Tenakee Springs, AK

Located along a protected inlet on Southeast Alaska's Chichagof Island, Tenakee Springs is a tiny coastal community of just over a hundred residents. The town is completely off the road system, so everyday travel in and out happens by floatplane, private boat, or the state ferry. The area first developed around its natural geothermal hot springs, which continue to draw people looking for a quiet, slow-paced corner of the state.

ATTRGillfoto / CC BY-SA 4.0

Town layout is simple, stretching along a single shoreline path where cars are prohibited and everyone gets around on foot, bicycles, or four-wheelers. The historic bathhouse sits right in the center of town, offering free mineral soaks on a set daily schedule for men and women. Daily necessities are handled through a harbor, a historic general store, and a community school building that supports local families, making it an appealing spot for anyone ready for a tight-knit, self-sufficient lifestyle.