Alaska is among the most famous fishing destinations in the world, and many of our guests arrive on our docks excited to enjoy the bucket-list fishing trip they’ve always dreamed of. But Alaska isn’t just about fishing, it’s about experiencing some of the most awe-inspiring wildlife and natural beauty that can be found on planet earth.
That’s why our lodge doesn’t simply offer fishing trips. If you book a vacation at our all-inclusive resort for you and your family, your fishing guide will also serve as your own personal tour guide! Each and every day you can choose from a myriad of exciting excursions that will show you the best of what Alaska has to offer. Your coast guard certified captain will be there to take you to do everything from whale watching to glacier sightseeing tours.
One of our most popular activities is the Baranof Warm Spring excursion! If you’re looking for an epic Alaskan adventure without all the stress, this is the excursion for you. Come soak your troubles away in the nearby Baranof Warm Springs, the ultimate destination for relaxing, hiking, and snapping some unbelievable photos.
After arriving at the springs by either boat or seaplane, you’ll enjoy a beautiful hike through the rainforest before arriving at two natural hot springs nestled right up next to the raging Baranof River. If you’re feeling up for it, you can also go for a polar plunge in the crystal clear glacial Baranof Lake!
The Baranof Warm Springs are located within the Chatham Straight just west of Pybus Bay on the eastern coast of Baranof Island. Throughout modern history Baranof has been largely left uninhabited aside from some small mines, fur trapping camps, and the small town of Sitka, which is about 20 miles east of the springs. Despite the rugged terrain surrounding the springs, the town of Sitka has done an amazing job of turning the tiny Warm Springs Bay into the ultimate tourist destination! With the beautiful new dock, private bath house, and well managed trail, you’ll quickly forget how remote you really are.
Near the main dock, you’ll see a serene waterfall flowing down into the ocean right next to the sleepy little village of cozy cabins. Even though the town of Sitka is 20 miles away, this charming seasonal community is actually considered a part of Sitka. For the most part these cabins are just little private dwellings for locals, but there is a small lodge and even a few public use bathhouses! These small private rooms have an unbelievable view of the bay and have bathtubs that get their water directly from the natural springs. Though there are lots of places to privately change in the trees near the springs, these rooms are the perfect place to privately change into your bathing suit.
The trip is available as both a half day and full day excursion, and how long it takes is really up to you. Read below to learn the difference between our full day boat excursion and our half day seaplane excursion.
If you choose to go on a full day excursion you’ll enjoy a scenic 2 hour boat ride to the springs, an excellent opportunity to see humpback whales in the wild! If you’re interested in doing some whale watching on the way to the springs, just let your captain know and he’ll be happy to help. After the short boat ride you’ll enter the beautiful Warm Springs Bay–get your cameras ready.
Once your guide docks the boat you’ll follow a wooden boardwalk up to the beginning of a dirt trail. To get to the springs you’ll go on a short hike through the Tongass Rainforest–you’ll probably want to have your cameras out for this hike! The trail cuts right through the middle of some of southeast Alaska's most stunning foliage. Depending on the time of year you visit, you might even get to see (and taste) some of the many Alaskan wild berries that grow in the area!
Once you arrive at the springs you’re free to spend as much time as you like; relax, eat your lunch, have a beer, or do anything else you’d like! The springs really are a special place and we’re not here to rush you. This is your chance to unwind and experience Alaska in peace. Just be aware that the springs are public and that means that you might have to share the space with other people who might have their own ideas of how to relax in nature. Like at many other natural springs you might come across a few people enjoying nature al naturale, although most of the time it is a very family friendly place. Though events like this aren’t common it does happen, so just keep that in mind if you’re traveling with any little ones.
Pro Tip: Located down a small rock slope right next to the river you’ll find a hidden third pool! The pool is roughly 2-3 feet deep and just wide enough for two people and has the absolute best views of the river!
If you want to take a dip in the glacial Baranof Lake, just head a little further up the trial! Surrounded by mountains, the crystal clear lake is a great place to snap a few photos of you and your traveling companions. Whenever you’re done at the springs just hike back down to the dock where you’ll meet up with your captain to discuss what’s next. Whether it’s whale watching, heading back home early, or catching some fish your captain will help you do it!
For those looking to enjoy the springs and still get some fishing in, this is the option for you. The water in the surrounding area is perfect for catching both halibut and rockfish!
If you’re feeling up to something a little more adventurous, our pilot can fly you to the springs in our seaplane! On the way, you’ll get a birds eye view of the Inside Passage–the route that nearly all Alaskan cruise ships travel. While in the air, it’s not uncommon for guests to spot wild brown bears or even see humpback whales surface. After a short 20 minute flight, your pilot will land above the springs on gorgeous Baranof Lake (You’ll really, REALLY want to have your cameras ready for this!)
Once you arrive you’ll have the same experience offered to those who travel by boat. The only difference is that you’ll hike down to the springs from the lake instead of up to the springs from the docks.
Just keep in mind that if you want to visit the springs via seaplane you will have to give up a full day spent on the boat. (Because of this, we recommend visiting the hot springs in the morning and going on one of our other half day excursions in the afternoon!) And remember that we take safety very seriously at Pybus, meaning this excursion is weather dependent. All rides in the seaplane are only available during optimal flight conditions.
The temperature of the springs can vary, but they’re typically around 120º fahrenheit.
The hike is ¼ mile long and perfectly accessible to anybody who doesn’t mind walking up a steep incline. The trail is well managed and free of any obstacles. The only trouble you might run into is muddy conditions after a rainstorm. If you’re worried about the mud, just talk to one of our staff members and they can update you on the trail’s condition.
If you stay at our all inclusive resort, trips to the Baranof Warm Springs and all of our other exciting excursions (Sawyer Glacier Day Trips, Whale Watching Tours, Freshwater Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, and so much more) are all offered as possible options free of extra charge as part of your all-inclusive package. In fact, we offer so many great excursions that it’s just not possible to fit everything into just one vacation! Be sure to keep a list of all the awesome adventures that you didn’t find the time for so you can cross them off on your next visit. When you arrive just give us your to-do list and our team will work with you, the weather, and all that Alaska has to offer to craft an amazing and unique experience for you and your group.
From the moment you step onto our dock everything you could want out of Alaska is at your fingertips. Just moments after arriving at Pybus you’ll be assigned your own boat captain who will serve as your guide throughout the entire duration of your trip. For all activities that don’t require a boat, just talk to our excursion director who’s more than happy to take you on hikes, kayak tours, or answer any questions you might have about the natural wonders of Alaska.
When you stay at Pybus there’s no need to stress, tell us what you want and we’ll do the rest! To book your own all inclusive vacation or for any questions, click here or give us a call at 435-412-4286!
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LEARN MOREDiscover why people like you can’t stop talking about Pybus Point Lodge. More than 30 years ago, the lodge opened as a simple fishing camp, drawing a devoted following in spite of basic accommodations. With new owners and experienced captains and crew, our corner of Alaska has become an unbeatable fishing and eco-tourism resort.
Andrea Tate
Incredible Experience!
Pybus Point Lodge has some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen. I mean absolutely breathtaking! In addition to the amazing fishing, I hiked to a beautiful secluded lake, soaked in some hot pots, saw several waterfalls, went whale watching, saw bears and all kinds of wildlife and marine life. As a photographer, photographing a wedding under a waterfall will remain a highlight of my life.
Shirley Johnson
Pybus Point Lodge - WOW!
We had the best time! This was our first visit to Pybus, but it definitely will not be our last. The stunning scenery, amazing fishing experience, and the joy of meeting new friends – all outstanding! We did not want to leave!!! If you are thinking about this trip – don’t think any more, just book it. You will not regret it!!!
Sharon Hedding
Trip of a Lifetime!
We had such an amazing time the staff was so wonderful and the lodge was fantastic! capt Joe was so helpful and always doing what ever he could do to make each day special. a special thank you to both Scott and Jody for taking the time to make us feel like family. can't wait to go back next year
Jason Nielsen
Wonderful and Magical Place
We had an amazing business retreat to Pybus Point Lodge. Everything was top notch... the fishing, the staff, the boat captains, the food, the accommodations, and especially the scenery. I really liked that Pybus took care of everything from start to finish. Chef John is an amazing cook. We had delicious hot meals the entire trip. The cabins were amazing and very comfortable. The fishing was awesome and that’s coming from a guy that doesn’t fish that much.
Brandon Foote
We brought home 100lbs of fish!
My wife and I spent a week at Pybus Point this Summer. We had a beautiful, private room overlooking the bay and our own new, ensuite, private bathroom. What an amazing place for couples to get away together. We set our own breakfast time, met our boat captain after, fished the day along, and returned to clean up and enjoy a nice dinner at the restaurant. Next time Alaska is on the trip list, Sherrie and I will go together, and it will be to Pybus Point!
Kent Danjanovich
Fun in Alaska
This was my first trip to Pybus Point. I stayed in one of their new cabins. The accommodations were incredible, the view onto the bay in the mornings was stunning. I loved the staff and the food was really very good. All of this and they have new boats to take you out onto fairly calm waters to fish. The fishing guides were great. Overall a great experience. Definitely going back.
