Kraus (Clausen Creek) Hot Springs

## Overview Kraus Hot Springs, also known as Clausen Creek Hot Springs, is a remote and undeveloped natural hot spring located in the wilderness of Canada's Northwest Territories, near the Nahanni National Park Reserve region. Situated at approximately 61.22°N, 124.03°W, this geothermal spring sits along Clausen Creek in a rugged, largely roadless landscape shaped by the geological forces of the Mackenzie Mountains and the broader Cordilleran geological province. The hot springs in this part of the Northwest Territories owe their existence to deep geological fractures that allow groundwater to circulate far below the Earth's surface, where it is heated by the natural geothermal gradient before rising back to the surface along fault lines. The Nahanni region is well known for its concentration of hot springs — a testament to the area's complex tectonic history. Kraus (Clausen Creek) Hot Springs is one of several such thermal features scattered across this remote corner of northern Canada, and it has historically attracted adventurous visitors seeking a true backcountry hot spring experience. As a free, undeveloped hot spring, there are no facilities, signage, or maintained trails at this location. Visitors should be fully self-sufficient and prepared for wilderness conditions. Water from natural hot springs in this region has historically been used for soaking, but water quality and temperature can vary. The water has not been formally tested for public safety, so visitors should exercise appropriate caution. ## Directions Kraus (Clausen Creek) Hot Springs is located in an extremely remote area of the Northwest Territories, Canada. Access is typically by floatplane, helicopter, or extended backcountry travel. 1. The GPS coordinates for the spring are **61.220024, -124.030151**. 2. The nearest communities with air charter services include Nahanni Butte and Fort Simpson, both of which serve as staging points for trips into the Nahanni region. 3. There are no maintained roads leading to the hot spring. Most visitors access the area via bush plane or helicopter charter, landing at a suitable nearby location and hiking overland to the spring site along Clausen Creek. 4. If traveling by river, the South Nahanni River system provides a general corridor into the region, though reaching the spring itself requires overland navigation from the waterway. 5. A detailed topographic map and GPS device are essential for locating the spring in this trackless wilderness. ## What to Expect Kraus (Clausen Creek) Hot Springs is a true wilderness hot spring in every sense. Visitors can expect a completely undeveloped site surrounded by boreal and sub-alpine terrain typical of the Mackenzie Mountains. The spring emerges along Clausen Creek, and the thermal water may pool naturally or mix with the cooler creek water, creating opportunities for soaking at varying temperatures depending on the season and water levels. The surrounding landscape is dramatic — expect dense spruce forest, mountain views, and the possibility of encountering wildlife including bears, moose, and wolves. The area is subject to harsh northern weather, with the best window for visiting generally falling between late June and early September when temperatures are milder and daylight is abundant. Because of the extreme remoteness, visitors should be experienced in backcountry travel and fully equipped with navigation tools, emergency supplies, bear safety gear, and appropriate clothing for rapidly changing mountain weather. There is no cell service in the area. This is a destination for seasoned wilderness travelers seeking one of Canada's most remote and pristine natural hot spring experiences.