Hot Spring Near Fish Bay

Sitka City and Borough County, Alaska · Near Sitka
57.3480°N, 135.3850°W · 700 ft
117°F 52°F air · Good soaking weather 700 ft Open Backcountry US Forest Service Camping nearby (7.3 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Hot Spring Near Fish Bay

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

Hot Spring Near Fish Bay is a Tongass National Forest spring about eight miles from Sitka, on land the Forest Service lists as open. The water is hot, hotter than you would want against bare skin. The only chemistry on file goes back to 1915 and found iron in it.

Location

Seven hundred feet up and twelve miles from the nearest road, Eagle River Road, a Forest Service route. Backcountry approach. Snow runs to nearly nine feet a year on this coast and rain to seven, so expect wet ground and wet gear. Allan Point cabin is the closest roof listed, a little over seven miles away.

The record's best months run January to March. Cool the water before sitting in it. That reading dates to a 1915 survey, which is long enough ago that the flow may not match. Open access, no fee recorded. Plan the Allan Point cabin as a staging point.

History of Hot Spring Near Fish Bay

The spring was sampled in June 1915 and a USGS site record carries the result.

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 southeast.
Highest ground nearby
546 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
29°
Jan
30°
Feb
32°
Mar
38°
Apr
46°
May
52°
Jun
55°
Jul
55°
Aug
50°
Sep
42°
Oct
34°
Nov
31°
Dec
Annual Precip: 84.1 in Annual Snow: 106.4 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 29°F · Water 117°F · +88° contrast
February Air 30°F · Water 117°F · +87° contrast
March Air 32°F · Water 117°F · +86° contrast
January offers 26°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
52°F
Mostly Cloudy E 12.4 mph 94% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 64° Low 49° Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers 33% precip
Spring is +53° warmer
Wednesday 61° Low 53° Rain Showers 100% precip
Spring is +56° warmer
Thursday 60° Low 51° Chance Light Rain 47% precip
Spring is +57° warmer
Friday 58° Low 52° Heavy Rain 100% precip
Spring is +59° warmer
Saturday 59° Low 50° Rain 83% precip
Spring is +58° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1915-06-26

The water at Hot Spring Near Fish Bay contains 345 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in iron (iron-rich springs may support circulation).

Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 13 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 2 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sulfate 24 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 5 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 750 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Allan Point Cabin 7.3 mi away

Overview Allan Point Cabin is located on Halleck Island in upper Nakwasina Sound, about 16 miles north of Sitka, Alaska in the Tongass National Forest. The two-story cabin was built in 1993 by volunteers. It has a large front deck that overlooks Nakwasina Sound and is an excellent base for saltwater fishing and deer hunting. The site can be accessed only by float plane or boat, weather permitting. Travel time from Sitka is 10 minutes by float plane or 30 minutes by boat. Visitors are respons...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
117°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 117°F (47°C)
Avg Air Temp 41°F
Above Ambient +76°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road Eagle River Road - USFS
Distance to Road 12.2 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 Hot Spring Near Fish Bay?
Hot Spring Near Fish Bay has a water temperature of 117°F (47°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Spring Near Fish Bay located?
Hot Spring Near Fish Bay is located in Sitka City and Borough, Alaska at 700 feet elevation, near Sitka. Coordinates: 57.3480°N, 135.3850°W.
How do I get to Hot Spring Near Fish Bay?
Hot Spring Near Fish Bay has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Eagle River Road - USFS (12.2 mi from the road).
Is Hot Spring Near Fish Bay free to visit?
Hot Spring Near Fish Bay has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Hot Spring Near Fish Bay?
Yes, Allan Point Cabin is located nearby (7.3 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Hot Spring Near Fish Bay?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. Total dissolved solids measure 345 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Hot Spring Near Fish Bay?
With care. At 117°F Hot Spring Near Fish Bay 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.
Sources: USGS NWIS