Bailey Bay & Shelokum Hot Springs 🇺🇸

Into the Wild: A Soak and a Trek in Bailey Bay, Alaska

After days of weaving through Alaska’s Inside Passage, dodging icebergs, scanning for whales, and soaking in the endless mountain views, we decided it was time to slow down and explore somewhere a little more off the grid. Bailey Bay had been on our radar for a while—quiet, remote, and home to a hike-in hot spring we’d only heard whispers about. We weren’t entirely sure what to expect, but as with most things in Southeast Alaska, we had a feeling it would be worth the detour.

While in Bailey Bay, we tied up to the only state-provided mooring ball—thankfully, because the water here is deep and dropping anchor would’ve been a bit of a gamble. After a long day traveling from Coffman Cove, we kept things simple: dinner, a quick look at the stars, and straight to bed.

The next morning, we were up early and ready to stretch our legs on the 10-kilometer out and back hike to the hot springs at Shelokum Lake. The trail started out promising—well-built boardwalks winding through the forest had us thinking, “Hey, this’ll be a breeze.” That thought didn’t last long.

Soon the path turned wild. We scrambled over boulders, ducked under fallen trees, and squelched through thick mud that tried to claim our boots more than once. Bushwhacking became part of the experience, and we kept our voices up to stay “bear aware” (read: nervously chatty). We even had to cross a river and a small waterfall—thankfully, the water was low and the crossing was more thrilling than treacherous.

Despite the challenges, the scenery was jaw-dropping. The trail hugged the edge of the lake, offering glimpses of snow-dusted peaks and mirror-like reflections in the water. It felt like we were hiking through a postcard, just with a bit more mud.

At the end of the trail, we were rewarded with one of the best hot springs we’ve found yet. A small cabin sat tucked near the lakeshore, and a natural rock formation had created a series of warm pools with a gentle waterfall flowing through them. And the best part? We had the whole place to ourselves.

We soaked for about an hour, letting the warmth soak into sore muscles while taking in the view. It was pure magic—peaceful, wild, and just the right amount of off-the-beaten-path.

The hike back was just as muddy, but we made it to the dinghy with no bear sightings and all our limbs intact. This hot springs adventure checked all the boxes: remote, beautiful, slightly ridiculous, and 100% worth it.

Bailey Bay turned out to be one of those unforgettable stops—the kind that reminds you why you’re out here in the first place. The kind that demands a bit of effort, gets your feet wet (literally), and rewards you with solitude, natural beauty, and stories you’ll be telling for years. The hot springs at Shelokum Lake were a highlight of the trip, not just for the soak, but for the entire experience—mud, river crossings, and all.