Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet

Sitka City and Borough County, Alaska · Near Sitka
58.0330°N, 136.0170°W · 448 ft
180°F 48°F air · Good soaking weather 448 ft Open Backcountry US Forest Service Camping nearby (9.3 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 180°F, the source water at Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet 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 North End Tenakee Inlet

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

At the north end of Tenakee Inlet, on Tongass National Forest ground in Sitka City and Borough, a thermal spring comes out of the ground at a temperature that would scald skin on contact. Sitka is about sixty miles away. The Forest Service lists access as open. The spring has no name beyond the inlet it sits on, and there is no photograph on file.

Location

The closest road on record is Forest Road 8580, nearly six miles off, which puts this well into backcountry. Elevation is low, a few hundred feet above the inlet. The climate here is wet in the way only southeast Alaska manages. Rain runs most of the year and winter snow piles deep. Averages sit in the low forties. The land is national forest, so Tongass rules apply.

The record singles out January through March as the best window, which looks strange for a place that gets this much snow, so treat it as something to verify. Eight Fathom Cabin is the nearest listed overnight spot, a little over nine miles away. At the recorded temperature the water would burn you. Do not step in without finding a cooler spot and testing first. Access is open and no fee is recorded.

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 east.
Highest ground nearby
658 ft above the spring
Within a quarter mile, to the east
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
30°
Jan
30°
Feb
32°
Mar
38°
Apr
47°
May
53°
Jun
57°
Jul
57°
Aug
52°
Sep
43°
Oct
34°
Nov
32°
Dec
Annual Precip: 91.8 in Annual Snow: 225.3 in
Best Time to Visit
January Air 30°F · Water 180°F · +150° contrast
February Air 30°F · Water 180°F · +150° contrast
March Air 32°F · Water 180°F · +149° contrast
January offers 27°F more contrast than August
Current Conditions
48°F
N 0.0 mph 100% Good soaking weather
Tuesday 63° Low 41° Mostly Cloudy then Chance Rain Showers 38% precip
Spring is +117° warmer
Wednesday 62° Low 49° Rain Showers 100% precip
Spring is +118° warmer
Thursday 60° Low 43° Chance Light Rain 42% precip
Spring is +120° warmer
Friday 59° Low 44° Heavy Rain 100% precip
Spring is +121° warmer
Saturday 59° Low 42° Heavy Rain 100% precip
Spring is +121° warmer
Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Camping
Eight Fathom Cabin 9.3 mi away

Overview Eight Fathom Cabin was constructed in 2009. It is located 15 miles from Hoonah, Alaska in the protected waters of Port Frederick. It is generally available year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska, offering recreational options and abundant wildlife. The cabin is remote. It is accessible only by boat or float plane. From Hoonah, the boat ride is 45 minutes. By float plane, the flight is 30 minutes from Juneau and less than 10 minutes from Hoon...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Temperature
180°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 180°F (82°C)
Avg Air Temp 42°F
Above Ambient +138°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Backcountry
Nearest Road F R 8580 Road
Distance to Road 5.8 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 Springs North End Tenakee Inlet?
Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet has a water temperature of 180°F (82°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet located?
Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet is located in Sitka City and Borough, Alaska at 448 feet elevation, near Sitka. Coordinates: 58.0330°N, 136.0170°W.
How do I get to Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet?
Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet has Backcountry road access, with the nearest road being F R 8580 Road (5.8 mi from the road).
Is Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet free to visit?
Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet?
Yes, Eight Fathom Cabin is located nearby (9.3 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet?
No, not at the source. The water at Hot Springs North End Tenakee Inlet reaches 180°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.