Mill Creek Springs

Shasta County, California · Near Shingletown
40.4570°N, 121.5450°W · 7,884 ft
150°F 44°F air · Good soaking weather 7,884 ft Open Short Walk National Park Service Camping nearby (5.1 mi)
Very Hot Source, Use Extreme Caution

At 150°F, the source water at Mill Creek Springs 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.

On the Shasta County side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mill Creek Springs puts out water that will scald, about seventeen miles from Shingletown. Access is open on the record. A 1981 USGS sample shows it slightly acidic and low in minerals. It has a photo. Everything here falls under park regulations.

Location

The walk from the nearest road is about seven tenths of a mile; the row leaves the road nameless. Elevation is nearly eight thousand feet. Cold, with an average temperature well below comfortable and a very snowy winter. Land owner is the Park Service. Manzanita Lake Group Campground is about five miles off.

Winter wins the month ranking, which at this snowfall means the record is probably not about access; the park's own season information will be the better guide. Do not touch the water. Manzanita Lake Group Campground is where the record puts camping. No fee recorded. Chemistry dates to 1981.

History of Mill Creek Springs

Part of Lassen Volcanic National Park's thermal ground. The USGS water sample is from June 1981.

Monthly Climate
26°
Jan
25°
Feb
28°
Mar
33°
Apr
41°
May
53°
Jun
61°
Jul
60°
Aug
53°
Sep
43°
Oct
32°
Nov
25°
Dec
Annual Precip: 45.7 in Annual Snow: 208.9 in
Best Time to Visit
December Air 25°F · Water 150°F · +126° contrast
February Air 25°F · Water 150°F · +125° contrast
January Air 26°F · Water 150°F · +124° contrast
December offers 37°F more contrast than July
Current Conditions
44°F
SSW 3.6 mph 77% Good soaking weather
Sunday 47° Low 36° Sunny 3% precip
Spring is +103° warmer
Labor Day 55° Low 35° Sunny
Spring is +95° warmer
Tuesday 60° Low 42° Sunny
Spring is +90° warmer
Wednesday 65° Low 49° Mostly Sunny
Spring is +85° warmer
Thursday 65° Low 53° Sunny 3% precip
Spring is +85° warmer
Water Chemistry Sampled 1981-06-30

The water at Mill Creek Springs is slightly acidic (pH 6.1) with 88 mg/L total dissolved solids.

pH 6.1 Slightly Acidic
pH influences mineral absorption through skin
Higher mineral concentration for therapeutic soaking
Calcium 13 mg/L
May support bone density and joint health
Magnesium 2 mg/L
Known for muscle relaxation and stress relief
Sodium 4 mg/L
Supports circulation and skin hydration
Sulfate 25 mg/L
Traditionally used for skin conditions and inflammation
Chloride 0 mg/L
Natural antiseptic with skin health benefits
Where to Stay

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Nearby Camping
Manzanita Lake Group Campground 5.1 mi away

Overview Manzanita Lake Group Campground is located at the west end of Loop B in Manzanita Lake Campground, the largest campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is within walking distance of scenic Manzanita Lake, a popular fishing and family destination, and offers impressive views of Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park at 10,457 feet.Recreation Manzanita Lake is popular with fly fishermen who enjoy the catch-and-release policy. Non-motorized boating is also permitted and kay...

Reservable Yes
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Mile-High Advisory 7,884 ft

Mill Creek Springs sits at 7,884 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 32% stronger than at sea level, so bring sunscreen and drink more water than you normally would.

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Temperature
150°F
Warm Hot Boiling
Water Temp 150°F (66°C)
Avg Air Temp 40°F
Above Ambient +110°F
Great soaking conditions September
Access
Open
Road Access Short Walk
Distance to Road 0.7 mi
Land
Ownership Federal
Agency National Park Service
Designation National Park
Unit Lassen Volcanic National Park
Manager National Park Service
Protection 1 - Permanent protection, natural state
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Mill Creek Springs?
Mill Creek Springs has a water temperature of 150°F (66°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Mill Creek Springs located?
Mill Creek Springs is located in Shasta County, California at 7,884 feet elevation, near Shingletown. Coordinates: 40.4570°N, 121.5450°W.
How do I get to Mill Creek Springs?
Mill Creek Springs has Short Walk road access (0.7 mi from the road).
Is Mill Creek Springs free to visit?
Mill Creek Springs has Open access. It is managed by National Park Service.
Can I camp near Mill Creek Springs?
Yes, Manzanita Lake Group Campground is located nearby (5.1 miles away).
What minerals are in the water at Mill Creek Springs?
Water chemistry analysis shows the presence of pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfate, Chloride. The pH is 6.1 (slightly acidic). Total dissolved solids measure 88 mg/L.
Is it safe to soak at Mill Creek Springs?
No, not at the source. The water at Mill Creek Springs reaches 150°F, which can cause severe burns within seconds. Look for cooled side pools or downstream stretches, and test with a hand before anything else.
Sources: USGS NWIS