Chief Shakes Hot Springs Soakable

Chief Shakes Hot Springs reads 122°F at the source (NCEI, historical reading); the pools people soak in usually run cooler than the source. Managed by the Tongass National Forest (checked 2026-08-19).

Cool Warm Hot Boiling-class 122°F

122°F / 50°C

Hot range at the source — hotter than a hot tub

Reading from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation). Source temperature — lower pools usually run cooler.

Water temperatures change with flow and season — test before entering, and never submerge your head in warm natural water. CDC guidance on Naegleria fowleri.

Access

The Forest lists this Wrangell Ranger District site as an enclosed and an open-air redwood hot tub with dressing rooms, benches and two outhouses at Hot Springs Slough off Ketilli Slough, 28 miles northwest of Wrangell up the Stikine River and within the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness. There is no fee, and potable water is not available at the site. A 0.3-mile trail off Hot Springs Slough provides access at lower water levels; at river levels below 16 feet the Forest says boat access is limited and walking along the slough is required to reach the hot tubs. There are no overnight accommodations, and the Forest tells visitors to expect crowds on weekends, holidays and sunny days throughout the summer.

Trailhead: Hot Springs Slough, off Ketilli Slough on the Stikine River — boat access from Wrangell

Access notes read from the manager's own page, checked 2026-08-19.

Check current conditions with the Tongass National Forest

Nearby springs

Identity, coordinates, and temperature quoted from the NCEI Thermal Springs List (historical reading, 1981 compilation).