Overview
One of Alaska’s wildest soaking trips, on the Seward Peninsula
Serpentine Hot Springs sits inside Bering Land Bridge National Preserve on the Seward Peninsula. It’s the preserve’s most visited site, and it’s still a challenging trip. There are no roads into or within the preserve, so access is by small aircraft, boat, overland travel, or winter routes like snowmachine and dog team travel depending on conditions. This is not a “drop in for a soak,” it’s a remote hot springs mission.
What you get when you arrive
Natural soaking in an open landscape with dramatic granite tors nearby. It’s a place where the scenery and the effort are part of the experience. Infrastructure is minimal compared with a resort, and that’s the point. You’re here because you want the wild version.
Why conservative planning pays off
Help is far away. Weather can trap you. Travel takes longer than expected. If you plan like you might need to be self-reliant, you’ll feel calmer and you’ll make better decisions when conditions shift.
Location & Access
Where it is
Serpentine Hot Springs is in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve on the Seward Peninsula. The National Park Service lists the geographic coordinates as 65.8569 N, 164.7142 W.
How to get there
There are no roads into the preserve. Visitors may arrive by foot, boat, bike, small airplane, or snowmobile depending on season and route. Many people coordinate flights from the Nome area, while winter travel can follow traditional routes from villages on the coast when conditions allow.
What to bring
Bring a true backcountry kit: shelter, insulation, food buffer, navigation you trust, and a communication plan (satellite messenger is common out here). For the soak itself, bring a swimsuit, towel, and traction sandals. Keep a dry clothing system ready, stepping out of warm water into wind can chill you fast.
Seasonality
Summer access often depends on aircraft and weather windows. Winter access depends on snow cover, visibility, and cold tolerance. Shoulder seasons can be the hardest because ice and water conditions get messy.
Before you go
Read the NPS travel guidance for Serpentine Hot Springs, then confirm transport and timing with your air taxi or travel partners. This is not a place to wing it.
Suitability & Accessibility
Serpentine is best for experienced remote travelers, people comfortable with bush logistics, and anyone building a Seward Peninsula adventure around wilderness, not amenities. It’s not a realistic “family soak stop” for most trips.
Families
For most families, no. The access is the issue, not the water. Long travel, weather risk, and limited services make this a tough setting for kids and for adults responsible for keeping kids warm and safe.
Couples and small groups
Excellent if everyone shares the same expectations and risk tolerance. The best group is the one that agrees in advance on conservative weather cutoffs, food buffer, and a clear plan for delays.
Mobility realities
This is remote terrain with uneven ground around natural features. Even if you arrive by plane, you should expect walking on tundra and rough surfaces. If mobility is limited, the trip can still be meaningful as a scenic visit, but “easy soaking access” is not something to count on.
Expectations vs reality
Expect wild, exposed, and beautiful. Don’t expect cell service, quick rescue, or a spa-like setup.
Safety & Etiquette
Remote travel safety is the whole story
Weather and distance are the main hazards. Carry a communication plan, leave a trip plan with someone who will notice if you’re late, and build in food and fuel buffer so a delay doesn’t turn into an emergency.
Hot water and cold wind
The soak feels calm, then you step out into wind and your body cools fast. Have a towel and dry layers ready before you get in. Move gently, keep footing stable, and don’t linger wet while you decide what to do next.
Footing and ground conditions
Natural areas can be slick, boggy, or uneven. Traction sandals help. Step carefully near pool edges and on wet rock, and keep your hands free for balance when you’re moving around the soaking area.
Etiquette
Keep it quiet, share space, and keep the water clean. Skip soap and shampoo. Pack out all trash. If you use a public-use cabin or shared facilities, leave them better than you found them, small care makes a big difference in remote places.
Respect NPS guidance
The NPS notes there are no roads into the preserve and that help can be difficult to get. Treat that as real, not as a dramatic line. Conservative planning is what keeps this trip enjoyable.
FAQs
Can you drive to Serpentine Hot Springs?
No. The National Park Service notes there are no roads into or within Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Access is by aircraft, boat, overland travel, or winter routes like snowmachine depending on conditions.
What are the coordinates?
NPS lists Serpentine Hot Springs at 65.8569 N, 164.7142 W.
Is Serpentine Hot Springs good for first-time hot springs travelers?
Usually no. The soaking is simple, but getting there is remote and weather-dependent. It’s a better fit for travelers comfortable with wilderness logistics.
What should I bring for soaking?
Swimsuit, towel, traction sandals, and a dry clothing system. Add a shelter and communication plan appropriate for remote Alaska travel.
What’s the best mindset for this trip?
Flexible and conservative. Build in weather days, carry extra food, and be ready to turn around without forcing it.