Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait

Sitka City and Borough County, Alaska · Near Sitka
57.7710°N, 135.8200°W · 141 ft
100°F 141 ft Open Backcountry US Forest Service Camping nearby (6.1 mi)
Aerial view of the ground around Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait

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

On the north arm of Peril Strait, in the Tongass National Forest out from Sitka, a spring comes out at roughly bath temperature. Access is open. It is a backcountry spot; the closest road is nearly thirteen miles away. The measurement behind that temperature was taken in 1915, the year of the only water sample on file.

Location

Low ground near the water in Southeast Alaska's rainforest, where rain tops a hundred inches a year and the snowfall figure is large. The Forest Service's Moser Island Cabin is the nearest shelter on record, about six miles off. Getting there is your problem to solve; the record lists no trail and no road anywhere close.

January into March is flagged as the best window. The temperature as measured would be comfortable to sit in, but the measurement is over a century old, so expect anything. The water carried a fair amount of dissolved solids and some iron. The Moser Island cabin is the only lodging on record.

History of Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait

The USGS site record for this spring includes a water sample from June 1915.

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 northeast.
Highest ground nearby
622 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the northeast
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
31°
Jan
31°
Feb
33°
Mar
40°
Apr
48°
May
54°
Jun
58°
Jul
58°
Aug
53°
Sep
44°
Oct
36°
Nov
33°
Dec
Annual Precip: 102.4 in Annual Snow: 191.8 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 31°F · Water 100°F · +69° contrast
February Air 31°F · Water 100°F · +69° contrast
March Air 33°F · Water 100°F · +67° contrast
January offers 27°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
Fog/Mist N 0.0 mph
Tuesday 64° Low 47° Patchy Fog then Chance Light Rain 50% precip
Spring is +36° warmer
Wednesday 62° Low 53° Heavy Rain 100% precip
Spring is +38° warmer
Thursday 61° Low 50° Chance Light Rain 40% precip
Spring is +39° warmer
Friday 59° Low 51° Heavy Rain 100% precip
Spring is +41° warmer
Saturday 60° Low 49° Rain 100% precip
Spring is +40° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1915-06-29

The water at Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait contains 786 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in sulfate (traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation), chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits), and iron (iron-rich springs may support circulation).

Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 37 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 11 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 206 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 329 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 133 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 1400 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Nearby Camping
Nearby Camping
Moser Island Cabin 6.1 mi away

Overview Moser Island Cabin sits on the northern shore of Moser Island in upper Hoonah Sound, 48 miles north of Sitka, Alaska. The wood cabin, built in 1991 by volunteers from Sitka, is available year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. This is a remote site. The cabin can be accessed only by floatplane or boat, weather permitting. From Sitka, it's a 30-minute plane ride or a two-hour boat ride. Visitors are responsible for their own travel...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
100°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 100°F (38°C)
Avg Air Temp 43°F
Above Ambient +57°F
Good soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Distance to Road 12.7 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 North Arm Peril Strait?
Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait has a water temperature of 100°F (38°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait located?
Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait is located in Sitka City and Borough, Alaska at 141 feet elevation, near Sitka. Coordinates: 57.7710°N, 135.8200°W.
How do I get to Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait?
Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait has Backcountry road access (12.7 mi from the road).
Is Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait free to visit?
Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait?
Yes, Moser Island Cabin is located nearby (6.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Hot Spring North Arm Peril Strait?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. Total dissolved solids measure 786 mg/L.
Sources: USGS NWIS