Tolovana Hot Springs

Last updated
Tolovana Hot Springs
Location950 feet
Coordinates 65°16′00″N148°52′00″W / 65.26667°N 148.86667°W / 65.26667; -148.86667
Type geothermal
Temperature140°F (60°C)

Tolovana Hot Springs is the most remote of the "big 4" hot springs in the Tolovana River Valley of Alaska.

Contents

Location/Geography

Tolovana Hot Springs is located 45 air miles (72.5 km) northwest of Fairbanks in the Tolovana River Valley.

Description

In addition to the hot springs, there is a cold spring from which to draw drinking water. Three cabins exist on the site which are accessed by an eleven mile (16-km) trail [1] beginning at milepost 93 of the Elliott Highway. [2] The trail goes up and over the 2,316-foot (706-meter) Tolovana Hot Springs Dome and provides views of the White Mountains. There are two steep descents on the way in, and two steep climbs on the way out. The trail is accessible by foot, skis or snowshoes; temperatures can range from -20°F to -40°F. [3] During the summer the trail can be very muddy. [4] There are three trails, two of which are only accessible in winter, area also has a private air strip.

Water profile

The water emerges from the spring at 140°F (60°C). [5] The water contains sodium chloride and sulfur dioxide, with a pH of 7.4. [6]

See also

Coordinates: 65°16′00″N148°52′00″W / 65.26667°N 148.86667°W / 65.26667; -148.86667

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References

  1. Harvey, Alli (27 March 2019). "If you want an Alaska experience, Tolvana Hot Springs will deliver". Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  2. "Tolovana Hot Springs". Alaska.org. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  3. Wilder, Nathaniel (12 January 2012). "Tolovana Hot Springs: 11 Mile Ski at -35F?". Alaska Public Media. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  4. Sokaitis, Charlie. "Road Trippin': The buggy, boggy, and brilliant hike to Tolovana Hot Springs". Alaska News Source. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  5. Berry, George W.; Grim, Paul J.; Ikelman, Joy A. (1980). Thermal Spring List for the United States. Boulder, Colorardo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. p. 8.
  6. "Tolovana Hot Springs". FairbanksAlaska.org. Retrieved 12 October 2020.