Sulphur Bank
Sulphur Bank emerges at a scorching 156 degrees in Lake County near Clearlake Oaks, flowing at 1,369 feet elevation in the volcanic landscape surrounding Clear Lake. The spring provides water 95.2 degrees warmer than the ambient temperature of 61 degrees, ranking among California's hottest springs.
The spring requires a 281-meter walk from the nearest road through volcanic terrain. Clear Lake dominates the landscape—California's largest natural freshwater lake at 68 square miles—with volcanic peaks and ridges rising around its shoreline. The spring emerges in volcanic rock formations, with intense heat creating visible steam and mineral deposits.
The short walk accesses a truly hot spring with visible steam and dramatic geothermal features. The mild climate (60.8 degrees average, 25.4 inches precipitation) permits comfortable year-round visiting. The spring's extreme temperature demands caution and respect. Little Stony Campground lies 32.5 kilometers distant as a developed facility option.
Sulphur Bank represents one of the most vigorous geothermal features in the Clear Lake volcanic field, which remains one of North America's most geothermally active regions. The area's intense volcanic and geothermal activity reflects ongoing crustal heat release and fracture-zone circulation of hot water.
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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...
Sulphur Bank is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear. The water is dangerously hot — bring water shoes and test pools carefully.
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