Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove

Aleutians West Census Area County, Alaska · Near Unalaska
53.2530°N, 168.3580°W · 100 ft
158°F 52°F air · Good soaking weather 100 ft Backcountry
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 158°F, the source water at Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove 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 Springs Near Hot Springs Cove

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

A second thermal point at Hot Springs Cove, this one at 158 degrees, still hot enough to scald. It sits about a hundred feet up in the Aleutians West Census Area, with Unalaska the nearest town, roughly eighty-six miles away. The same 1976 USGS water sample applies to this cove, showing heavily mineralized water. Ownership and access are unrecorded.

Location

The cove's ground is low and unowned on record. Twenty-eight miles of backcountry separate the spring from Beachmaster Street, the only road named. Snow runs near eight feet a year. The average temperature lands in the low forties; wet weather is the norm. How the approach from the road goes is not on file.

The source will burn. The calendar on file points to late winter. Nothing on file for access status, owner, camping or fee, so anyone going is on their own for permission. Water chemistry is from a single 1976 sample, and nothing says what the water does once it leaves the ground.

History of Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove

Sampled by the USGS in July 1976, the water at this site carried a heavy load of dissolved solids, including sodium, chloride, sulfate, calcium, magnesium and iron. Nothing more recent is on record.

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
573 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
32°
Jan
34°
Feb
34°
Mar
37°
Apr
41°
May
46°
Jun
50°
Jul
52°
Aug
49°
Sep
44°
Oct
39°
Nov
34°
Dec
Annual Precip: 51.9 in Annual Snow: 91.5 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 32°F · Water 158°F · +126° contrast
February Air 34°F · Water 158°F · +124° contrast
March Air 34°F · Water 158°F · +124° 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 47° Partly Sunny 6% precip
Spring is +109° warmer
Wednesday 50° Low 47° Partly Sunny then Light Rain Likely 55% precip
Spring is +108° warmer
Thursday 49° Low 48° Chance Light Rain 51% precip
Spring is +109° warmer
Friday 47° Low 46° Light Rain then Rain Showers Likely 75% precip
Spring is +111° warmer
Saturday 48° Low 44° Rain Showers Likely 67% precip
Spring is +110° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1976-07-15

The water at Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove 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
Where to Stay

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Temperature
158°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 158°F (70°C)
Avg Air Temp 41°F
Above Ambient +117°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road Beachmaster Street
Distance to Road 28.1 mi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove?
Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove has a water temperature of 158°F (70°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove located?
Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove is located in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska at 100 feet elevation, near Unalaska. Coordinates: 53.2530°N, 168.3580°W.
How do I get to Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove?
Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being Beachmaster Street (28.1 mi from the road).
What minerals are in the water at Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove?
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 Springs Near Hot Springs Cove?
No, not at the source. The water at Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove reaches 158°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