Gordon Warm Springs
Gordon Warm Springs discharges a comfortable 97 degrees Fahrenheit in the mountains of Lake County, warming local groundwater nearly 40 degrees above ambient temperature.
At 2,439 feet elevation just 75 feet from Mesa Drive, the spring nestles in mixed hardwood and conifer forest typical of California's interior mountain ranges. The setting combines accessibility with forested solitude, where thick vegetation and seasonal moisture create lush undergrowth contrasting with the semi-arid lowlands visible in distance.
The spring exemplifies mid-elevation geothermal activity in the outer Coast Ranges, where deep groundwater circulation brings heat from below and channels it through fractured rock formations. The substantial precipitation—30 inches annually with 5 inches of snow—supports the rich forest ecosystem that surrounds this thermal feature.
Roadside access from Mesa Drive. Best visited spring through fall when mountain roads are reliable and forest conditions are optimal. The temperate spring water and protective forest canopy create pleasant soaking conditions during warmer months.
Is Gordon Warm Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
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Overview Warm Springs Recreation Area is a day-use park located at Lake Sonoma, which is just a 45 minute drive north of Santa Rosa and a 2 hour trip from San Francisco. There is no overnight camping available at this facility World famous vineyards and a land rich in history surround the lake, where visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the area's extensive trail network.Recreation The Woodland Ridge Nature Trail begins at the park and winds up the ridge, rewarding hikers with great...