Chief Shakes Hot Springs

## Overview Chief Shakes Hot Springs is a remote and scenic geothermal hot spring located along the Stikine River in the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska, near the town of Wrangell. Named after the hereditary line of Tlingit chiefs known as Chief Shakes — leaders of the Naanyaa.aayí clan who governed the Stikine Tlingit for generations — this hot spring holds both natural and cultural significance in the region. The hot springs sit at approximately 56.723°N, 132.032°W, nestled in the lush temperate rainforest of the Stikine River corridor. The area is part of the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, one of the most pristine and wild landscapes in Alaska. The geothermal activity here is fed by the volcanic geology underlying the Coast Mountains, producing naturally heated water that has drawn visitors — both indigenous peoples and modern-day adventurers — for centuries. The Tlingit people have long regarded the hot springs as a place of healing and spiritual importance. Today, the U.S. Forest Service maintains two enclosed hot spring tubs (one covered, one open-air) fed by the natural geothermal source, making this one of the more accessible backcountry soaking experiences in Southeast Alaska. The water temperature in the soaking tubs has been reported to range from approximately 104°F to 120°F (40°C to 49°C), though temperatures can vary seasonally and depending on flow conditions. ## Directions 1. **Start in Wrangell, Alaska** — Chief Shakes Hot Springs is not accessible by road. The primary access is via the Stikine River, which flows from British Columbia into the Alaska panhandle near Wrangell. 2. **Travel by jet boat or kayak** — From Wrangell, arrange a jet boat charter or paddle up the Stikine River approximately 28 miles (45 km) to the Hot Springs Slough area. Several local outfitters in Wrangell offer guided trips or boat charters to the hot springs. 3. **Enter Hot Springs Slough** — Watch for the signed turnoff into Hot Springs Slough on the south side of the Stikine River. The slough is a narrow, winding waterway. 4. **Dock and hike** — From the slough, there is a short boardwalk trail (approximately 0.5 miles) leading through the rainforest to the hot spring tubs. The boardwalk can be slippery when wet. 5. **Float plane access** — Some visitors also access the area by float plane, landing on the Stikine River near the slough. Check with Wrangell-based air services for availability. *Note: Conditions on the Stikine River can change rapidly. River travel requires experience or a knowledgeable guide, especially during high water or tidal shifts.* ## What to Expect Chief Shakes Hot Springs offers a truly wild Alaskan soaking experience. Visitors will find two soaking tubs maintained by the U.S. Forest Service — one enclosed in a wooden bathhouse and one open-air — both fed by the natural hot spring source. The open-air tub provides stunning views of the surrounding old-growth rainforest and mountain scenery. The area is remote and undeveloped beyond the tubs and boardwalk. There is a basic three-sided shelter near the springs, but no other facilities — no running water, no electricity, and no staffed services. Visitors should be fully self-sufficient. A nearby Forest Service public use cabin (the Chief Shakes Hot Springs Cabin) may be available for overnight stays by reservation through Recreation.gov. Wildlife in the area is abundant. The Stikine River corridor is home to bald eagles, black bears, brown bears, moose, and during salmon runs, the river teems with fish. Bear-aware practices are essential. The best time to visit is generally from late spring through early fall (May–September), when river conditions are most navigable and daylight is plentiful. Winter visits are possible but significantly more challenging due to weather, ice, and limited daylight. The hot spring water has historically been used for soaking and is reported to have a mild mineral content, though no formal water quality analysis is widely published. Visitors have described the water as clear and pleasant for bathing. The water in the soaking tubs should not be assumed to be safe for drinking.