"Rolling Tundra" by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
Bering Land BridgeIyat Serpentine Hot Spring |
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Bering Land Bridge
National Park Service
U.S .Department of the Interior
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
Iyat
Serpentine Hot Springs
Inupiat call this place Iyat, meaning “cooking pot” or “a site for cooking.” During the Gold Rush
era of the early 20th century, it was called Arctic Hot Springs, but today most people know this place
as Serpentine Hot Springs. Located in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, the hot springs offer
opportunities for healing, recreation, and simple solitude.
A Place of Tradition
and Healing
From Mining to
Modern Day
Archaeological evidence suggests the hot
springs were discovered soon after the
arrival of the first people to northwest Alaska
12,000 years ago. Since the time of the
earliest visitors, a powerful energy has been
recognized over Hot Springs Valley.
and performance of shamans who cured
and healed the sick through the control of
supernatural forces.
The surrounding granite spires, or “tors,”
once had individual names and Inupiaq
traditions say that the valley is home to
powerful spirits. These spirits played
important roles in the selection, training,
Modern traditional uses include healing
ceremonies, and soaking to relieve the
pain of arthritis and other ailments. To
the Inupiaq of the region, Serpentine Hot
Springs still plays an important role in the
gathering of tribal groups and individuals for
rejuvenation and sharing of medical cures
and subsistence practices.
It is thought that the first non-Native to see
the hot springs was Charles McLennan, who
arrived in May 1900 by dog team. He named
the nearby creek “Serpentine,” staked mining
claims, and raised crops for miners who were
working claims along the nearby Kougarok
River. Soon after, a small resort called Arctic
Hot Springs developed and became popular
with the miners, but was abandoned by 1910.
In the late 1930s, a landing strip was graded
above Hot Springs Creek. A surplus military
building was moved in 1953 from Nome to
the springs and refurbished as a bunkhouse,
which is still standing today. The original
bathhouse was replaced by the people of
Shishmaref in 1976, and in 2012 it was
rebuilt, though the original tub remains
intact.
Dog team
Preserving our Past
Ancient artifacts give us a glimpse into the
past, and have allowed us to piece together
the history of Serpentine Hot Springs. Taking
or disturbing artifacts from federal public
lands is a felony. Please enjoy the hot springs
responsibly, leave any artifacts you may find,
and report them to the Bering Land Bridge
National Preserve office in Nome.
An Ever Changing
Landscape
The mountains south of Serpentine Hot
Springs mark the northernmost reach of
the continental divide. These peaks were
created from plates colliding under the earth,
causing an uplift of mountains on the land.
In other areas of the preserve, shifting plates
exposed explosions of magma from
volcanos. At Serpentine Hot
Springs however, the magma
never reached the surface
because internal pressures were not strong
enough to push through the overlying rock.
Trapped in chambers underground, the
magma cooled slowly, forming a coarse, soft
granite that was later shaped by the forces of
erosion.
Granite Tors
As the rolling hills have been scoured
away by wind, rain, and glaciers, the
solid granite ridges have been revealed.
Streams carry gravel and silt from higher
elevations, carving valleys and exposing
rock formations. As you hike, look for the
geologic features that tell the dynamic story
of Serpentine Hot Springs.
Discover Life
Surrounding
Serpentine
There are hundreds of species of plants
at Serpentine, including several hundred
mosses, liverworts, lichens, and fungi.
Summer is colorful with wildflowers such
as Kamchatka rhododendron and fireweed,
while autumn brings the spectacular hues
of blueberries, cloudberries and a bright
red ground cover of bearberry leaves. Vivid
orange Xanthoria lichen can be found on tors
where falcons roost almost year round.
Plant & Wildlife Precautions:
• Though there are many edible berries
and plants in the area, avoid Monk’s
Hood, a poisonous purple flower.
• Store food indoors or in bear resistent
containers.
• Occasionally muskox can be found at
the hot springs; keep your distance and
do not approach, as they are known to
charge if threatened.
• Make a lot of noise while hiking,
especially in dense brush, to avoid
startling large animals like moose or
bears.
Muskox
Diverse habitats create a variety of areas to
view wildlife. In lowland brush and rockstrewn hillsides, look for small mammals
like voles, shrews, and arctic ground
squirrels. You might see herds of muskox
or caribou grazing on open tundra, and
brown bears sauntering down the hillsides.
Wolverines, wolves, and foxes may hide
in the dense willows. Along streams, look
for freshwater fish and waterfowl, while
songbirds can be sighted darting through
the surrounding vegetation. Near tors and
ridgelines, keep an eye out for birds of prey
like rough-legged hawks and golden eagles
soaring overhead and roosting in the rocks.
Explore the Beauty
People come to Serpentine Hot Springs
to bathe, relax, hike, and observe wildlife.
Hiking through the wet tundra of the valley
can be a challenge, but travel along the ridges
is relatively easy once you get there. Take
drinking water, insect
repellent, food, and
your camera. Summer
weather usually poses
no direct threat,
but it is good to be
aware of potential
conditions. Storms
can build up quickly
Hikers at Serpentine
and low-lying clouds
may obscure landmarks and make finding
your way difficult. Waiting for you at the
end of your hike, however, is a soak in hot,
mineral-laden water from the springs. The
bathhouse is built over a shallow redwood
tub with views of
the tors outside.
Sunrise and sunset
bathe the tors in
golds and reds.
Winter brings snow,
ice, and frost. With
each day comes
new sights and
experiences.
Prepare for Your Visit
The springs are in a wild, remote location
and some dangers threaten the unprepared.
Sudden storms can create a rugged and
hostile environment. Winter temperatures
may drop to -40º F. The spring water can
be as high as 170º F, yet the stream seldom
rises above 50º F. In winter, ice builds on the
floors of the bathhouse and walkway, making
footing treacherous. Being aware of these
hazards helps to make for a safe and enjoyable
trip.
to the springs share the
responsibility of caring
for it and removing
accumulated trash.
Each person leaves the
area in a condition that
contributes to the next
person’s enjoyment.
Serpentine Hot Springs has a relaxed and
sharing atmosphere. All who find their way
How to Get There
Serpentine Hot Springs lies over 30 miles
from the end of the Kougarok Road. Summer
visitors usually reach the springs by aircraft,
although it is also accessible by hiking or
other non-motorized methods of travel,
such as biking.
A list of authorized commercial use operators,
which provide aircraft transportation to
Serpentine, can be acquired from the preserve
Overheating in the
hot tub, especially
while under the
influence of
alcohol, can bring
on shock and heart
failure. Medical
attention can be
days away.
Many also leave extra supplies for those
who might arrive in emergencies. You are
encouraged to respect these traditions and
your reward will be a truly memorable
experience.
website, nps.gov/bela. Some commercial use
operators provide transportation services to
Serpentine Hot Springs from Kotzebue.
When there is adequate snow cover in
winter, many people travel to the springs by
snowmobile from Nome or local villages.
The distance is over 100 miles from Nome,
so travelers should be prepared to make a
two day trip each way.
Contact us for more information! Park offices are located in the Sitnasuak Building at 214 Front Street in Nome, and the
Northwest Arctic Heritage Center in Kotzebue. Visit our website at nps.gov/bela or request more info by mail or phone:
Bering Land Bridge P.O. Box 220
Western Arctic
P.O. Box 1029
National Preserve Nome, AK 99762
National Parklands
Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone (907) 443-2522 Phone (907) 443-3890
EXP E R IE N C E Y O U R A MER I C A ™