Chena Hot Springs
Swimming hole in Fairbanks, Alaska · Spring
Chena Hot Springs is a hot spring swimming hole. It is at 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK. Fee notes: Pool House day pass fee ($20 adults, $17 children). Best season: Open 365 days a year, 7:00 a.
Typical season: Open 365 days a year, 7:00 a
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712
- Water type
- Hot Spring
- Water body
- Chena Hot Springs
- Fee
- Pool House day pass fee ($20 adults, $17 children)
- Nearest town
- Fairbanks
- State
- Alaska
- Best season
- Open 365 days a year, 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Winter soaks pair with aurora viewing; summer brings near-endless daylight. The lake holds about 106°F year-round.
- Access difficulty
- Easy. Drive to the end of Chena Hot Springs Road, about 60 road miles northeast of Fairbanks, and check in at the Pool House. The hot springs lake is wheelchair-accessible with assistance.
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- The resort offers lodging and activity bookings on site; Fairbanks-area campgrounds are within an hour’s drive.
- Activities
- Soaking, swimming (indoor pool), aurora viewing, hiking
- Facilities
- Pool House with locker rooms, showers, and hair dryers, plus an indoor heated pool and hot tubs alongside the outdoor natural hot springs lake. Lodging and a restaurant are on site.
- Last verified
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Open 365 days a year, 7:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Winter soaks pair with aurora viewing; summer brings near-endless daylight. The lake holds about 106°F year-round.
- Access Easy. Drive to the end of Chena Hot Springs Road, about 60 road miles northeast of Fairbanks, and check in at the Pool House. The hot springs lake is wheelchair-accessible with assistance.
- Facilities Pool House with locker rooms, showers, and hair dryers, plus an indoor heated pool and hot tubs alongside the outdoor natural hot springs lake. Lodging and a restaurant are on site.
- Camping nearby The resort offers lodging and activity bookings on site; Fairbanks-area campgrounds are within an hour’s drive.
Highlights & features
- Natural 106°F hot springs lake, open every day of the year
- Aurora viewing from the water in winter
- Discovered in 1905; the unchlorinated lake is naturally flushed by flowing geothermal water
Access & fees
Verified against chenahotsprings.com (checked July 2026). Rules and fees can change; confirm with the land manager before you go.
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What to pack for Chena Hot Springs
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Chena Hot Springs?
Yes. The outdoor natural hot springs lake is open for soaking (adults 18 and over only), and an indoor heated pool welcomes all ages. There are no lifeguards, and the outdoor lake averages 106°F at roughly four feet deep.
When is the best time to visit Chena Hot Springs?
Any time of year — it is open 365 days. Winter visits (September through March) add the chance of soaking under the northern lights; summer offers warm, nearly endless daylight for pairing a soak with area hikes.
Is Chena Hot Springs free to visit?
No. A Pool House day pass is required — about $20 for adults and $17 for children ages 6–17 as of 2026, with kids under 5 free. Rates are set by the resort, so check current pricing before you go.
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Sources & updates
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