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Just 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort is where warm geothermal pools meet cold northern skies. It sits directly under the auroral oval — one of the world’s best places to see the Northern Lights. The resort’s low light pollution, wide-open sky, and easy access make it a favorite for both locals and first-time visitors. For travelers who want to experience real Alaska — soaking in hot springs, eating food grown on-site, and watching nature’s light show — Chena offers an unforgettable mix of comfort and wildness. Imagine sitting in a steaming natural hot spring while the sky above bursts into shimmering ribbons of green and violet.

The Best Spots to Watch the Aurora at Chena Hot Springs Resort: 

The aurora season in Alaska runs roughly late August through mid-April, with the brightest displays from September to March.
At Chena, prime viewing hours are between 10 PM and 3 AM, when the skies are darkest and clearest. For the best odds, plan to stay at least two or three nights — the aurora is unpredictable, and locals swear by this window to catch a show. Here are the top viewing spots recommended by local guides and resort staff:

1. The Rock Lake (Hot Springs Pool)
The outdoor rock lake is Chena’s signature feature — imagine soaking in 40°C water while the aurora ripples overhead. The steam and reflections make for incredible photos.
2. Behind the Activity Center / Aurora Café
This is one of the most popular ground-level spots. It’s close to warmth, restrooms, and hot drinks, and gives a clear view of the northern sky. The Activity Center also posts nightly aurora forecasts.
3. Charlie Dome — The Hilltop Yurts (Snowcoach Tour)
For one of the most panoramic views of the Northern Lights, take the Aurora Snowcoach Tour up to Charlie Dome. The elevated dome sits well above the resort and offers an open 360-degree horizon, far from any buildings or light pollution. On clear nights, the entire sky comes alive here, making it a favorite spot for serious photographers and aurora chasers.
4. The Hilltop Yurt 
If you prefer a quieter and more private aurora experience, head to the Hilltop Yurts located above the main resort area. Be prepared for a steep, 10-minute walk uphill, especially in winter conditions — good boots and warm layers are essential. Since the path isn’t brightly lit, bring a flashlight or headlamp to guide your way. Once you arrive, you’ll find heated yurts where you can warm up between light shows and step outside to take in wide, unobstructed views of the night sky. The peaceful setting away from the main activity area makes it a favorite for those seeking a more intimate Northern Lights experience.

Top Winter Activities at Chena

You can experience plenty beyond aurora watching at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Start by soaking in the geothermal pools and hot tubs, where naturally heated mineral water stays inviting even on the coldest winter nights. Then step inside the Aurora Ice Museum, a glittering world built entirely from ice and kept at a steady 25°F year-round. Inside, you’ll find hand-carved ice sculptures, crystal-clear walls, and even an ice martini bar — with parkas provided to keep you cozy. For a taste of Alaska’s wild side, try dog mushing or snowmobiling through the surrounding forest trails. Whether you prefer the quiet glide of a sled behind huskies or the thrill of a guided snowmobile ride, both offer incredible views of the snow-covered landscape. Don’t miss the greenhouse and geothermal energy tours, where you’ll see how the resort uses the earth’s heat to grow fresh vegetables and power its facilities. It’s a fascinating look at how Chena stays self-sufficient and sustainable in the heart of Alaska’s interior.

Insider Tips: 

To make the most of your visit, plan to stay two to three nights — the aurora can be unpredictable, and this gives you the best chance of catching a spectacular show. If you’re not used to driving on icy roads, it’s safer and more relaxing to use the resort shuttle from Fairbanks rather than renting a car. Cold weather can be tough on gear, so keep your camera batteries warm in an inside pocket; freezing temperatures drain them quickly. Bring thin liner gloves for adjusting camera settings and a second pair of thicker gloves or mittens to stay comfortable while waiting outside. If you want to watch the lights from the mountain, book the Charlie Dome snowcoach well in advance — it’s one of the resort’s most popular tours and often sells out on clear nights. Always dress in layers, since temperatures can dip below −20°C (−4°F), and don’t be surprised if you spot a moose wandering near the resort. They’re part of the Alaskan landscape — just remember to admire them from a safe distance.

Aurora Photography Tips That Work

For the best aurora photos, be sure to use a sturdy tripod and a wide-angle lens (somewhere between 14 and 35 mm works perfectly). Start with camera settings around ISO 1600, f/2.8, and a 10- to 20-second exposure, then fine-tune depending on how bright the lights appear. It’s best to focus manually on a distant light source and then adjust slightly until the stars look sharp. To add depth and emotion to your shots, try capturing reflections or silhouettes in the hot springs or snow — they make the aurora feel even more alive. And most importantly, don’t spend the whole night behind the lens; sometimes the most vivid memory is the one you simply watch with your own eyes.

What to Pack

Bring an insulated parka, thermal base layers, waterproof boots, warm socks, hat, scarf, and layered gloves. Don’t forget a swimsuit and towel for the pools, a tripod and extra batteries for aurora shots, and a thermos for hot drinks during late nights outside.

Farm-to-Table: The Restaurant and Greenhouses

Few people realize that Chena grows much of its own food year-round in geothermal-heated greenhouses. The resort’s “Chena Fresh” program produces lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, and other vegetables using renewable energy from the same geothermal source that heats the pools.

These greens appear daily in the resort restaurant and Aurora Café, where guests can enjoy hot soups, Alaskan seafood, and fresh salads after a long evening of aurora watching. If you love sustainability or farm-to-table cuisine, ask about the greenhouse tour — it’s short, fascinating, and gives a glimpse of what life can look like off the grid in Alaska.

People & Community

Chena Hot Springs employs seasonal and year-round staff from Alaska and abroad to keep its unique operations running. In 2025, the resort made headlines for hiring Ukrainian workers who had fled the war, part of its ongoing effort to provide opportunities to displaced people. It’s a reminder that even far north, Alaska’s hospitality community remains connected to the world.

6. Final Thoughts

Chena Hot Springs is a rare place where you can chase the Northern Lights without sacrificing comfort. Between the warm pools, sustainable food, and welcoming staff, it’s a haven of warmth and humanity under Alaska’s frozen sky. Even if the aurora doesn’t appear, the experience itself — steam, snow, and starlight — is pure magic.

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