Chief Shakes Hot Springs
Checked October 2026 · Sources
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Chief Shakes Hot Springs is a free developed soak in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska: 122 F water at the source (1980 survey), a 0.3-mile walk (agency figure).
- Free
- Developed
- Walk 0.3 mi
Drive times computed with GraphHopper; map data OpenStreetMap contributors.
The facts
- Water
- 122 F at the source, not the poolQuoted from the NOAA Thermal Springs List, checked Oct 11, 2026 (1980 survey), entry CHIEF SHAKES HOT SPRINGS
- Walk
- 0.3 miles one way (agency figure)
"A 0.3 mile trail off Hot Springs Slough provides access at lower water levels."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 13, 2026 - Fee
"Fee Site and Info: none"
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 12, 2026- Hours
- Not posted by the operatorChecked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
- Permit or reservation
- None posted by the agencyChecked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
- Clothing
- Not posted by the agencyChecked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 11, 2026
- Dogs
- Not posted by the agencyChecked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 11, 2026
- Managed by
- USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest
- Last checked
- October 2026
Trail and trailhead
The Forest Service says:
"A 0.3 mile trail off Hot Springs Slough provides access at lower water levels."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
- Distance
- 0.3 mile one wayQuoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 13, 2026
Water temperature
122 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 CHIEF SHAKES HOT SPRINGS
Fees, hours and rules
Do you have to pay to go to Chief Shakes Hot Springs?
No.
"Fee Site and Info: none"
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 12, 2026
How much is a day pass at Chief Shakes Hot Springs?
- Fee Site and Info
- none
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Do you need a permit or reservation for Chief Shakes Hot Springs?
None is posted. not posted
Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Pets and clothing
Not posted by the agency.
Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 11, 2026
Not posted by the agency.
Checked on the Forest Service, checked Oct 11, 2026
Seasons and winter access
Road and gate closures: check Forest Service alerts, Tongass National Forest.
Before you go
- Day pass: Fee Site and Info none.
- No permit or reservation is posted.
- Check Forest Service alerts, Tongass National Forest before you drive.
Getting there
No drive time: reached by boat, 28 miles up the Stikine River from Wrangell.
From the Forest Service, checked Oct 13, 2026
Both open at Chief Shakes Hot Springs.
Camping near Chief Shakes Hot Springs
"No overnight accommodations."
Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Nearby hot springs (0)
Questions
Is Chief Shakes Hot Springs free?
"Fee Site and Info: none"Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 12, 2026
Is Chief Shakes Hot Springs clothing optional?
Can I bring my dog?
Can you camp at Chief Shakes Hot Springs?
"No overnight accommodations."Quoted from the Forest Service, checked Oct 14, 2026
Sources and last checked
Page last checked October 2026 (the oldest date below).
- ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/iso: water temperatureChecked Oct 11, 2026
- fs.usda.gov/r10/tongass/recreation/chief-shakes-hot-springs-site: walk, fee, clothing (not posted), dogs (not posted), trail, day pass prices, access, campingChecked Oct 11, 2026 and Oct 12, 2026 and Oct 13, 2026 and Oct 14, 2026
- Photo: Forest Service Alaska Region, USDA, Wikimedia Commons, Public domainChecked by eye Oct 12, 2026