Overview
A boat-in bathhouse soak on Chichagof Island
White Sulphur Hot Springs sits on the west coast of Chichagof Island, on Bertha Bay, inside the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness Area. It’s remote, but it’s not vague or mysterious. The U.S. Forest Service maintains a reservable public-use cabin here and notes the bathhouse has been re-opened for public use after temporary stabilization work. Recreation.gov adds a useful reality check: this is a wilderness site accessed by boat only, weather permitting, and you should be ready for extended stays if conditions turn.
What the experience feels like
This is not a resort. It’s a simple soak with ocean air and rainforest noise in the background, plus a short, fairly level trail from Mirror Harbor. The springs are close to the cabin, which means you may see other visitors even if you’re staying overnight. If you plan for shared space and flexible timing, it’s a very satisfying way to spend a day or two on the outer coast.
Trip planning in one sentence
If you’re comfortable with boat logistics and you like rustic infrastructure, White Sulphur is one of the more straightforward “remote Alaska hot springs” trips you can actually pull off.
Location & Access
Where it is
White Sulphur Hot Springs is on the northern shore of Bertha Bay on the west coast of Chichagof Island, about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Sitka. It’s managed as part of Tongass National Forest.
Getting there
Access is by boat only, weather permitting. The Forest Service notes anchorage is possible in Mirror Harbor, with local knowledge recommended, and an alternate approach via Porcupine Bay that may require a skiff ride. This is open-ocean country, build a conservative plan around swell, wind, and daylight.
The walk in
The Forest Service describes the White Sulphur Springs Trail from Mirror Harbor as about 0.9 mile (1.5 km), fairly level, and paralleling Bertha Bay. Expect wet roots and slick boards after rain, and bring footwear you trust.
Water and packing
Potable water is not available at the site (Forest Service and Recreation.gov both note this). Bring drinking water or a treatment setup you actually know how to use in cold, wet weather. Pack food, headlamp, dry layers, and a way to keep essentials dry (a simple roll-top bag helps a lot).
What to bring for soaking
Swimsuit, towel, and traction sandals. Add a warm hat for the walk back, even in summer, the coast can cool off fast when the sun drops behind the ridges.
Suitability & Accessibility
White Sulphur Hot Springs is best for boaters, paddlers, and small groups who enjoy remote coastal Alaska and don’t need staffed facilities. It’s also a good fit for photographers and slow travelers, the combination of forest, rock shoreline, and weather changes keeps the place interesting even when you’re not in the bathhouse.
Families
For most visiting families, this is a pass. Boat access, cold weather exposure, and the need to manage water and food carefully make it more demanding than a typical “family friendly hot spring.” Families who do well here tend to have strong wilderness habits and a calm plan for getting wet and cold without drama.
Couples and friend trips
Very good if everyone is on the same page about remoteness and shared-use soaking. A flexible, unhurried schedule makes the bathhouse experience feel easy rather than competitive.
Mobility realities
Do not expect wheelchair access. Even though the trail is described as fairly level, access still depends on boat landings, wet surfaces, and uneven transitions. Tub entry can be awkward for stiff knees or balance issues. If you need step-free, predictable access, this is not the right Alaska soak.
Expectations vs reality
Think rustic comfort, not amenities. Your success here is mostly about logistics: safe anchorage, weather window, enough water, and a little patience.
Safety & Etiquette
Remote-coast safety comes first
Recreation.gov emphasizes this is an extremely remote wilderness site accessed by boat only, weather permitting, and you should be prepared for extended stays due to poor weather. Bring extra food, warm layers, and a communication plan that doesn’t rely on cell service.
Bear awareness is part of the package
Recreation.gov notes brown bears frequent the area. Store food securely, keep a clean camp, and move with attention on the trail, especially in low visibility and near streams. If you carry bear spray, keep it accessible, not buried in a dry bag.
Water safety
There’s no good water source near the cabin (Recreation.gov), and the Forest Service notes potable water is not available. Treat or boil any water you collect. Don’t assume “fresh looking” means safe, especially after rain.
Heat and hydration
Even a warm spring can dehydrate you. Soak in shorter rounds, drink water, and cool down between sessions. If you feel lightheaded or headachy, step out and reset.
Bathhouse etiquette that keeps it pleasant
This is a shared-use bathhouse. Wash off first if you can, keep soaps and shampoos out of the soak, and leave the space tidy. If others arrive, make room, rotate fairly, and keep the doorway and steps clear so people can enter and exit safely. Photos are fine, just avoid capturing other visitors close-up.
Leave-no-trace, gently
Pack out all garbage (Recreation.gov), and avoid leaving food scraps or fuel smell lingering. A little care keeps the site nicer for the next boat that drops in, and for you if you come back.
FAQs
How do you get to White Sulphur Hot Springs?
Access is by boat only, weather permitting. The Forest Service notes anchorage is possible in Mirror Harbor and the marked White Sulphur Springs Trail leads from Mirror Harbor to the cabin and springs.
How long is the walk from Mirror Harbor?
The Forest Service describes the White Sulphur Springs Trail as about 0.9 mile (1.5 km), fairly level, and paralleling Bertha Bay. Expect wet footing in rainy weather.
Is the bathhouse open to the public?
Yes. The Forest Service states the White Sulphur Springs bathhouse has been re-opened for public use, following temporary stabilization work.
Is drinking water available at the site?
No. Both the Forest Service and Recreation.gov note potable water is not available. Bring water or a treatment method and plan for wet, cold conditions while you’re using it.
Can you have the springs to yourself if you book the cabin?
Not necessarily. Recreation.gov notes the warm springs are open to other forest visitors, and reserving the cabin does not include exclusive use of the springs. If you plan for shared space, it usually feels straightforward.