Goddard Hot Springs

Sitka City and Borough County, Alaska · Near Sitka
56.8360°N, 135.3740°W · 60 ft
153°F 54°F air · Good soaking weather 60 ft Backcountry Camping nearby (3.2 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 153°F, the source water at Goddard Hot Springs is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking. Always test the water temperature before entering.

Goddard Hot Springs runs scalding, about twenty-eight miles from Sitka in the borough of the same name, and its water is thick with dissolved minerals by the 1962 analysis. There is no landowner or access status on file. Kanga Bay cabin, about three miles off, is as close as any shelter on file gets.

Barely above tidewater, backcountry, nearly six miles from a road the record leaves unnamed. This coast gets around fourteen feet of snow and more than eight feet of rain over a year, with an average temperature in the low forties. A photograph is on file. How people land or walk in is not described.

January through March score highest for a visit. Source water will scald; it needs cooling before any soak. The chemistry is from a December 1962 sample, so treat both temperature and mineral load as old readings. Fees are not on record. Kanga Bay cabin is the place to base from if it is available.

History of Goddard Hot Springs

A USGS site record exists, sampled in December 1962.

Terrain

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

Aerial view of the ground around Goddard Hot Springs

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

Setting
Gentle slope
The ground tilts gently up to the southeast.
Highest ground nearby
210 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the southeast
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from northwest to southeast, about 0.6 miles end to end.

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

Monthly Climate
35°
Jan
35°
Feb
35°
Mar
41°
Apr
47°
May
52°
Jun
55°
Jul
56°
Aug
53°
Sep
46°
Oct
39°
Nov
36°
Dec
Annual Precip: 100.9 in Annual Snow: 170.5 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 35°F · Water 153°F · +118° contrast
February Air 35°F · Water 153°F · +118° contrast
March Air 35°F · Water 153°F · +118° contrast
January offers 21°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
54°F
Cloudy N 0.0 mph 94% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 60° Low 51° Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers 45% precip
Spring is +93° warmer
Wednesday 60° Low 53° Rain Showers 100% precip
Spring is +93° warmer
Thursday 59° Low 52° Chance Light Rain 54% precip
Spring is +94° warmer
Friday 59° Low 52° Heavy Rain 100% precip
Spring is +94° warmer
Saturday 59° Low 51° Rain 91% precip
Spring is +94° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1962-12-01

The water at Goddard Hot Springs is neutral (pH 7.2) with 4880 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), magnesium (known for muscle relaxation and stress relief), and sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration).

pH 7.2 Neutral
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 439 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 50 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 1,390 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 90 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 2,830 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Kanga Bay Cabin 3.2 mi away

Overview Kanga Bay Cabin overlooks a secluded cove off Redoubt Bay on Baranof Island, and was built in 1998 by local volunteers. It's available year round, weather permitting, and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. The site is remote. It can only be accessed by floatplane or boat. It's 10-minute plane ride or a 40-minute boat ride from Sitka. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own a...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
153°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 153°F (67°C)
Avg Air Temp 44°F
Above Ambient +109°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Backcountry
Distance to Road 5.7 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Goddard Hot Springs?
Goddard Hot Springs has a water temperature of 153°F (67°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Goddard Hot Springs located?
Goddard Hot Springs is located in Sitka City and Borough, Alaska at 60 feet elevation, near Sitka. Coordinates: 56.8360°N, 135.3740°W.
How do I get to Goddard Hot Springs?
Goddard Hot Springs has Backcountry road access (5.7 mi from the road).
Can I camp near Goddard Hot Springs?
Yes, Kanga Bay Cabin is located nearby (3.2 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Goddard Hot Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 7.2 (neutral). Total dissolved solids measure 4,880 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Goddard Hot Springs?
No, not at the source. The water at Goddard Hot Springs reaches 153°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.
Sources: USGS NWIS