My Honest Review of Chena Hot Springs (Is It Worth It + What to Expect)

Chena Hot Springs is one of the most recommended places to visit in Alaska, especially if you're going to be in the Fairbanks area. Plus, it's one of the only easily accessible hot springs in the entire state and it's open year round, so the true questions is, is it actually worth a visit? After multiple visits to the hot springs myself, personally, I think it's good for one visit if you're already in the area and want to try something unique, otherwise, if you're looking to recharge and relax it wouldn't necessarily be my top recommendation.

​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use Expedia's to compare the best rates & stays in the state.
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If you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my packing list and for your travels to the great state of Alaska.

Getting to Chena Hot Springs + Tickets

Getting to Chena Hot Springs is pretty straightforward, making it easy for visitors. If you've rented your own car you'll want to start in Fairbanks and then drive about an hour and a half (longer in the Winter) on the Chena Hot Springs Road until you make it to the resort located at the end of the road. In the summer months this is what I recommend. In the Winter, this road can become especially icy and there is usually no cell phone service, so I recommend either booking a shuttle through the resort or booking a tour that includes transportation from Fairbanks.

Tickets can also be easy to purchase onsite, and the hot springs are open 365 days a year from 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM, with last admission at 11:30 PM. From what I've heard, they do not "run out" of hot spring tickets, making this one of the only attractions in Alaska where you don't need to purchase tickets in advance. If you want a quiet experience with less people, then I recommend going before noon. If you want a more lively experience and a chance to see the Northern Lights from the springs, then you'll want to go at night. It's also worth noting that the outdoor hot springs are only open to guests 18 years and older, with the indoor pools open for any age. While you're at the resort, I also recommend checking out their onsite Ice Museum!

My Favorite Chena Hot Springs Tours :
- Ice Museum & Hot Springs
- Northern Lights & Hot Springs

My Experience and Personal Review + Best Tips

Personally, I've had two very different experiences at Chena Hot Springs, both during the Winter, and from what I've heard from other visitors this mimics their experiences as well. My first visit to the Hot Springs was nearly 4 years ago with my husband. We went during the day, when we could see our surroundings clearly. The hot springs were quiet, the locker room was nearly empty, and there were hardly any guests in the outdoor spaces. Our overall experience was that it was a clean resort, with warm water (hot in some places) and enough room to stretch out and truly relax in the geothermal water.

My most recent experience at the hot springs was pretty different. Again, my husband and I visited during the Winter, but this time at night. The locker room was packed and we could barely find a place to store our things. There was hair, everywhere. In the drains, on the benches - so much so that I felt uncomfortable walking around (even in my water shoes). When we got outside the springs were packed too, and we could barely walk in without stepping on or bumping into someone. Even though there was a chance to see the Northern Lights, there was so much evaporation fog that we could barely see what was in front of us. Meaning that although it would be cool to enjoy the Northern Lights from the hot springs, chances are you'll have a fairly obstructed view. It was quite a different experience than our first visit, and one that we weren't really expecting.

If you decide to go and are wanting to truly relax, my best tip would be to visit the Hot Springs during the day, which is when we were able to have the better experience, and then try a Northern Lights tour afterwards so you get the best of both worlds. Make sure to bring a swimsuit, water shoes, towel, and two quarters for the lockers. If you don't have coins, there's an exchange machine in the Pool House lobby. I'd also encourage you to bring a robe if you have one, and water for before/after so you stay hydrated. Of course, if you're visiting in the winter, try dipping your hair in the water and freezing it into a unique hairstyle - it's a photo favorite.

Watch My Fairbanks Adventures Here!

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> Best Winter Things to Do in Fairbanks
-> How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

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