Your only dining options are at the end of the road when you reach Chena Hot Springs Resort. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Great to be able to rent cross country skis on pretty trails. The worst hotel Ive ever stayed in. Recommend the soak but can't recommend anything else, Scheduled transportation to and from hotel and the lights tour. My hair kept freezing with the steam which looked like a spider web, super cool! Here are a few suggestions. Chena Hot Springs Tour 2023 - Fairbanks - Viator This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Visit the ice museum in Chena if you want to have the famous Apple-Mini in a glass carved from ice. We were directed to the incorrect ticket counter where we were greeted by a miserable employee who told us ticket purchases were in a different building and basically pointed in the direction of the building. Hi.. Im planning a trip to Fairbanks in jan to see the northern lights . Be sure to pack accordingly and have a great time! So bring some change otherwise the lockers will not lock up. The start of the trail is marked with a map, signs, and advice for hiking the trail safely. Sent an email the next day to Kate with zero response. I've been a tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a field editor for the Milepost. Upon entering, you will be greeted at the main desk of the hot springs recreation area where you pay or show your credit from the hotel to enjoy the hot springs recreation area. 2-5 day small ship explorations. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. He said 35 minute wait. You may also want to bring a swimsuit coverup for moving between the springs and indoor pool. Big ship or small ship? Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Im so glad you liked my photos. Each pass includes the hot springs lake (adults 18+ only), indoor heated pool, both outdoor and indoor hot tubs, plus use of the locker area and shower facilities. We enjoyed experiencing a traditional dog sledding adventure while staying at the resort. Outside Chena Hot Springs Resort, the Angel Creek Lodge has several classic Alaska roadhouse style cabins and there are a number of vacation rentals along Chena Hot Springs road. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Because of road conditions we arrived around 1530 so we walked around about an hour before the tour. The springs were discovered in 1905 and (naturally) it didnt take long for Fairbanksans to want permanent access from town. The Chena River State Recreation Area is a 397 square mile preserve that includes the Chena River Valley and nearby alpine areas. The water comes in at 165 degrees and they lower it down to just slightly over 100 for the Hot Spring Lake on the property. . There is no light pollution that will restrict your viewing and due to its geologic location, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights is high. Once sat, we ordered food and waited OVER 2 hours for a meal that was terrible. The evening aurora tour was very disappointing and honestly brutal. Dont waste your money. Awful experience all around. In 1905, Robert Swan was suffering from rheumatism and needed a place to calm his pain and be comfortable. Chena Hot Springs Resort is my newest fave winter vacation spot! Despite advertising a wake up call for the northern lights, there is no cell reception and no in-room phones to receive calls on. Family vacations in Alaska are filled with adventures. Or share this Top 8 Activities to do at Chena Hot Springs Resort with others by pinning on Pinterest! The understaffing also means that you may not be able to check into your room until late because it has not been cleaned. Wait times for the restaurant could be an hour or more unless you eat at off-times (recommend 10 am for breakfast and 5 pm for dinner). Finally, you may want to bring a change of clothes. The walls have holes in them. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. We actually had to sit in the cart and hold down the brake to stop the team from taking off too soon. The rooms in the lodge have restrooms and showers like normal hotel rooms. Yes! Definitely recommend. This article is all about the many things to do as well as everything you need to know for an enjoyable soak. I decided I would try to hot spring. Our hot springs lake is an amazing experience to relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Suprise! KIDS NOT ALLOWED - Review of Chena Hot Springs Resort, Chena Hola Pituca 19, This is not something to joke around with so heed the warning. This will help you dry off after your swim and keep you warm as you walk back to your car or lodge. Not sure but everything is pretty close to each other. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! I almost thought I was in a building I shouldnt have been in based on how this employee was looking at me. The service was terrible. 2023 DIVERGENT TRAVELERS | ADVENTURE TRAVEL BLOG, Other Things to Do at Chena Hot Springs Resort, weekend away at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, Best Time to Visit Alaska: Month by Month Breakdown, 13 Epic Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (Besides Northern Lights), 27 Things You Should Know About Alaska Before You Visit, 15 Incredible & Best Places to Visit in Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska: Ultimate Planning Guide, Denali State Park Heli-Hiking Adventure in Remote Alaska, 11 Reasons to Take an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise with UnCruise, 19 Photos That Prove Juneau, Alaska Is More Than Just A Cruise Stop, Visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves Before They Melt Juneau, Alaska, Free..Children 5 years and under with paying adult. Click MENU to see all of our delicious choices for breakfast, lunch & dinner! Related: How to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Two hikes along the way are Granite Tors and Angel Rocks both of which offer short and longer options. I am a freelance writer and contributing writer for typeF, MTV FORA, Huffington Post Style, Golden Girl Finance, and frockOn. Chena Hot Springs Road | Scenic Drive from Fairbanks, AK Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Your tour starts by entering the main area where you will get a large parka to keep you warm. Black and grizzly bears are also in the area, though tougher to spot. Your pass acts as a full day pass and the hot springs recreation area is open from 7 A.M to midnight. In the winter, hot springs can be even more difficult to argue about. He said no because the last tour already started, Which it didnt because I could physically see the tour waiting outside of the building. Four suvs loaded up to go up the mountain. 17600 Chena Hot Springs Road Fairbanks, Alaska 99712. Much of the food served at the resort is grown in the greenhouse on-site and much of the rest is locally sourced from Interior Alaska. Dirty. Will get to review of the hotel and hot spring but firstWe signed up for the Aurora tour which we thought used the plush vehicle as seen in the Fairbanks airport. The drive out was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed the option to hike en route. It is a full-on ice museum filled with large carvings that will have you standing in awe. Kayaks and canoes are popular for day trips on the Chena River, with plenty of put-ins and pullouts. It is dirty, rusty, and absolutely disgusting. My husband and I were traveling to Fairbanks, AK from Pittsburgh, PA (over 24 hours of traveling). You will need quarters for the lockers. Things to know before you go WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Towels Swimsuit Warm clothes Warm footwear Water Flashlight at night WHAT WE PROVIDE: Door-to-door service Courteous and fun drivers Comfortable 4-wheel drive shuttles Plastic bags for clothes Important things to know Because the light tour was not until 2130 and we were scheduled to arrive at 1430 we also included a tour of the ice museum scheduled for 1700. The other must do activity here besides soaking or swimming is visiting the Ice Museum. Chena River State Recreation Area Information - Alaska The most intimate multi-day cruise option. The facility has authentic Gold Rush roots and was already a premier destination for Alaskas Interior by 1912, with people traveling by stage from Fairbanks. Chena Hot Springs Restaurant also uses and and promotes Alaska Grownproduce from the Fairbanks and other regions of Alaska on the menu. It has woodsy cabins, rustic lodges, and family suites, making it a popular getaway spot. If you want to do the same, you can read my how-to post. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. While in the winter, you can go on a snowmobile tour, go ice fishing, and even join an elusive Northern Lights viewing tour. Not available for groups, wholesalers, travel agents or businesses. Is there cell phone service at Chena Hot Springs? Knowing all of this, we decided to check out the Chena River Recreational Area and spend a weekend away at the Chena Hot Springs Resort while we were based in Fairbanks during our Spring road trip through Alaska. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The construction of the rooms is terrible. All of this to say, had the price reflected all of this it wouldve been no problem, but even at a discounted rate of almost $300/night we felt it was worth maybe half of what is being charged. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Folks have mentioned it is about an hour drive from fairbanks. First, youll want to make sure you have a bathing suit that is comfortable and modest. Map And Directions - Chena Hot Springs Resort For the resort, the good was that the beds in the rooms were clean and super comfy with lots of pillows. Here are the top eight activities to do at the resort. Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks, Alaska has been a favorite place for locals for generations and is also a wonderful destination for visitors. This review is for the hot springs/facilities. Dipping yourself in the water is an excellent way to start the day all relaxed. The trail is varied, which we enjoyed, following the river through a wooded area before opening to a field and then climbing sharply up 900ft to a group of granite outcrops. Aliy Zirkle and Allen Moore run SP Kennel here, and both are former champions of the Yukon Quest, a 1,000-mile international sled dog race that runs alongside Chena Hot Springs Road (and right past their kennel). All the floors had radiant heating. What hotels are near Chena Hot Springs Resort? This trail is 1,750 ft. in elevation at its highest point and the hike takes two or three hours. Open to just going to the hot springs or if a room is available, staying overnight. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. There are plenty of things to do no matter when you visit. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Chena Hot Springs Resort - TravelClick The trails were great and provided a ton of excitement around every turn. Think of it like camping but you dont need a tent (and the cabins and yurts are super cute). Getting to the Chena Hot Springs Resort from Fairbanks is virtually impossible to reach without a car. The rooms are good. The USGS reported it had an estimated summer population of 10 for the resort. The best day trips from Chena Hot Springs according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Things to Do in Chena Hot Springs, AK - Chena Hot Springs Attractions. Enjoy the hot water from deep underground and the cool Alaskan winter air. The only way to get to Chena Hot Springs is to make the 60 mile drive on gorgeous Chena Hot Springs road from Fairbanks. Belly up to the bar, carved from a single piece of ice, while sitting on a caribou fur-covered ice stool and enjoying the signature Appletini. The outdoor rock lake is usually around 105 degrees F and the indoor pool is kept at about 90 degrees F. No. The gift shop is well stocked and the grounds are kept relatively nice. With so many things to do in Chena Hot Springs, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Revealing or Concealing? There is a large ramp that allows you to enter the water slowly, this is nice because there are no steps and it allows you to take your time and adapt to the hot water. With no life guards. Ours was filthy, with huge black dust/mold in corners, lots of dirt and bugs in windowsill, food left in fridge, glasses and ice left on balcony. This tour is pricier but, definitely worth every penny. Bring your own towel and I recommend water shoes or flipflops because the bathrooms are wet and nastyseems no one ever cleans them. The outdoor rock lake is shallow but you can still swim around as much as you want and get a full soak in. Weve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. Photos of Chena Hot Springs Resort. 8.2 +45 photos You're eligible for a Genius discount at Chena Hot Springs Resort! it's plowed and decently cared for in the winter. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. I have read mixed reviews. There are year round tours of the dog sled kennels, which I highly recommend. This bar is 100% made of ice and so are the martini glasses that the drinks are served in. The drive is really wonderful and beautiful, through mostly forest along with more open areas along the river and marshy ponds that are ideal moose habitat. Rules and regulations are posted everywhere before entering the hot springs and its a good idea to look that over before you enter them. The next stop was the Greenhouse. It took them a little over a month to reach the hot springs after searching for it in Interior Alaskas harsh landscape. The cabin is supposed to have a rustic feel, but it just felt neglected. As with any hot springs or pool, you will want to bring a bathing suit. You can hike through the breathtaking landscape or swim in the clear waters of the hot springs, which are breathtakingly beautiful. Even though Chena Hot Springs isnt a particularly fancy resort, I believe it should be on your bucket list. Rude employees. Chena Hot Springs Restaurant - Chena Hot Springs Resort From Fairbanks, an easy way to get out and enjoy nature is to drive scenic Chena Hot Springs Road (56 miles long). Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years and I still spend lots of time there every year. Manley Hot Springs, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information I would assume so, but you better check online. There are many hiking trails in the area as well. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Drove from Fairbanks to soak in the hot springs and eat dinner. At this time, travel safety and travel flexibility are our top priority. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! During my first visit to the hot springs, I was completely unaware of the no shoes rule in the locker room. COVID-19 Guidelines CHENA HOT SPRINGS RESORT - COVID-19 At Chena Hot Springs Resort, we are well known for exceptional service, friendliness, and safety. If recommending anything again in Alaska, this property would be the first absolute recommendation to not waste onces money. The blinds to the room were falling apart and unable to be closed. When youre driving Chena Hot Springs Road, keep in mind that its best not to rush. After a soak in the hot springs or an outdoor activity, enjoy a visit to the Trails End lounge. This unincorporated community in the Fairbanks North Star Borough is renowned for its hot springs at Chena Hot Springs Resort. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. One of the best things about visiting Chena Hot Springs is the many things you can do beyond just soaking in the hot springs! Women, I recommend bringing a hair tie to keep your hair up while soaking. The indoor swimming pool is very popular with families and kids like a traditional swimming pool. From Angel Rocks you can even hike all the way through to the hot springs! Annually the average amount of precipitation is 357 millimetres (14.1in). Yes, our room has private bathroom. These are the best ATV trails near Fairbanks Alaska. We visited in mid-May and found this to be a fabulous time for a visit. Grown in the greenhouses at Chena Hot Springs Resort, the Chena Salad is the Freshest salad in Alaska year-round! The Chena Hot Springs in Japan are among the most popular hot springs in the world. The outhouse associated with our cabin was really unsanitary by outhouse standards. Whatever you do, you will have a fantastic time. They probably need to put a little brighter light in there so you don't have to use a headlamp. Terms & Conditions. The back cab is side seating so, you are smooshed up against your new friends and hope that you dont fall into their laps as you go up and down the mountain. I lived in Fairbanks for four years and this was one of my favorite places to go. The caf is very convenient for snacks. Your email address will not be published. All hot tubs are chlorinated. Chena hot springs are amazing! See tours 2. The hot springs are large and there is plenty of room to enjoy your experience in peace and quiet. The amount of grime was far more than would be left after just a few weeks; this is not a short term issue. If you don't have your own transportation, reserve a spot on the Chena shuttle or book a guided tour from Fairbanks or the town of North Pole. I havent stayed in to hotel portion of the lodge. Check out our resort with a relaxing day trip, enjoy the 60 mile scenic ride and soak in our natural hot springs. The stairs into the cabin were in need of repair. After I questioned his response, he told me that the last tour had started at 7:00 (it was 7:03 when I entered) and he couldnt sell me a ticket. It looked like a normal hotel room. I thought I could salvage the trip by having dinner at the resort restaurant. You can drive it in about an hour, but factor in more time for stops. Keep your eye out for funny street names during the drive, as Alaskans like to show off their wit and humor in nomenclature. [10], Chena Hot Springs Resort uses two 200kW Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) geothermal energy power plants to generate energy, the first in Alaska. The yurts and dry cabins are much less expensive, but be aware that they do not have restrooms or showers (thats why dry means). But taking time off to enjoy the warmth of the hot springs is a family must do. #1 of 2 things to do in Chena Hot Springs Hot Springs & Geysers Open now 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM Visit website Call Email Write a review About Escape to this eco-friendly resort in the Alaskan wilderness. They then mention that it is a difficult drive. Read our. These cookies do not store any personal information. Check us out on Instagram to see what we are up to in photos 28April2017 2 comments, Flight-Seeing Expedition to the Arctic Circle. Chena Hot Springs Resort Tours 7 Tours & Activities Day Trips 23 Tours & Activities Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises 49 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Chena Hot Springs Tour 152 Reviews Its not, so be prepared but still worth it. Have an Appletini in an Ice glass You are only able to see inside the Aurora Ice Museum in atour. There is even an indoor family pool for those who dont want to brave the colder weather. There are also three Alaska State Parks campgrounds along Chena Hot Springs Road. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. My personal favorite was the apple and pear salad with a cider vinegar dressing with the lettuce grown from the greenhouse. Chena Hot Springs is an unincorporated community and hot spring resort in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States, 56.5 miles northeast of Fairbanks near the Chena River State Recreation Area. Indoor heated pool average temperature is 90 degrees F. Top 8 Activities to do at Chena Hot Springs Resort On 28April2017 By Heather Chena Hot Springs Resort is my newest fave winter vacation spot! The hot springs were AMAZING! You will be able to pet, feed and interact with these dogs. And Kristen Bentz who bestowed upon all of us her photography secrets and wisdom, which I will continue to use in the future. The only place for food at Chena Hot Springs is the restaurant at the resort, which serves three meals a day. Dinner, as the rest have said a bit pricey and not overly great but not bad. How awesome is this?! Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Related: 21 Unique things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska. No matter the weather or time of year, you can still visit the dogs at their kennel. Set in the back of the quiet and vast Chena River State Recreation Area and only a 60-minute drive from downtown Fairbanks is the unincorporated property of Chena Hot Springs Resort. The year-round greenhouses are part of our commitment to a sustainable community and renewable energy. Guests are welcome to visit Chena Hot Springs Resort for the day to enjoy the hot springs, pools, activities, and restaurant, no overnight stay or reservation is required. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Dont miss it, its totally worth it! But the aurora at the top was beautiful. The lounge is a great place to visit with friends and meet other guests. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Once up on top of the mountain, I was fortunate to get my Aurora Portrait (See first photo or Pinterest pin) done by the esteemed photographer, Kristen Bentz. The Chena Hot Springs is located at the end of the Chena Hot Springs Road around 56 miles east of Fairbanks, Alaska. We used the Milepost to find the best pullouts along our drive for great photo opportunities. With the command gee we turned to the right. There is also a network of groomed cross country ski trails in the area. Called again and was given a name of Alison, emailed with no response. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Price: Adults $65 (16+) While you can have a choice of many great trails, we were recommended to hike the Angel Rocks trail for the variety of landscapes and great overviews from the top of the trail. This adventure lasts around 2 hours. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. The ugly: The rooms are dirty. Featuring popular Alaskan and imported beverages and specialty drinks. Make sure to do it! The trail became well-worn and the Chena River (which runs a parallel route) remained in heavy use to ship timber from the surrounding forests to town via barge, and to carry residents out to the springs. The main highlights here are the geothermal hot springs lake, outdoor and indoor hot tubs, as well as heated indoor pools. 258 reviews Great location! The whole purpose of my trip was to catch these elusive northern lights, and by golly, I caught them! At 8pm, you can soak your cares away in the warm and inviting Chena Hot Springs. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Chena Hot Springs may not be a natural rock pool, but it doesnt mean it cant be magical. They have gardens behind the hot spring. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6fc99fb37ccfe7e47ea22f25632a757" );document.getElementById("d2f8ec4791").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. Upon entrance into the ticketing building, I was greeted by another miserable employee who flared at me until I spoke. Guests will be asked to exit the outdoor natural hot springs rock lake, hot tub, interior pool and hot tubs at 11:45 PM to dress out. However, you wont see any Northern Lights at this time, the midnight sun is already in full swing so expect daylight until 1 am every day. What To Wear When You Visit Chena Hot Springs - Curated Taste Dog sledding is an Alaskan tradition and this is something you must experience when visiting Alaska, even in the spring and summer. Average depth of the Hot Springs Lake varies from day to day around four feet depending on the activity of the springs. There are no naked locals on the rocks, staring at you in a sort of cannibalism. You can book your massage at our pool house desk. In summer you can have a blast on an ATV tour or horseback riding. You can take a tour to do so, or you can just walk outside your room or cabin. Your email address will not be published. Shuttle Driver / Tour Guide / Activity Desk Agent - Salary.com From Fairbanks: Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tour Things to do in Alaska Things to do in Fairbanks Fairbanks Tours Chena Hot Springs Resort Are you interested in? 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First, you'll want to make sure you have a bathing suit that is comfortable and modest. Tried to eat dinner at the first come first serve restaurant.