It was a day when the temperature was around minus 23 degree in Celsius (-9 F).

Isn’t that the best day to enjoy the outdoor hot springs though?

So I visited Chena Hot Springs Resort about 56 miles northwest of Fairbanks.

Chena Hot Springs Resort is located at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road.

Chena Hot Springs Resort 

Two gold mining brothers (Robert and Thomas Swan) founded Chena Hot Springs over 100 years ago. In 1905, Robert was suffering from rheumatism and needed a place to reduce his pain and relax. He and his brother set out to find some hot springs that would ease his pains. They spent more than a month to reach the hot springs in Alaska’s harsh interior landscape.

In 1911, they built 12 small cabins where visitors could stay. From there, they continued to develop the area, which became one of the most famous resorts in the interior part of Alaska. The U.S. Department of Agriculture even sent chemists to analyze the water, which has characteristics that differ greatly from other hot springs sites in the country.

Today, the Resort covers 440 acres and has several indoor and outdoor tubs, Jacuzzis, and an indoor family swimming pool. Rock Lake is an artificial lake that provides a wonderful and relaxing vantage point for watching the northern lights in winter.

Near the Resort is Chena River State Recreation Area, an almost 400-square mile preserve that includes the Chena River valley and is home to some of the area's best hiking, canoeing, and fishing.

Here’s an outdoor hot spring. It was evening and the area was covered with vapors, so the visibility was very low. 





Snow-covered trees were everywhere. 



I soaked into the hot springs for about 30 minutes and it was great! 



Cozy and peaceful looking cabins were located along the creek. 





I think a hot springs bath at these beautiful surroundings is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. 





Even though the temperature was minus 23 degrees Celsius, I felt hot after soaking in the hot springs. 



People who just came hurry to get into the hot water from the cold outside temperature. 



I noticed lots of Chinese people this time. It used to have many Japanese visitors before. 





While I was enjoying the hot springs I heard many different languages from all over the world. 



I noticed that my skin was soft and shiny after taking a bath in this hot springs. 



Also, I noticed couples enjoying much physical contact with each other. Being a single guy without a girl friend, I envied them. ;)



This is Chena Hot Springs Hotel.



This is an artistic installation greeting the visitors. 



This is the place to register for snowmobiles, dog sledding, ski, fishing, airplane tickets, and aurora and ice hotel tours.



These people were waiting for the aurora tour. 
Again most were Chinese tourists. 



These ladies were from Korea for the aurora tour. They were staying at Chandalar Ranch. The cost to come to Chena Hot Springs Resort from Chandalar Ranch was $75 per person and the hot springs cost another $15. So the total was $90 per person for them to enjoy Chena Hot Springs Resort. 

They came individually and met each other during the trip. It was nice to see them building friendships through traveling.





*This posting was translated from a Korean post. Click here to read the original version.