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Additional Information pages for Prince of Wales Island

135° 13' W Longitude - 57° 46' N Latitude
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.

Climate:
Tenakee Springs has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 45 to 65 degrees Far. and from 24 to 39 degrees Far, in winter. The highest recorded temperature is 84 Far, and the lowest recorded temperature is 3 Far.
Total precipitation averages 69 inches a year, with 62 inches of snow.

History:
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.  Around 1895, a large tub and building were constructed to provide a warm bathing place. In 1899, Ed Snyder Snyder's Mercantile, which still operates today. A post office arrived in 1903. Originally called Tenakee, the name was altered to Tenakee Springs in 1928. Improvements to the hot springs facilities were made in 1915 and 1929; the existing bathhouse was constructed in 1940. Several canneries operated in the area between 1916 and 1974. A logging camp operated for a time at Corner Bay.
Today, Tenakee Springs s predominantly a non-Native retirement community. Many residents practice a subsistence lifestyle and actively exchange resources with their neighbors. The 108-degree sulfur hot springs are the social focus of the community. Bathing times are scheduled for men and women. The springs attract Southeast visitors, and many Juneau and Sitka residents own summer recreational cabins here.  Commercial fishing is an important source of income. While fish processing had historically been a mainstay of its economy, tourism is becoming increasingly important. There is a store, a cafe, a clinic, a post office, a library, some cabin rental,  lodges, guide services, a city hall and a sawmill.

Point of interest:
The Hot Springs:
A bath House is available. This house was built in 1940 and is located on the waterfront.  The hot springs are from 105 to 108 degrees Far. ( 41 to 42 degrees Celsius) and are the major attraction of the location.