Big Bend Hot Springs
Big Bend Hot Springs surges at a scalding 180 degrees Fahrenheit from volcanic terrain at just 1,644 feet elevation, creating one of Shasta County's most powerful thermal discharges.
The spring sits a mere 25 feet from Shot Gun Road in a heavily timbered landscape that receives 56 inches of annual precipitation and accumulates over 81 inches of snow. The extremely hot discharge creates steam and thermal mineral deposits visible from the roadside, marking an obvious geothermal feature in the landscape.
The spring emerges from volcanic bedrock underlying the region, where circulating groundwater reaches extreme temperatures due to proximity to hot igneous rocks. The 121-degree temperature rise above ambient marks one of the region's most active geothermal systems, concentrated along structural features that guide water circulation.
Roadside access via Shot Gun Road makes this spring easily visited. The extreme water temperature requires caution; approach carefully and never immerse in this dangerously hot water. Winter visits offer dramatic contrast to the landscape's heavy snow cover. Camp 4 Group Campground, 23.8 kilometers away, provides the nearest developed camping.
Is Big Bend Hot Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking
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Overview This group site is nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest on the Upper McCloud River, popular for its three stunning waterfalls.Camp 4 is typically open from mid-spring through mid-fall, offering primitive accommodations near a variety of recreational activities and magnificent scenery.Note: This is not Camp 4 in Yosemite National Park. Learn more about the Camp 4 daily lottery in Yosemite National Park. Recreation During the late spring, summer and early fall, the McCloud Riv...