is Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs free to visit?
Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs?
Yes, Point Amargura Cabin is located nearby (13.9 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Dalton (Craig) Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. Total dissolved solids measure 156 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS