Amedee Hot Springs
Amedee Hot Springs erupts at 203°F (95°C)—one of the hottest springs in the entire United States—flowing near Janesville in the volcanic highlands of Lassen County at 4,009 feet elevation.
The spring emerges roadside from geothermally active ground in a landscape of volcanic rock and coniferous forest. Steam rises visibly from the thermal discharge, which quickly becomes too hot to touch. Winter brings substantial snowfall of up to 32 inches annually, transforming the high-elevation setting into a snow-covered geothermal anomaly.
Amedee sits atop the Modoc Plateau volcanic system, an active geothermal zone. The spring's extraordinary heat reflects deep circulation within volcanic rocks, rising 148 degrees above the frigid 54.6-degree annual average. This is a true geothermal hotspot shaped by millions of years of Cascade Range tectonics.
Access is roadside and straightforward, but extreme caution is mandatory. The water is far too hot for any direct contact or bathing. Winter access may be limited by snow; check conditions before visiting. Observe all posted warnings—the thermal danger here is genuine and serious.
Is Amedee Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Viewing dramatic geothermal features
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Swimming or soaking
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