White Sulphur Springs

White Sulphur Springs is a Forest Service hot springs bathhouse on the outer coast of Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska, inside the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness of the Tongass National Forest. It sits on the northern shore of Bertha Bay, about 65 miles northwest of Sitka, and the community of Pelican is 23 miles to the northeast. Access is by boat only, weather permitting. The Forest Service says boats can anchor in Mirror Harbor, where the 0.9-mile White Sulphur Springs Trail runs fairly level along Bertha Bay to the site, or in Porcupine Bay with a skiff ride to the cabin, and it recommends local knowledge before trying to anchor. Recreation.gov notes that helicopter access is illegal in the wilderness. The bathhouse is free and open to any forest visitor, and Recreation.gov says it is often used by commercial fishermen, kayakers and campers. A Forest Service cabin about 50 feet away rents for $60 a night, but a cabin reservation does not include exclusive use of the springs. Camping within 200 feet of the cabin by anyone other than the cabin users is prohibited. A Forest Service environmental assessment describes warm water rising from fissures in the bedrock just above the high tide line. In 2008 the source vent supplying the bathhouse holding tank produced 20 gallons a minute at 113°F, and in May the water lost about 5 degrees on its way to the soaking pool. NOAA's thermal springs list records the spring at 111°F. The same document describes indoor and outdoor pools in front of the cabin and a bathhouse built in 1966, with carvings of local boat names on its walls; a cabin and bathhouse were reported at the site as early as 1917. The current Forest Service page says the bathhouse has been reopened for public use after temporary stabilization of the building. There is no potable water at the site. Bring extra water, because Recreation.gov warns of the dehydrating effects of the springs, boil or treat anything you collect, and pack out all garbage and food. Brown bears frequent the area, and firewood for the cabin can be scarce.

Sources: fs.usda.gov (1), recreation.gov, fs.usda.gov (2), doi.pangaea.de

White Sulphur Springs is in Pelican, Alaska. Boat, then 0.9 mi trail from Mirror Harbor is the way in; the road data has no drivable approach. Described as an undeveloped backcountry pool on the operator's own site. Pool or spring temperature on file: 113°F (scalding). Entry is free and amenities on file include restrooms. Nothing we hold states the clothing policy, so ask before you go.