A dramatic steep-walled inlet off Chatham Strait where a thundering waterfall, riverside hot-spring pools, and a busy public float make Baranof Warm Springs one of Southeast Alaska's most beloved stops.
Warm Springs Bay cuts into the rugged east shore of Baranof Island, about 20 miles east of Sitka, where mountains climbing over 2,000 feet drop almost straight into the water. At the head of the bay a powerful waterfall pours out of Baranof Lake right beside the tiny community of Baranof Warm Springs, whose boardwalk and cabins are the main thoroughfare since there are no roads.
The big draw is the hot springs: a series of natural pools on the riverbank near the falls (around 104F) plus bathhouses with piped hot-spring water, all an easy walk up from the dock. A maintained trail continues past the falls to Baranof Lake.
Most visiting boats tie to the 250-foot public float rather than anchor, but in peak fishing season it fills quickly with seiners, trollers, and sport boats rafted two and three deep. The bay itself is small and very deep, so anchoring takes care and plenty of scope.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The approach is from Chatham Strait into the bay's mouth; the entrance and inner bay carry deep water with steep-to shores. The main challenge is depth, the bay drops off sharply and anchorable shelf is limited, so soundings rise fast (cruisers report setting an anchor in ~37 ft only to have the depth climb toward 80-90 ft as the rode pays out). Crossing Chatham Strait to reach the bay can be lumpy in wind-against-tide.
Stay clear of the strong current and turbulence off the waterfall near the head of the bay, and give the float and rafted commercial fleet a wide berth in season. The steep surrounding terrain can funnel sudden, strong williwaw gusts down into the bay despite the apparent shelter, so set well and leave swinging room. A resident brown bear frequents the trailhead, carry deterrents ashore.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Baranof Warm Springs Bay with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Member-uploaded images of this anchorage.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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