Important Notice: Private Lands of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun
McArthur Hot Springs is located on private settlement land owned by the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun (FNNND). These springs have held cultural and healing significance for the FNNND since time immemorial and remain of high spiritual importance. Use of this site without express permission from the FNNND is unauthorized access to private land. A formal application process is in place for NND Citizens seeking permission, which requires advance notice and agreement to specific terms and conditions. At this time, the Nacho Nyak Dun are not permitting any non-Citizens access to the site.
McArthur Hot Springs
McArthur Hot Springs are located near the source of Hotspring Creek, within the McArthur Game Preserve in Yukon. The springs sit 37 km east of the 500 km mark on the Klondike Highway (Highway 2), and are mapped on NTS sheet 105M/4. Coordinates are 63°04’N, 135°42’W.
The springs emerge in a forest clearing roughly 30 by 50 meters in size, on the southeast side of the creek. Three main springs and several seeps feed a series of shallow soaking pools built with rocks. These pools vary in temperature and size, allowing users to select based on preferred soaking conditions. Water temperatures reach up to 54.5°C (130°F). The water is clear, has a faint sulfur smell, and is low in dissolved minerals. Although there is no tufa present, the rocks in the outflow are coated with white sinter.
A smaller spring is located about 200 meters upstream on the northwest side of the creek. The pools and outflow streams here contain green and brown algae. Surrounding vegetation includes wildflowers, wild mint, and parsley, creating a fertile meadow that stands out against the otherwise dense forest and rocky terrain.
