Hot Spring On Umnak Island

Aleutians West Census Area County, Alaska · Near Unalaska
53.2330°N, 168.3000°W · 100 ft
149°F 52°F air · Good soaking weather 100 ft Backcountry
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 149°F, the source water at Hot Spring On Umnak Island 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.

Aerial view of the ground around Hot Spring On Umnak Island

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

A scalding, heavily mineralized spring on Umnak Island in the Aleutians West Census Area. Unalaska is the nearest town, roughly eighty-five miles away. The water comes out too hot to touch, and it carries a heavy load of dissolved solids. No access status or land owner is in the record.

Location

Low on the island, a hundred feet up, nearly thirty miles from the nearest road, which the record names as Beachmaster Street. Past that, no route. Aleutian weather, cool and wet, with snow in winter and rain in between. No land unit is attached. Nothing is said about a cabin or a campground.

The climate data calls January through March the best months. Scalding at the source; this is a spring to step into only after finding cooler water and checking it. Access is not on record and neither is ownership, so find out who controls the ground. Chemistry is from 1976.

History of Hot Spring On Umnak Island

USGS lists a sampling site here. The 1976 analysis measured high dissolved solids with iron present.

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 north.
Highest ground nearby
584 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the north
Cross-section through the spring

A slice through the ground from north to south, 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
32°
Feb
32°
Mar
35°
Apr
40°
May
45°
Jun
49°
Jul
51°
Aug
47°
Sep
42°
Oct
38°
Nov
33°
Dec
Annual Precip: 51.9 in Annual Snow: 91.5 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 31°F · Water 149°F · +118° contrast
February Air 32°F · Water 149°F · +117° contrast
March Air 32°F · Water 149°F · +117° contrast
January offers 20°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
52°F
Cloudy WSW 53.9 mph 76% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 49° Low 46° Partly Sunny 6% precip
Spring is +100° warmer
Wednesday 49° Low 46° Partly Sunny then Chance Light Rain 54% precip
Spring is +100° warmer
Thursday 48° Low 47° Chance Light Rain 49% precip
Spring is +101° warmer
Friday 46° Low 45° Light Rain Likely then Rain Showers Likely 74% precip
Spring is +103° warmer
Saturday 47° Low 43° Rain Showers Likely 65% precip
Spring is +102° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1976-07-15

The water at Hot Spring On Umnak Island contains 2652 mg/L total dissolved solids. It is notably rich in calcium (may support bone density and joint health), sodium (supports circulation and skin hydration), and chloride (natural antiseptic with skin health benefits).

Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 180 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 2 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 650 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 88 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 1,300 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Iron 40 µg/L
Iron-rich springs may support circulation
Temperature
149°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 149°F (65°C)
Avg Air Temp 40°F
Above Ambient +109°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road Beachmaster Street
Distance to Road 29.0 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hot Spring On Umnak Island?
Hot Spring On Umnak Island has a water temperature of 149°F (65°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Spring On Umnak Island located?
Hot Spring On Umnak Island is located in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska at 100 feet elevation, near Unalaska. Coordinates: 53.2330°N, 168.3000°W.
How do I get to Hot Spring On Umnak Island?
Hot Spring On Umnak Island has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Beachmaster Street (29.0 mi from the road).
What minerals are in the water at Hot Spring On Umnak Island?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride, Iron. Total dissolved solids measure 2,652 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Hot Spring On Umnak Island?
No, not at the source. The water at Hot Spring On Umnak Island reaches 149°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