Baranof Warm Springs
- Source temp
- 124°F
- Soakable
- Yes
- Permit
- Not required
The source runs about 124°F; the soaking pools run 108 to 110°F at Baranof Warm Springs, a primitive hot spring in Sitka City and Borough, Alaska, managed by City and Borough of Sitka (Warm Springs Bay); Tongass NF nearby.
Closures and warnings
Remote Southeast Alaska site; brown bears frequent the Baranof Lake area. Weather can strand floatplane visitors. Pack out all trash; treat community facilities with care. As of September 29, 2026.
Soaking
| Development | Primitive |
|---|---|
| Source temperature | 124°F |
| Soaking temperature | 108-110°F |
| Pools | 3 |
| Soakable | Yes Public waterfront tubs plus riverside grotto pools at Warm Springs Bay; commercial operators need CBS/USFS permits. |
| Soaking allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | Spring |
| Entry | Walk in |
Access
| Road note | East side of Baranof Island at Warm Springs Bay; boat or floatplane only. No road access from Sitka. |
|---|---|
| Parking | Boat or floatplane tie-up at Warm Springs Bay dock; no road access from Sitka. |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | City and Borough of Sitka (Warm Springs Bay); Tongass NF nearby |
| Picnic sites | Yes |
|---|---|
| Note | CBS: short trail, boardwalk, dock, three soaking tubs, and a picnic shelter. Nearby USFS Baranof Lake Cabin is a separate reservation. |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Baranof Warm Springs open?
Remote Southeast Alaska site; brown bears frequent the Baranof Lake area. Weather can strand floatplane visitors. Pack out all trash; treat community facilities with care. As of September 29, 2026.
How hot is Baranof Warm Springs?
The spring's source runs about 124°F. The soaking pools run 108 to 110°F. There are 3 pools.
Can you soak at Baranof Warm Springs?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Baranof Warm Springs.
How do you get to Baranof Warm Springs?
East side of Baranof Island at Warm Springs Bay; boat or floatplane only. No road access from Sitka. Parking: Boat or floatplane tie-up at Warm Springs Bay dock; no road access from Sitka.
Do you need a reservation for Baranof Warm Springs?
No reservation or permit is required.
What facilities are at Baranof Warm Springs?
Picnic sites. CBS: short trail, boardwalk, dock, three soaking tubs, and a picnic shelter. Nearby USFS Baranof Lake Cabin is a separate reservation.
Nearby
Sources
5
- https://www.cityofsitka.com/Community-Recreation/Parks-Recreation/Commercial-Recreational-Land-Use-Permits (accessed September 29, 2026; backs manager / amenities)
- https://www.cityofsitka.com/files/assets/sitka/v/1/parks-and-recreation/documents/2026-commercial-recreational-land-use-plan_full_document_adopted_10_28_25.pdf (accessed September 29, 2026; backs access.amenities.note / poolCount, hotSpring.soakableReason, hotSpring.development / soakable / swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / waterType)
- https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233041 (accessed September 30, 2026; backs access.roadNote / waterbodyName context, hazardNote, access.parking)
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/r10/tongass/recreation/baranof-lake-cabin (accessed September 29, 2026; backs nearby USFS Baranof Lake Cabin)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baranof_Warm_Springs_(thermal_mineral_springs) (accessed September 30, 2026; backs hotSpring.sourceTempF / hotSpring.soakingTempF)
More: Alaska hot springs