Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake

Dillingham Census Area County, Alaska · Near Dillingham
57.1780°N, 157.0150°W · 583 ft
138°F 59°F air · Good soaking weather 583 ft Restricted Backcountry US Fish and Wildlife Service
Aerial view of the ground around Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake

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

A thermal spring on the Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge, logged near Mother Goose Lake in the Dillingham Census Area. Dillingham, the closest town on file, sits about 140 miles away. The water comes out hot, warmer than anyone would want to sit in without something cooler mixed in, and the refuge lists access as restricted. Nothing on record describes a pool or any developed soaking, and the refuge is the only landholder involved.

Refuge ground managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, low on the peninsula at under six hundred feet. The nearest road is about fourteen miles off and the record does not name it, so reaching the spring means covering that ground on foot, and the restricted status applies before you start. Winters bury the area. Snowfall on file runs past fifteen feet a year, and the yearly average temperature stays a few degrees above freezing. Wet country all year.

The months flagged best on file are January and December, with March close behind, all deep winter. Access is restricted, so check with the Alaska Peninsula refuge office before planning anything. No campground on record. Water near 140 degrees will burn skin; do not get in without testing. There is no fee listed and no road anywhere close, so expect a backcountry trip on foot.

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 southwest.
Highest ground nearby
485 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the southwest
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
22°
Jan
26°
Feb
24°
Mar
33°
Apr
41°
May
49°
Jun
54°
Jul
54°
Aug
48°
Sep
39°
Oct
29°
Nov
24°
Dec
Annual Precip: 65.4 in Annual Snow: 183.1 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 22°F · Water 138°F · +116° contrast
March Air 24°F · Water 138°F · +114° contrast
December Air 24°F · Water 138°F · +114° contrast
January offers 32°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
59°F
Light Rain SSW 29.0 mph Good soaking weather
Tuesday 53° Low 52° Light Rain Likely 74% precip
Spring is +85° warmer
Wednesday 49° Low 41° Chance Light Rain 38% precip
Spring is +89° warmer
Thursday 49° Low 39° Light Rain Likely 71% precip
Spring is +89° warmer
Friday 48° Low 39° Rain Showers Likely 61% precip
Spring is +90° warmer
Saturday 48° Low 36° Rain Showers Likely 63% precip
Spring is +90° warmer
Where to Stay

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Temperature
138°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 138°F (59°C)
Avg Air Temp 37°F
Above Ambient +101°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Restricted
Road Access Backcountry
Distance to Road 14.1 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency US Fish and Wildlife Service
Designation National Wildlife Refuge
Unit Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge
Manager US Fish and Wildlife Service
Protection 2 - Permanent protection, some use allowed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake?
Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake has a water temperature of 138°F (59°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake located?
Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake is located in Dillingham Census Area, Alaska at 583 feet elevation, near Dillingham. Coordinates: 57.1780°N, 157.0150°W.
How do I get to Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake?
Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake has Backcountry road access (14.1 mi from the road).
Is Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake free to visit?
Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake has Restricted access. It is managed by US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Is it safe to soak at Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake?
With care. At 138°F Hot Spring Near Mother Goose Lake 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.