Fumarole
Fumarole sits where subterranean heat vents through volcanic terrain, its steam plumes visible from the road in Lake County's geothermal landscape.
The roadside setting places this feature just 10 feet from Oak Street at 1,393 feet elevation, where steam and gas escape through fractured rock in the complex geothermal systems that define California's Clear Lake volcanic field. Visitors encounter an active but non-swimming thermal feature characterized by hot vapor rather than bathable pools.
This fumarole represents part of the broader Clear Lake geothermal complex, a region shaped by ancient volcanic activity and ongoing heat flow from the Earth's interior. The 'H' temperature designation reflects steam-dominated discharge rather than traditional hot spring pools suitable for immersion.
Visit roadside without special permits. Best viewed early morning when steam plumes are most visible against cool air. Expect active geothermal features rather than soaking pools, and respect all posted safety boundaries around steam vents.
Is Fumarole worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
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Overview This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.Once on-site, you are able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature.In order to utilize Scan & Pay on site, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote area...