Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek

Bethel Census Area County, Alaska · Near Bethel
61.2000°N, 159.8630°W
145°F 55°F air · Good soaking weather Open Backcountry Bureau of Land Management
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 145°F, the source water at Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek 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 Ophir Creek

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

Hot springs near Ophir Creek, in the Bethel Census Area, are on BLM public land and open to anyone who can get there. Temperature is 145 degrees at the source, scalding. Bethel is about seventy miles away. The record gives no elevation and no road name; the nearest road is seven miles off, and what sort of road it is stays unsaid.

Location

Bureau of Land Management land under the Anchorage Field Office. Backcountry from a road without a name on file. No elevation on file. Snow comes in at five to six feet a year, with a cold, fairly dry climate: mean around thirty, precipitation a little over two feet.

The BLM lists it open; no fee. Midwinter gets the nod on file, December through February. The source scalds; no cooler pool is on record. No campground on file. From the road in, nothing on file says what those miles are like.

Terrain

USGS hasn't flown a detailed laser scan here yet, so this view comes from aerial photos and older elevation data.

Setting
Valley floor
Gentle slopes rise on both sides.
Highest ground nearby
250 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the north
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
Jan
14°
Feb
15°
Mar
29°
Apr
42°
May
52°
Jun
54°
Jul
51°
Aug
43°
Sep
33°
Oct
18°
Nov
12°
Dec
Annual Precip: 27.7 in Annual Snow: 66.5 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 9°F · Water 145°F · +136° contrast
December Air 12°F · Water 145°F · +134° contrast
February Air 14°F · Water 145°F · +131° contrast
January offers 45°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
55°F
Light Rain Good soaking weather
Tuesday 47° Low 44° Light Rain 84% precip
Spring is +98° warmer
Wednesday 43° Low 39° Light Rain 75% precip
Spring is +102° warmer
Thursday 44° Low 39° Light Rain Likely 64% precip
Spring is +101° warmer
Friday 44° Low 36° Light Rain Likely then Chance Rain Showers 62% precip
Spring is +101° warmer
Saturday 39° Low 32° Chance Rain And Snow Showers 29% precip
Spring is +106° warmer
Temperature
145°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 145°F (63°C)
Avg Air Temp 31°F
Above Ambient +114°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Distance to Road 7.0 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency Bureau of Land Management
Designation PUB
Unit Anchorage Field Office
Manager Bureau of Land Management
Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek?
Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek has a water temperature of 145°F (63°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek located?
Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek is located in Bethel Census Area, Alaska, near Bethel. Coordinates: 61.2000°N, 159.8630°W.
How do I get to Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek?
Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek has Backcountry road access (7.0 mi from the road).
Is Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek free to visit?
Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek has Open access. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management.
Is it safe to soak at Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek?
No, not at the source. The water at Hot Springs Near Ophir Creek reaches 145°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.