Home / California / Hot Spot

Hot Spot

Siskiyou County, California · Near Tulelake

41.6070°N, 121.5230°W · 7,078 ft

191°F 7,078 ft Open Short Walk US Forest Service Camping nearby (3.5 mi)

Very Hot Source — Use Extreme Caution

At 191°F, the source water at Hot Spot is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.

Hot Spot delivers water at 191°F, the hottest spring in this dataset section, creating a temperature differential of 150°F above the cold, high-elevation environment of the Modoc National Forest near Tulelake.

Location

0 miles from Tulelake, CA

Get Directions → All springs near Tulelake →

A 2,000-foot walk across volcanic terrain leads to this high-altitude spring at 7,078 feet elevation. The landscape is stark—dark basalt, minimal vegetation, and profound silence typical of the Medicine Lake Highlands. Cold winters deliver 122 inches of snow annually.

Access via Forest Service roads near Medicine Lake Recreation Area. Bring layers—high elevation and exposed terrain make conditions cold despite hot water. Best visited June through October; winter access is unreliable. Exercise caution on dark lava rock.

History of Hot Spot

Hot Spot's extreme heat reflects its proximity to the geothermally active Medicine Lake volcano. The spring emerges through the same volcanic system that creates the nearby Medicine Lake itself, a much larger but non-thermal water body in this geologically young landscape.

Monthly Climate

26°

Jan

26°

Feb

29°

Mar

35°

Apr

43°

May

53°

Jun

63°

Jul

62°

Aug

54°

Sep

43°

Oct

32°

Nov

25°

Dec

Annual Precip: 29.4 in Annual Snow: 122.7 in

Best Time to Visit

December Air 25°F · Water 191°F · +167° contrast

January Air 26°F · Water 191°F · +165° contrast

February Air 26°F · Water 191°F · +165° contrast

December offers 39°F more contrast than July

Current Conditions

51°F

N 0.0 mph 69% Good soaking weather

Thursday 66° Low 39° Sunny 2% precip

Spring is +125° warmer

Friday 63° Low 39° Mostly Sunny 2% precip

Spring is +128° warmer

Saturday 67° Low 37° Sunny

Spring is +124° warmer

Sunday 69° Low 41° Mostly Sunny

Spring is +122° warmer

Monday 70° Low 41° Mostly Sunny

Spring is +121° warmer

Data from National Weather Service

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Glamping Hipcamp

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Camping

Medicine Lake Recreation Area 3.5 mi away

Overview The popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California. The Recreation Area is located in the Modoc National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet.Recreation The Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers camping, boating, fishing and swimming. The adjacent Day Use Areas accommodate boating with a concrete boat ramp and dock. Swimming is available in a designated swimming area next to the Picnic Area. Hi...

Reservable Yes

Reserve on Recreation.gov →

Mile-High Advisory 7,078 ft

Hot Spot sits at 7,078 feet above sea level, way above the mile-high mark. You may not feel the altitude strongly, but hot water still dehydrates you faster at elevation. UV is about 28% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Electrolytes speed rehydration — altitude and hot water deplete fluids fast Amazon

Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Water-resistant broad-spectrum protection — UV intensifies ~4% per 1,000 ft Amazon

Columbia Bora Bora UPF 50+ Sun Hat Full-brim UPF 50+ coverage for intense high-altitude sun Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

What to Bring

Hot Spot is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully. Cold air temperatures make a changing robe or warm layers essential.

Hydro Flask 32 oz Water Bottle Hot water dehydrates fast — stay hydrated with insulated cold water Amazon

PackTowl Quick-Dry Towel Dries 4x faster than cotton — essential for soaking day trips Amazon

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals Rugged waterproof sandals for slippery hot spring terrain Amazon

Dryrobe Advance Changing Robe Stay warm changing in cold air — a winter soaking game-changer Amazon

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag Keep clothes and electronics dry at the spring's edge Amazon

Waterproof Phone Pouch (2-Pack) Take photos in and around the water without risking your phone Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Temperature

191°F

Warm Hot Boiling

Water Temp 191°F (88°C)

Avg Air Temp 41°F

Above Ambient +150°F

Great soaking conditions May

Access

Open

Road Access Short Walk

Distance to Road 0.4 mi

Land

Ownership Federal

Agency US Forest Service

Designation National Forest

Unit Modoc National Forest

Manager US Forest Service

Protection 3 - Protected, subject to extractive use

Nearby

Springs Near Hot Spot

Little Hot Spring

Shasta County, California · Near Burney

169°F Short Walk

Pothole Spring

Modoc County, California · Near Alturas

78°F Short Walk

Oregon Hot Springs (Big Hot Spring)

Siskiyou County, Oregon · Near Tulelake

142°F Roadside

Kelly Hot Spring

Modoc County, California · Near Alturas

198°F Short Walk

Hot Spring, Fumaroles

Siskiyou County, California · Near Mount Shasta

183°F Hike Open

Similar Temperature

More Springs Around 191°F

Elko Hot Spring

Elko County, Nevada · Near Elko

190°F Short Walk

Indian Creek Hot Spring

Custer County, Idaho · Near Challis

190°F Hike Open

Vulcan Hot Springs

Valley County, Idaho · Near Cascade

190°F Short Walk Open

Boiling Springs Lake

Plumas County, California · Near Chester

190°F Short Walk Open

Hot Springs Near Hot Springs Cove

Aleutians West Census Area County, Alaska · Near Unalaska

192°F Backcountry

Lee Hot Springs, Allen Springs

Churchill County, Nevada · Near Fallon

190°F Short Walk Open

Explore all hot springs in California →

Between Soaks

Hike 6 waterfalls near Hot Spot

Ash Creek Falls

California

34.7 mi moderate 290 ft

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Explore waterfall hikes near Hot Spot, California.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water temperature at Hot Spot?

Hot Spot has a water temperature of 191°F (88°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.

Where is Hot Spot located?

Hot Spot is located in Siskiyou County, California at 7,078 feet elevation, near Tulelake. Coordinates: 41.6070°N, 121.5230°W.

How do I get to Hot Spot?

Hot Spot has Short Walk road access (0.4 mi from the road).

Is Hot Spot free to visit?

Hot Spot has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.

Can I camp near Hot Spot?

Yes, Medicine Lake Recreation Area is located nearby (3.5 miles away).

Is it safe to soak at Hot Spot?

The water at Hot Spot reaches 191°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.

Is Hot Spot crowded?

Hot Spot sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.

What should I bring to Hot Spot?

Essentials for Hot Spot: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.