Nakina Warm Springs

## Overview Nakina Warm Springs is a remote geothermal hot spring located in the rugged wilderness of northwestern British Columbia, Canada, at approximately 59.13°N, 132.98°W. Situated in the Cassiar region near the Nakina River drainage, this free natural hot spring lies in an area shaped by volcanic and tectonic activity along the northern Coast Mountains. The region's geothermal features are fed by deep groundwater heated by residual volcanic activity and fractured bedrock, which allows warm water to rise to the surface. The springs sit in a sparsely populated and largely roadless part of British Columbia, making them a true backcountry destination. The surrounding landscape is characterized by boreal forest, alpine meadows, and dramatic river valleys carved by glaciation. Wildlife in the area includes grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and wolves, adding to the wild and untouched character of the setting. As with many remote hot springs in northern BC, Nakina Warm Springs has likely been known to Indigenous peoples of the region — including the Taku River Tlingit and Tahltan First Nations — long before European exploration. Warm and hot springs throughout this part of British Columbia have historically held cultural and spiritual significance for local Indigenous communities. ## What to Expect Nakina Warm Springs is an extremely remote geothermal site. Visitors should be prepared for backcountry travel with no established facilities, signage, or maintained trails in the immediate area. Access likely requires bush flying, river travel, or extended overland hiking, and the area is not served by any major roads. The water temperature at the springs has been described as "warm" rather than scalding hot, which is typical of lower-temperature geothermal seeps found throughout northern British Columbia. Exact temperature and mineral composition data are not widely documented for this site. As with all wild hot springs, water quality can vary seasonally and should not be assumed safe for drinking. Given the latitude (just south of 60°N), weather conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, particularly outside of the summer months (June through August). Snow can persist well into June, and early fall freezes are common. Visitors should carry full backcountry gear, including bear safety equipment, emergency communication devices (such as a satellite messenger), and supplies for self-supported travel. The remoteness of Nakina Warm Springs is both its greatest challenge and its greatest reward — those who make the journey will find a pristine, seldom-visited geothermal feature in one of the most wild and beautiful corners of British Columbia.