Barnes Lake (Paradise) Warm Springs

Barnes Lake Warm Springs, often called Paradise Warm Springs, is a hard-to-find, odorless geothermal feature located near Barnes Lake in a narrow forested valley on the Alaska side of the Alaska–British Columbia border. The springs lie in a rugged area dominated by towering trees and rolling hills, with the Stikine River providing a striking natural backdrop.

The site comprises two primary sources: a main spring with low dissolved mineral content reaching temperatures up to 26 °C, and a secondary seep located about 200 meters upstream at the base of a cliff in the mud, where temperatures can reach 27 °C. A small creek flows between these two features, enhancing the secluded and natural setting.

Geologically, the springs arise from a shallow geothermal system, as documented by the U.S. Forest Service and the Alaska Geological Survey. This evidence confirms that Barnes Lake Warm Springs is a distinct feature, separate from the significantly hotter Choquette Hot Springs in British Columbia and the similarly named Barnes Warm Springs in Oregon.

Access to Barnes Lake Warm Springs is extremely limited due to its remote location and rugged terrain. The nearest town, Wrangell, is approximately a two-hour drive, and the area is also reachable by boat or floatplane. Summer is the recommended season for visits, when weather conditions are more favorable.

The springs hold both scientific interest and appeal as a secluded retreat. Their modest warmth, peaceful environment, and challenging access underscore their status as a unique geothermal feature in one of North America’s last largely unspoiled wilderness areas.