EXPLORE THE AREA
With a reminder to respect the land and to always obtain a permit before visiting Pilgrim Hot Springs... we welcome you to explore the vast 320 acres of our lush sub-Arctic oasis.​
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Look around you to see scenic landmarks of the Seward Peninsula. Take a walk through time at the abandoned orphanage, explore the property, and relax in the hot springs pool. Enjoy a vast amount of migratory birds that pass through this region, as well as the other flora and fauna of the Bering Strait region.
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If you are interested in hiking onto lands outside of our borders, or crossing into Pilgrim from the river, please contact Mary's Igloo Native Corporation for a permit to access their lands.
Hen and Chickens Hill
Pilgrim Hot Springs is located between the Hen and Chickens Hill and the Kigluaik Mountains. With breathe taking views in all directions you can spend your day soaking in the hot springs while day dreaming about rich history of the mountains and hills watching over you.
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For the more adventurous type you can spend your day hiking in the Kigluaik Range, seeking out some of the best views around. Ending your day with a nice long soak in the healing waters.
Migratory Birds
Nome is a hub for Migratory birds, due to its unique location birds from all over the world stop by to take a break during migration.
Due to the unique Micro-climate Pilgrim Hot Springs is a hidden gem when it come to Migratory birds. Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply curious about the activity Pilgrim Hot springs is the place to be to watch hundreds of birds stop for food, warmth, and shelter before carrying on with their great journey home.
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Like everything in Nature the presence of birds is possible but never guaranteed. It is crucial to respect the birds nests and not disrupt them on their journey.
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The Pilgrim River
The Pilgrim River has served a lifeline for this land and the people living on it for centuries. During the salmon run it provides people the change to catch wild caught salmon that provides a nutritional food source for the people of Nome and surrounding areas.
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The pilgrim river offers wonderful fishing, sight seeing, rafting, boating, and a cool refreshing dip in the summer.
​A reminder to please obtain a permit from Mary's Igloo Native Corporation if you wish to enter the hot springs property from the river access trail.
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Kigluaik Mountains
The Kigluaik Mountains aka "The Kigs" is one the of most beautiful mountain ranges in all of Alaska. The 42 mile range stretches east to west on the Seward Peninsula with the highest point being the summit of Mount Osborn, at 4,714 feet above sea level. While the Kigs are not the biggest mountain range in Alaska they are definitely strong and mighty in their own right.
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The Kigluaik range sits less than 3 miles away from Pilgrim Hot springs which makes it feel like you can reach out and touch the snow at the peaks while sitting on your porch drinking coffee.
The "Cottonwood" Trees
The lush cottonwood forest at Pilgrim Hot Springs is a stark contrast to the open tundra that blankets the rest of the Seward peninsula. The cottonwood trees grow strong due to the micro climate that is caused by the geothermal activity underground. This creates warmer soil and provides for a longer growing season compared to the rest of the nearby land. Cottonwoods love full sunlight which summer in Alaska provides plenty of allowing the cottonwoods to flourish. Providing shelter from the wind which creates the perfect climate for the rest of the flora and fauna at Pilgrim Hot Springs.
The Cemetery
The Cemetery at Pilgrim Hot Springs is the final resting place for many loved ones of the past. In the cemetery there is a mass grave from the 1918 Spanish flu that devastated the nearby Mary's Igloo settlement. Along with graves of past nuns, priests, and other loved ones.
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Visiting the cemetery is welcome and is only accessible via foot travel. Please respect the graves and the land where our loved ones lie.
