Public Hot Springs
Public Hot Springs
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Bailey Hot Springs

Checked October 2026 · Sources

Bailey Hot Springs is a free wild soak in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska: 198 F water at the source (1980 survey), a 1.98-mile walk from Shelokum Lake Trailhead.

  • Free
  • Wild
  • Walk 1.98 mi
Directions
Drive timecomputed

Drive times computed with GraphHopper; map data OpenStreetMap contributors.

The facts

Water
198 F at the source, not the pool
Quoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry BAILEY HOT SPRING
Walk
1.98 miles one way from Shelokum Lake Trailhead
Computed on an OpenStreetMap foot route · start 55.97455, -131.62189
Fee
"This 3 sided shelter is located near a hot springs by Shelokum Lake. ... Fee Site and Info: Free"
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 12, 2026
Permit or reservation
None posted by the agency
Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Clothing
Being publicly nude is prohibited on a national forest only when an order says so; the regulation lists it among the things a forest order can prohibit. Forest Service general rule
What the Forest Service says

Exact wording: Forest Service rules page.

Dogs
At Forest Service developed recreation sites, an animal other than a service animal must be crated, caged, on a leash of 6 feet or less, or otherwise under physical restrictive control, and may not be brought into a swimming area. Forest Service general rule
What the Forest Service says

Exact wording: Forest Service rules page.

Managed by
USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest
Closures
Forest Service alerts, Tongass National Forest
Last checked
October 2026

Trail and trailhead

Shelokum Lake Trailhead

The Forest Service says:

"The Shelokum Lake trail is 2.3 miles long. The trail begins in Bailey Bay, 1/2 mile south of Shelokum Creek, and climbs steadily to Shelokum Lake."

Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026

Distance
1.98 mile one way
Computed on an OpenStreetMap foot route
Climb
About 710 ft up and 330 ft down, one way
Computed from USGS 3DEP elevations at 27 points on our route, Oct 14, 2026 (rough)
Start
Shelokum Lake Trailhead
55.97455, -131.62189

Water temperature

198 F at the source, from NOAA's Thermal Springs List (1980 survey). That is where the water leaves the ground; the pool you sit in is cooler.

Quoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry BAILEY HOT SPRING

Fees and rules

Do you have to pay to go to Bailey Hot Springs?

No.

"This 3 sided shelter is located near a hot springs by Shelokum Lake. ... Fee Site and Info: Free"

Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 12, 2026

Do you need a permit or reservation for Bailey Hot Springs?

None is posted. not posted

Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026

Clothing and dogs

Clothing

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Dogs

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Seasons and winter access

Road and gate closures: check Forest Service alerts, Tongass National Forest.

Before you go

Getting there

No drive time: reached by boat. The trail starts on the shore of Bailey Bay, about 90 miles north of Ketchikan, with a mooring buoy at the trailhead.

From alaska.org, checked Oct 13, 2026

Google Maps Apple Maps

Both open at the start, Shelokum Lake Trailhead, not at the pool.

Bailey

Alaska. Tap the map for directions. Outline: US Census, public domain.

Nearby hot springs (0)

All 4 hot springs in Alaska

Questions

Is Bailey Hot Springs free?

Yes.
"This 3 sided shelter is located near a hot springs by Shelokum Lake. ... Fee Site and Info: Free"
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 12, 2026

How long is the hike to Bailey Hot Springs?

1.98 miles one way from Shelokum Lake Trailhead, computed on an OpenStreetMap foot route.

Is Bailey Hot Springs clothing optional?

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Can I bring my dog?

Forest Service general rule Forest Service general rule: see The facts.

Sources and last checked

Page last checked October 2026 (the oldest date below).

Report a correction

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