A 5-day Southeast Alaska adventure combining remote wilderness soaks, ferry journeys through the Inside Passage, and island hot springs accessible only by boat.
Duration
5 days
Distance
~200 miles + ferry
Difficulty
moderate
Vehicle
any
Best Season
Summer (June-August)
2 springs need verification before departure. Check conditions and official sources before visiting.
Take the ferry from Juneau to Baranof Warm Springs. Soak in the natural pools overlooking Warm Springs Bay. Stay at the Forest Service cabin.
Springs
Ferry required. Check schedules at WSDOT Ferries or Alaska Marine Highway. Have a backup plan if sailing is full or canceled.
Ferry to Tenakee Springs, a car-free village with a historic bathhouse. Soak in the 106°F natural spring. Explore the village and surrounding trails.
Springs
Ferry required. Check schedules at WSDOT Ferries or Alaska Marine Highway. Have a backup plan if sailing is full or canceled.
Hike the Tenakee-Inian trail or explore Chichagof Island by boat. Wildlife viewing includes bears, whales, and sea otters.
Ferry to Hoonah on Chichagof Island. Visit Icy Strait Point for whale watching and cultural exhibits. Optional soak at local springs.
Ferry required. Check schedules at WSDOT Ferries or Alaska Marine Highway. Have a backup plan if sailing is full or canceled.
Final ferry back to Juneau. Explore Mendenhall Glacier and downtown Juneau before departure.
Ferry required. Check schedules at WSDOT Ferries or Alaska Marine Highway. Have a backup plan if sailing is full or canceled.
The Alaska Ferry Loop is the ultimate Southeast Alaska hot springs adventure. You’ll travel the Inside Passage by ferry, soaking in natural hot springs that are accessible only by boat, in villages where cars are rare and the pace of life is set by the tide schedule.
This trip is unlike any other hot springs itinerary in the country. The springs are remote, the scenery is spectacular, and the journey itself — through glacial fjords and past breaching whales — is half the experience.