Delivery, Setup & rental

  • Yes. Ketchikan Sauna Co. offers delivery, setup, and pickup throughout the local road system.

    We handle positioning the sauna trailer, setup, initial firing of the wood stove, and a walkthrough of the basic operation before we leave. Our goal is to make the process simple so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

  • The sauna requires:

    • A reasonably level parking area

    • Safe clearance around the wood stove chimney

    • Outdoor space for cooling down and shower/plunge access

    • Vehicle access for trailer delivery or pickup

    If you are unsure whether your location will work, contact us before booking and we can help assess the site.

    Clients are responsible for ensuring the sauna setup location is safe, accessible, and permitted for use.

    ⚠️ Important Notes:

    • Final sauna placement must be on stable, accessible, and legally permitted property

    • Clients are responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions, approvals, or site access authorization

    • Delivery locations must provide adequate vehicle and trailer access

    • We reserve the right to decline or modify delivery/setup locations if conditions are unsafe, inaccessible, or restricted

    • Ketchikan Sauna Co. is not responsible for violations of local regulations, property restrictions, HOA rules, campground policies, or land use limitations related to the chosen setup location

    • Clients are responsible for any damage sustained to the sauna during use and/or independent transport (if picked up)

    Our priority is maintaining a safe experience while respecting the communities and outdoor spaces where the sauna operates.

  • After setup, we ask clients to monitor the stove during the first hour to ensure the fire is burning consistently while the sauna comes fully up to temperature.

    Wood-fired saunas require occasional attention, including adding firewood as needed and maintaining proper airflow. A detailed operating and safety guide will be provided prior to your rental.

  • Most sessions take approximately 45–60 minutes to reach full operating temperature depending on weather conditions, outdoor temperature, and how the fire is maintained.

    We will start the initial fire during setup so the sauna is already warming before your session begins.

  • Yes. Client pickup may be available for approved vehicles with appropriate towing capacity and trailer connections.

    We provide a walkthrough covering towing basics, setup, fire operation, and safety before departure.

  • We offer daily, weekend, and event rentals.

    Most clients book the sauna for:

    • 4–6 hour private sessions

    • Evening gatherings

    • Overnight cabin experiences

    • Weekend retreats or events

    If you have a custom event or extended rental request, contact us directly and we can help coordinate logistics.

  • At the end of your session, we ask that clients:

    • Allow the fire to burn down naturally

    • Stop adding wood approximately 30–45 minutes before pickup or shutdown

    • Remove personal belongings and trash

    • Leave provided sauna accessories inside the sauna

    • Ensure the sauna door is closed and the firebox is safely secured

    If the sauna is a client pickup rental, complete shutdown and return instructions will be provided in the operating guide.

    We understand this is an outdoor experience and normal use is expected. We simply ask that the sauna is returned in reasonable condition.

  • The sauna is cleaned and inspected between every rental to help maintain a clean, comfortable, and safe experience for all guests.

    Between sessions, we:

    • Sweep and clean the interior floors and benches

    • Wipe down high-contact surfaces

    • Empty ash from the wood stove as needed

    • Refresh water systems and accessories

    • Inspect the stove, chimney, and ventilation systems

    • Allow the sauna to properly air out and dry between uses

    The high temperatures reached during normal sauna operation also naturally help dry and sanitize the interior environment.

    We ask guests to help us maintain the space by:

    • Sitting on towels when possible

    • Removing trash and personal items after use

    • Avoiding food, glass containers, or messy products inside the sauna

    Our goal is to keep the sauna simple, clean, and ready for the next group to enjoy.

  • ⚠️ Important Notes:

    • Final sauna placement must be on stable, accessible, and legally permitted property

    • Clients are responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions, approvals, or site access authorization

    • Delivery locations must provide adequate vehicle and trailer access

    • We reserve the right to decline or modify delivery/setup locations if conditions are unsafe, inaccessible, or restricted

    • Ketchikan Sauna Co. is not responsible for violations of local regulations, property restrictions, HOA rules, campground policies, or land use limitations related to the chosen setup location

    • Clients are responsible for any damage sustained to the sauna during use and/or independent transport (if picked up)

    Our priority is maintaining a safe experience while respecting the communities and outdoor spaces where the sauna operates.

Wood & FIRE

  • Most sessions take approximately 45–60 minutes to reach full operating temperature depending on weather conditions, outdoor temperature, and how the fire is maintained.

    We will start the initial fire during setup so the sauna is already warming before your session begins.

  • For longer sessions, additional wood bundles may be purchased from us or picked up at most local grocery stores, gas stations, and hardware stores throughout Ketchikan.

    As a general estimate:

    • 4-hour session → included bundle is usually sufficient

    • 6–8 hour session → plan for additional wood

    • Overnight or multi-session use → bring extra bundles

    Wood-fired saunas naturally require periodic refueling to maintain temperature throughout the session.

  • Yes. Clients are welcome to supply your own wood.

    We simply ask that any wood used is dry, seasoned, and appropriate for wood stove use.

  • We recommend using dry, seasoned firewood for the best heat and stove performance. Hardwoods generally burn longer and hotter, but locally available seasoned firewood works well as long as it is dry and untreated.

    Please do not use:

    • Wet or freshly cut wood

    • Painted or treated lumber

    • Driftwood with excessive salt exposure

    • Trash, cardboard, or other non-wood materials

    Using proper firewood helps maintain consistent heat and protects the sauna stove.

Health & Safety

  • For most healthy adults, sauna use is generally safe and well-tolerated when used responsibly. Sauna sessions may help promote relaxation, recovery, circulation, and stress reduction.

    That said, sauna use exposes the body to high heat and should be approached with common sense and moderation.

    We recommend:

    • Staying hydrated before and during sessions

    • Taking breaks and cooling down regularly

    • Exiting the sauna if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseated, or uncomfortable

    • Avoiding excessive alcohol use during sauna sessions

    • Supervising children closely at all times

  • You should consult your physician before sauna use if you:

    • Are pregnant

    • Have uncontrolled cardiovascular disease

    • Have a history of heat intolerance or fainting

    • Have certain respiratory or neurological conditions

    • Are taking medications affected by heat or dehydration

    All sauna use is voluntary and at your own discretion. Clients are responsible for using the sauna safely and within their personal limits.

  • No. Cold exposure is completely optional.

    Many people enjoy alternating between heat and cold as part of the sauna experience, but you are encouraged to use the sauna in the way that feels safest and most enjoyable for you.

    Even simple cooling down outdoors in the fresh Southeast Alaska air can be part of the experience.

  • Alternating between heat and cooling down is a traditional part of many sauna cultures.

    Many people report that the contrast between hot and cold leaves them feeling refreshed, alert, relaxed, and physically reset after a session. Cooling down can include cold plunges, cold showers, fresh air, rain, or simply stepping outside between sauna rounds.

    The experience does not need to be extreme to be effective or enjoyable.

  • Everyone tolerates heat differently. Most people cycle between:

    • 10–20 minutes in the sauna

    • Followed by a cool down and rest period

    • Repeated for several rounds

    The best approach is to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and avoid pushing beyond your comfort level.

  • Sauna has been used for centuries as part of recovery, relaxation, and wellness routines. Many people use sauna to help unwind after long days outdoors, physical activity, travel, or stressful work schedules.

    Potential benefits commonly associated with regular sauna use may include:

    • Relaxation and stress reduction

    • Muscle recovery and reduced soreness

    • Improved circulation

    • Better sleep

    • Temporary relief of muscle and joint tension

    • A sense of mental reset and recovery

    • Social connection and intentional time away from screens and distractions

    Many people also enjoy pairing sauna with cold exposure, fresh air, and outdoor settings as part of the overall experience.

  • Sauna has been used for centuries as part of recovery, relaxation, and wellness routines. Many people use sauna to help unwind after long days outdoors, physical activity, travel, or stressful work schedules.

    Potential benefits commonly associated with regular sauna use may include:

    • Relaxation and stress reduction

    • Muscle recovery and reduced soreness

    • Improved circulation

    • Better sleep

    • Temporary relief of muscle and joint tension

    • A sense of mental reset and recovery

    • Social connection and intentional time away from screens and distractions

    Many people also enjoy pairing sauna with cold exposure, fresh air, and outdoor settings as part of the overall experience.