Chena Hot Springs, AK

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Monday, August 27, 2007 This morning we slept in later because of our late night aurora watching. We stayed at North Pole, AK in the Santaland RV Park., which actually was a nice facility. We got free WiFi and there was a good Laundromat so I got caught up on the dirty clothes today. We headed out to Chena Hot Springs around 1:30 pm. The resort is northeast of Fairbanks and the road is paved the entire 60 miles! It goes through a state recreation area that is lakes, rivers, bogs and marshland. Good moose territory, but we didn’t see any.
The resort is known for the hot springs pool and for aurora watching. In the winter they have a special indoor location where the aurora can be watched indoors. They also have an “ice” museum here. The interior is made of ice. It is very popular with Japanese tourists and there were a lot here. They have a big interest in the aurora. We came for the ride, to see the northern lights and for the hot springs. We arrived around 3:45 and after we got settled and fed the dogs decided to go to the pool. It started to cloud up (not good for auroral activity) and Frank wanted to go before it got chilly. Today was sunny and warm.
The hot springs were discovered in 1905. The main minerals are sulfur, sodium and sodium bicarbonate. The pool was HOT! It felt good and was relaxing, but I could only take it for so long. Frank stood it longer than I did. So that was a different experience. We were there about 45 minutes. This evening we’re going to stay up for the northern lights again, but the sky doesn’t look too promising. Clouds have moved in.

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Photos

Chena Hot Springs
The pool was HOT!

Comments

[Elise]

Would you recommend Chena Hot Springs?
We are going to Alaska at the end of this August (2009) for a 15 day cruisetour and will arrive a day before the tour starts in Fairbanks and were trying to decide whether or not to stay at Chena or just stay at the Princess in Fairbanks. We would love to catch even a little Aurora. Any recommendations?

[Travels in the Cozy Turtle]

Chena Hot Springs
We didn't see the aurora at the Hot Springs, but at the North Pole which is north of Fairbanks. Chena Hot Springs is interesting, but not overwhelming. We didn't take advantage of anything but the hot springs so I really couldn't tell you if there is alot to do. I think there is a tour of an ice house. The good thing about the area is it is dark at night so the chances of seeing the aurora are better than in the middle of Fairbanks where there are lights and trees.