The bathhouse in Tenakee Springs features a unique 106-degree sulfur hot mineral spring, offering a tranquil bathing experience with scheduled hours specifically for men and women to ensure privacy and comfort.

Since its establishment in the 1930s, the local volunteer Bathhouse Committee has been dedicated to the management and upkeep of this historic facility, which originally opened in 1900 and saw additions such as the changing room in 1920 and the tub room in 1939.

The generously sized tub, approximately 6 feet by 9 feet and 5 feet deep, continuously receives mineral water at a flow rate of seven gallons per minute, ensuring a refreshing soak.

Open 24/7, the bathhouse implements strict rules to maintain a clean and serene environment, including a mandatory soap wash prior to entering the springs and a no-clothing policy in the tub area.

The therapeutic qualities of the hot springs are especially beneficial for residents without private showers, while those with their own facilities still enjoy the soothing warmth of the water.

Upon exiting the springs, you can appreciate the innovative heating system in the changing room, which harnesses thermocycling water from the hot springs, a modern improvement over the outdated oil-burning heater previously used.

In 2017, Tenakee Springs proudly opened its first museum, the result of a committed 30-year initiative by the founders of the Tenakee Historical Collection.

Situated in the town’s beautifully restored historic liquor store, the museum is uniquely heated by the same natural hot springs that flow nearby. Its exhibits feature a diverse collection of documents and artifacts, including an old still and logging equipment, bringing to life the rich history of this picturesque settlement that once thrived as a center for local canneries and served as a winter refuge for loggers, miners, and commercial fishermen.

The museum produces a newsletter called The Store Door, which shares captivating historical stories about Tenakee and its surroundings, named in honor of the front door of Snyder’s Mercantile, which historically functioned as the town’s primary source of local news and information.

Operated entirely by volunteers, the museum welcomes visitors with limited hours from 11 am to 2 pm, three days a week.

The Indian River Suspension Bridge, nestled just a couple of kilometers into the forest from town, serves as a crucial connection for residents along the trail to the east, ensuring essential pedestrian access to homes that are otherwise accessible only by private boat.

This city-owned bridge not only enhances accessibility but also attracts bear enthusiasts, making it a cherished landmark within the community. The salmon stream brings bears during the fish runs, leading these curious creatures to roam into town, often seen along the main street as they search for ripe berries in local gardens.

In Tenakee, nearly everyone tends to cultivate a garden alongside the larger community garden, which contributes to the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

The store and cafe operate with variable hours, typically closing by 2 PM each day, and it is advisable to preorder most items from the cafe due to limited supplies. The general store features delicious baked goods provided by locals, with Alex particularly enjoying a delightful cinnamon bun.

Once reliant on a single phone for all residents, the town still maintains its old phone booth, and remarkably, the phone still functions.

This unique, roadless charm, paired with the gardens, vibrant flowers, and colorful cabins, creates a stunning landscape that captures the spirit of this hidden gem.