Tenakee Springs

The word Tenakee is from the Tlingit word “tinaghu”, meaning “Coppery Shield Bay.” This refers to three copper shields, highly prized by the Tlingits that were lost in a storm. Early prospectors and fishermen came to the site to wait out the winters and enjoy the natural hot springs in Tenakee. Today it is predominantly a retirement community and summer retreat for Juneau and Sitka residents. Many residents practice a subsistence lifestyle and actively exchange resources with their neighbors. The 108-degree mineral/sulfur hot springs is the social focus of the community. Bathing times are posted for men and women.

Tenakee Springs is located on the east side of Chichagof Island, on the north shore of Tenakee Inlet. It lies 45 miles southwest of Juneau and 50 miles northeast of Sitka. The community lies at approximately 57.780830° North Latitude and -135.218890° West Longitude.  The area encompasses 13.8 sq. miles of land and 5.3 sq. miles of water.  Tenakee Springs has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures range from 45 to 65 °F and winters from 24 to 39 °F. The highest recorded temperature is 84 °F, and the lowest recorded temperature is 3 °F. Total precipitation averages 69 inches a year, with 62 inches of snow. *State of AK, DOT AMHS.

131 (US Census)

2^nd Class City incorporated in 1971. The city employs 9 staff members. Regular elections are held every 1^st Tuesday in October. The City Council meets every 4^th Thursday of every month. The current city sales tax is 2%. www.tenakeespringsak.com

Power source: diesel. Kilowatt capacity: 270. In November of 2010 the small commercial rate for 1,500kWh/month was $0.6400. (JEDC Asset Mapping Report)  The City owns the electrical system. There is local interest in developing hydroelectric power generation at Indian River.

There is no community water or sewer. Residents haul water from local streams or use individual wells. Homes in the community are not fully plumbed. Privies are used for waste disposal. Tenakee Springs Bathhouse is a community bathhouse with alternating times for men and women.

N/A or individual.

State-owned and operated ferry dock-no vehicle landing facilities. City owned seaplane base, heliport, and small boat harbor.

Accessible by seaplane and State operated Alaska Marine Highway System for passengers only. With only 3 miles of road local transportation is primarily by bicycle or ATV.

The Tenakee Springs School is in the Chatham School District and offers Kindergarten through 12^th grade. Enrollment for the 2010-11 school year was 12:1. Student-teacher ratio: 13.3.

Tenakee Springs Health Clinic and Tenakee Springs Volunteer Fire/EMS. Emergency services are provided by volunteers.