Chena Hot Springs Resort Exciting Winter Fun in Fairbanks, Alaska

It has been a while since the last time I visited Chena Hot Springs Resort. It was winter when I went there with my family and friends, we had a great time. We went and spent a lot of time in the outdoor rock pool. It was so relaxing being in the natural hot springs water. 

It was believed that the Hot Springs water has a healing water. I would not know the difference though because I only go there once in a blue moon. Well, maybe not once in a blue moon but just for me the resort is a little bit pricey. 

Nonetheless, it's a good break and a good winter drive out of town. It's fun and exciting  being in the pool, feeling cold and hot at the same time. 

I see a tree

How to get there? 

Chena Hot Spring Resort is about 60 miles away from town or about 75 minutes drive from the city of Fairbanks. From Airport Way take Steese highway then about 4.7 miles take the exit to Chena Hot Springs Road. Big sign right on the side of the highway.

 

Just drive down that road,  at the end of it is the Chena Hot Springs Resort.

17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd. Fairbanks, Alaska 99712

The Pool House

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link that means I may earn a commission if you click and buy (at no additional cost to you) Thank you!

How's the road conditions?

Roads are okay to drive but it depends on what time of the year you go out there. Of course, if it’s winter, there will be snow and ice on the roads. But just drive slowly, enjoy the scenery, and maybe you get to see some wild animals too. It’s a good road to drive on. 

On the summertime the road is good. Just watch out for wildlife especially moose.

Outdoor Rock Pool
Natural hot spring water

The outdoor rock pool is for 18 years and older only. Since my son is too young to be in the rock pool, he stayed in indoor pool with his friends and had a great time. He also met new friends. They played in the indoor pool and hot tubs, as well as the outdoor hot tub.  The indoor pool is only 4.5 ft. deep, which they enjoyed it very much.

Outdoor Hot Tub. Alan was having a great time.

Two indoor hot tub and the Indoor pool is only 4.5 ft. deep. 

The Entrance to the pool

Lots of space to leave shoes at the entrance

How much does it cost to get in the Hot Springs?

• Free - Children 5 years old and under is FREE
• $12 - Children 6 - 17 years old
• $15 - Adult
• $13 - Senior 60+
• $.50 for locker in the restrooms
• Note: You can't use padlocks for the lockers. 
• $100 - for Family Swim Pass good for 10 passes
• If you stay overnight at one of their rooms or cabins, pool and towels are included.

If you forget to bring swimwear or didn't plan on dipping in the hot springs until you get there, they have swim wear for sale as well.

The entrance to outdoor rock pool

Chena Hot Spring Resort is one of the known tourist spots in Fairbanks, Alaska. The resort is most popular during winter season. Tourist from all over the world come here to see the northern lights, relax in natural hot spring, and experience several activities that the resort has to offer.

Exciting Winter Fun

Here are some activities they offer during Winter: Have a drink at the ice bar (Ice Museum), Fly north over the White Mountains and the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge (Flight Tour), Ice Fishing, Dog Sled rides (Kennel Tour), Snow Machine rides (Snow machine Tour), Aurora viewing tour, Sunset Snow Coach Tour, cross-country skis, snowshoes or ice skates. Geothermal Renewable Energy Tour.

Summer Activities

Also for their summer fun activities: Dog Cart Rides, Kennel Tour, Guided ATV Tours, Horseback Tours, Bike Rentals, Hiking, Flight Sightseeing, and Geothermal Renewable Energy Tour.
To stay in the resort they have a big lodge, few cabins, campground, and yurts. 

One of the Massage cabins they have

One the cabins you can stay in

The Yurt

I have never been to any of the tours they offered nor stayed overnight in Chena Hot Spring Resort. I only go there for the hot spring. I’ve eaten at their restaurant once, and that’s it! What can I say? Maybe someday I will.

The plane that will never fly again

Chena Hot Springs Facility Rules

(Below is what written on this sign)

THE RESORT AT CHENA HOT SPRINGS
POOL AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WELCOMES YOU

FACILITY USE RULES
TOBACCO, FOOD AND DRINK ARE PROHIBITED IN THE POOL
SPA OR ON THE DECK

BATHERS MUST SHOWER, USE SOAP AND RINSE THEIR BODIES
BEFORE ENTERING ANY BODY OF WATER.

THE POOL MANAGER SHALL RESTRICT FROM USING THE POOL ANY PERSON
KNOWN OR RESONABLY SUSPECTED TO HAVE
: A COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
: SKIN LESIONS,
:SORE OR INFLAMED EYE RESONABLY BELIEVED TO
HAVE BEEN CAUSE BY A COMMUNICABLE DISEASE.

NO ODDLY FOREIGN MATTER IN THE POOL INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
THAT FROM THE MOUTH, NOSE, EARS, AND EYES

NO CUTOFFS OR COTTON FIBER MATERIALS ALLOWED IN ANY BODY OF WATER
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SHORTS OR T-SHIRTS

NO SHOES TO BE WORN IN CHANGING AREAS OR ON THE POOL DECKS
NO RUNNIG, PUSHING OR DIVING

NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOSS OR STOLEN ITEMS
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES - USE POOL AT YOUR OWN RISK.
NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY

SOME BODIES OF WATER ARE WARMER THAN OTHERS, PLEASE DO NOT
USE SPAS IF WATER IS UNCOMFORTABLE
RECOMMENDED TIME USE FOR THERAPEUTIC SPA IS 10 MINUTES
AND 15 MINUTES FOR THE INDOOR OR OUT DOOR SPAS.

SPAS ARE NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN

CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND UNDER MUST BE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT

Hallway to outdoor hot tub

The important of hydration

(below is what written on this sign)

ATTENTION:
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO STAY HYDRATED WHILE YOU ARE ENJOYING THE HOT SPRINGS.

Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. This can impact your body as well as your mind and make you feel tired, stressed or weak.

What are the symptoms of dehydrations?
Generally, if you feel thirsty, you're dehydrated. Other symptoms of mild dehydration include light headedness, headache or fatigue. Mild dehydration can progress to moderate or even severe dehydration, which can cause rapid heartbeat, fever, listlessness and fainting.

THERE IS A DRINKING FOUNTAIN IN THE POOL HOUSE AS WELL AS A VENDING MACHIN IN THE POOL LOBBY.

I had to get up and get out of the pool several times because I felt overheated. I also had to kept drinking water to hydrate.

Alan was tired but had a great time

Welcome to Chena Hot Springs Resort

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy my photographs. Have fun and stay safe!