1. Near Fairbanks, Alaska: Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs is located in central Alaska, 60 miles (approximately 90.5 kilometers) from downtown, in one of the most active areas for the Northern Lights in the world. Soaking in the 106°F (approximately 40°C) hot springs at night allows for a clear view of the dark sky. Overnight guests can request to be awakened by staff when the Northern Lights appear. The best season for soaking is from September to March. Travelers from Fairbanks often visit the Aurora Ice Museum's ice bar or go for outdoor adventures in the nearby Chena River State Recreation Area.
Travel route: The resort's hot springs and surrounding campsites are 56 miles from Fairbanks. Follow the Chena River, through the forested state recreation area, to the end of Hot Springs Road.
2. Bridgeport, California: Travertine Hot Springs
Even though these hot springs are just a short distance from the main road, they remain secluded and quiet. Soaking in the springs offers views of the vast arid landscape of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. The natural travertine hot spring pools contain muddy sediments that provide comfort, washing away the fatigue of the day. Nearby park rangers and campers often enjoy soaking here, which is also a popular spot for hippies and locals to relax. The hot springs are located on open grasslands, where people can camp along the dirt roads.
Travel route: The travertine hot springs are about a two-hour drive south of Reno. Drive half a mile (approximately 0.8 kilometers) along Route 395 south of Bridgeport, then turn left on Jack Sawyer Road and follow the dirt road for a mile (approximately 1.6 kilometers).
3. Near North Bend, Washington: Goldmyer Hot Springs
If you are looking for a hot spring that is neither noisy nor deserted, Goldmyer Hot Springs is an excellent choice. Located in the Cascade Mountains east of Seattle, it is now owned by a non-profit organization, charging $15 (approximately 92 RMB), with a daily limit of 20 visitors. The rules prohibiting dogs, alcohol, and smoking are in place to better protect the tranquility of this ancient forest. Hiking 4.5 miles (approximately 7 kilometers), mountain biking, or snowshoeing to the hot springs reveals that the springs flow from an old mine. Overnight camping here costs only $5 (approximately 30 RMB).
Travel route: From Seattle, drive east for about two hours. Take I-90 to Exit 34, then head north on Middle Fork Road, driving 15 miles (approximately 24 kilometers) to Dingford Creek Trailhead.
4. Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Strawberry Park Hot Springs
For weary skiers and hikers, Strawberry Park Hot Springs, located in Routt National Forest, is a great place to relax. This is also a place that Native Americans visited centuries ago. In the morning, as the sun rises over the ridge, the natives believed that soaking in the steaming hot springs revitalized them. It is said that the springs can rejuvenate the youthful spirit. Deer and foxes are often spotted around the hot springs. After dark, people can swim nude. Overnight accommodations include rustic cabins, refurbished train cars, or camping.
Travel route: From Steamboat Springs, take County Road 36 north for about 7 miles (approximately 11 kilometers) to a dirt road. From November to April, four-wheel drive or snow chains are required. In winter, there are flights from Steamboat Springs to here.
5. British Columbia: Hot Springs Cove near Tofino
Hot Springs Cove is located in a remote and uninhabited area on the west coast of Canada, accessible only by boat or seaplane. A half-hour hike from the dock at Maquinna Provincial Marine Park leads to the hot spring pools, with a boardwalk that passes through the pristine tropical rainforest of camphor trees. The flowing hot springs cascade like a waterfall, creating a very comfortable atmosphere, and those soaking can also enjoy the free-spirited vibe of the nearby surfing town of Tofino.
Travel route: From Tofino on Vancouver Island's west coast, it takes 90 minutes by boat or 20 minutes by seaplane to reach the provincial park dock. Along the way, you can see isolated First Nations communities, gray whales, sea otters, sea lions, and bald eagles.
6. Near Silver City, New Mexico: Jordan Hot Springs
Jordan Hot Springs is located near the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, requiring a 6-mile (approximately 9.6 kilometers) hike to reach this remote hot spring pool, with a temperature of 94°F (approximately 34°C). Along the way, you will pass through narrow canyons, cross 15 rivers, and see stunningly colorful cliffs and mountain tops, ultimately arriving at a warm waterfall hot spring that is 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) wide. The canopy of trees surrounding the hot spring provides relief from the sun's heat.
Travel route: It is only 44 miles from the Gila Visitor Center, but driving on the winding and steep Highway 15 takes two hours. From the visitor center, take the Bear Canyon Trail to the hot springs, which is 6 miles (approximately 9.6 kilometers).
7. Elk City, Idaho: Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
The hot springs are located 65 miles southwest of Missoula, hidden in the eastern slopes of the Bitterroot Mountains in the Clearwater National Forest. Cross a suspension bridge and follow a one-mile trail along Warm Springs Creek to reach the hot springs, named after a prospector who built a cabin here in the 19th century. The hot springs are surrounded by smooth stones, with each pool having a slightly different temperature. Along the trail, you can find more spots where you might encounter elk and moose. Nearby is the Jerry Johnson Forest Service Campground.
Travel route: From Missoula, head west on U.S. Highway 12 through Lolo Pass into Idaho. Stop at the 151-mile (approximately 243 kilometers) marker, cross the suspension bridge over the Lochsa River to reach the hot springs.
8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Granite Hot Springs
Granite Hot Springs is located at the base of a cliff in Bridger-Teton National Forest, between Grand Teton National Park and the southern part of Yellowstone National Park. The wild area spans over a million acres (approximately 4046 square kilometers). After exiting the highway, a scenic and rugged mountain road of 12 miles (approximately 19 kilometers) unfolds. The hot springs formed by waterfall flows are only a few hundred yards from the parking lot, making it an ideal choice for family trips. The deck by the hot spring pool and the nearby changing rooms were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The largest natural pool is open from May to October, and from mid-December to early April of the following year. In winter, activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are available. Local tour companies provide detailed travel services. The Granite Creek Campground is located one mile (approximately 1.6 kilometers) from here.
Travel route: Take Highway 189/191, driving south from Jackson for 45 minutes to reach the hot springs. The hot springs area passes through Hoback Canyon, along the Hoback River.
9. Near Nelson, British Columbia: Ainsworth Hot Springs
Crossing the Canadian Rockies border, one can have a unique hot spring floating experience in a horseshoe-shaped cave. In a cave filled with stalactites, the mineral water at 108°F (approximately 42°C) flows to form waist-deep, steaming whirlpools. Legend has it that the local indigenous people discovered this hot spring while picking huckleberries in late summer. Today, under the shimmering Kootenay Lake and the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, much of the scenery remains unchanged. At Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort, you will enjoy the warm mineral hot spring pools and the thrill of the glacial cold pools.
Travel route: Drive north from Spokane, Washington for 3 hours to Nelson, British Columbia. Then drive 45 minutes along the west shore of Kootenay Lake to Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort.
10. Near Eugene, Oregon: McCredie Hot Springs
At McCredie Hot Springs, visitors will see a series of hot spring pools along the banks of Salt Creek. Thus, while soaking in the hot springs, one can also hear the sound of the flowing river. In the middle of Willamette National Forest, one can move rocks to create a pool with a mix of hot and cold water, with temperatures ranging from 98°F (approximately 36°C) to 114°F (approximately 45°C). At an elevation of 2000 feet (approximately 609 meters), it is often a snowy scene in winter. Therefore, while enjoying the hot springs, one can watch the snowflakes melt on their steaming skin. After skiing at Willamette Pass or hiking to one of Oregon's highest waterfalls, Salt Creek Falls, soaking here in the afternoon is a great choice.
Travel route: From Eugene, take Highway 58 east for 46 miles. McCredie Hot Springs is located between mile markers 45 and 46, east of Oakridge and near the Blue Pool Campground in Willamette National Forest, with the hot springs just 200 yards from the roadside parking lot.
