Chena Hot Springs Resort

About

Chena Hot Springs Resort sits at the end of a 56-mile paved road east of Fairbanks, deep in the Alaska interior. Since 1905, visitors have traveled here to soak in naturally heated geothermal waters, and today the resort offers a full range of experiences built around those same hot springs.

The centerpiece is the outdoor Rock Lake, a boulder-lined hot springs pool fed by natural geothermal energy. The lake has a sandy bottom that makes walking comfortable, and temperatures vary throughout the pool so you can find your perfect spot. It's open daily from 7 AM to 11:45 PM and restricted to guests 18 and older. For families, there's also an indoor swimming pool and hot tub available to all ages.

Beyond the hot springs, the resort is a destination in its own right. The Aurora Ice Museum features ice sculptures and a bar where drinks are served in ice glasses. In winter, Chena is one of the best places in North America to see the northern lights, with aurora viewing season running roughly from late August through April. Summer visitors enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight along with hiking, horseback riding, and ATV tours through the surrounding wilderness.

The resort offers a range of accommodations from hotel rooms to rustic cabins and dry camping sites (available May through September). There's an on-site restaurant, and activity packages can be arranged through the front desk. Geothermal energy powers much of the resort's operations, including a greenhouse that grows fresh produce year-round.

Getting there is straightforward. Chena Hot Springs Road is fully paved and connects to the Steese Highway outside Fairbanks. The drive takes about an hour. Shuttle services from Fairbanks are also available. Whether you come for the northern lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer, the combination of wild Alaska scenery and warm, mineral-rich water makes this a memorable stop.

Accessibility

The outdoor Rock Lake hot springs is documented as handicap-accessible with assistance. A wheelchair is available on-site specifically for guests who need support entering the hot springs pool. The sandy bottom of the lake allows for comfortable walking and wading once in the water.

The resort is reached via Chena Hot Springs Road, a fully paved 56-mile route from Fairbanks, making the drive accessible for all vehicle types. The Pool House facility includes dressing rooms, lockers, hair dryers, and restrooms.

The indoor pool and hot tub area provides an alternative soaking option that may offer easier access depending on individual mobility needs.

Some important considerations: the resort is located in a remote setting, and outdoor terrain between buildings may include gravel paths and uneven ground typical of Alaska wilderness properties. Winter conditions can add ice and snow to walking surfaces. The phrase 'accessible with assistance' used by the resort suggests that some help from staff or companions may be needed to enter the hot springs.

Contact Chena Hot Springs Resort directly at (907) 451-8104 for current details about room accessibility features, accessible parking availability, path conditions between facilities, and the specific type of assistance available for entering the hot springs. If you have particular mobility, sensory, or dietary needs, calling ahead will help the staff prepare for your visit and ensure the best possible experience.

More accessible places in Alaska

• Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center (Fairbanks)
• University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks)
• Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge (Fairbanks)
• Chena River State Recreation Site (Fairbanks)
• Fairbanks (Fairbanks)
• Pioneer Park & World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (Fairbanks)