Chief Shakes Hot Springs

These well-liked hot springs are the finest among three options accessible from the lower Stikine River. The water is heated, the surroundings are delightful, and if you're kayaking, the springs are simple to locate. Adding a visit to these springs creates a delightful pause towards the conclusion of a kayak journey down the Stikine River. These springs are a favored day trip from Wrangell and Petersburg. The U.S. Forest Service is responsible for maintaining the amenities and the site. The springs are situated at 56°43.0'N, 132°00.3W, just a bit north of the Ketili River. Their location is indicated on the U.S. Geological Survey Petersburg C-1 map, and for kayakers on the Stikine, the Bradfield Canal C-6 map proves helpful as well.

For those approaching from the Stikine River's upstream, head north along the Ketili River and take a right (upstream) along the Ketili shortly after passing some old cabins. Roughly 3 kilometers from the Stikine River and shortly beyond a small island, veer north into a narrow, slow-moving slough until you reach a landing area with wooden steps.

Travelers coming downstream from Canada along the Stikine should turn north at the east end of the Ketili River, approximately 8 kilometers downstream from the international boundary. Follow the gentle, meandering main channel downstream for about 10 kilometers. Soon after a small, rusty slough joins from the right, just before an island, turn right and paddle about 200 meters up a narrow, unhurried estuary until you reach the landing area with wooden steps. From here, a brief walk along a trail leads you to the springs.

The initial pool you encounter is a cedar tub, roughly 2 meters in diameter, housed within an appealing little bathhouse, surrounded by towering Sitka spruce and hemlock trees. The water maintains an inviting bathing temperature. A short distance along the trail, you'll discover an open-air pool on the edge of a spacious, gently sloping meadow. This location is especially inviting for camping, particularly in late summer when mosquitoes are scarce. There are compact changing rooms, tent sites, and fire pits available. The pool is conveniently nearby and exceedingly enticing. The tub is supplied by two hoses – one hot and the other cold – providing you with the ability to regulate the temperature to your preference.

The primary spring originates from the base of a cliff, roughly 100 meters beyond the tubs, and is channeled downhill through pipes. Other springs are present in the southern area near the bathhouse, flowing from positions close to the base of certain cliffs. Most of these springs are smaller and cooler compared to the main spring. The water is devoid of any odor, with minimal algae and a low mineral content, primarily composed of sulphate, sodium, and silica.