Interior Alaska may get cold during the winter months, but residents know how to stay warm – dipping into Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks. The resort and campground that surround the natural springs is at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road, a forest-flanked paved road that parallels the Chena River, 56 miles east off the Steese Highway. From Mile 26 to Mile 51 you pass through Chena River State Recreation Area, a 397-square mile preserve encompassing the river valley and nearby alpine areas, which is home to some of the best hiking, canoeing, public-use cabins and fishing in the area.
Although there are year-round residents in the area, Chena Hot Springs is a privately owned, 440–acre, year-round resort. Gold miners discovered the springs in 1905 and by 1912 Chena Hot Springs was the premier place to soak for residents in the booming town of Fairbanks. The springs are at the center of a 40-square mile geothermal area and produce a steady stream of water that, at 165 degrees, must be cooled before you can even think about soaking in it. The facility has several indoor and outdoor tubs, Jacuzzis, an indoor family swimming pool and outdoor Rock Lake, a boulder-ringed artificial lake complete with fountain reserved for adults (18+).
Complimentary Geothermal Renewable Energy tours are offered daily providing an overview of the resort’s renewable energy projects using geothermal power. In the summer visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, sled dog cart rides, ATV tours, mountain biking, rafting, canoe trips, fishing for grayling and gold panning. Then soak away any sore muscles left over from their busy day. Message therapy is also an option. Visit the Aurora Ice Museum, the world’s largest year-round ice museum. From September to March the resort is one of the best places in Alaska to view the northern lights.