Unnamed Thermal Spring
An unnamed thermal point lies on the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, a couple of miles outside Alturas. The water is tepid, low seventies. Access is restricted: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the refuge and this point is not listed as open. That is the headline for this one, and it should shape any plan to visit.
High desert near 4,400 feet, cold winters with a fair amount of snow, dry otherwise. Two hundred yards or so from the road. Wildlife refuge land, with a photo on file for the point. Pepperdine Equestrian Campground, about fifteen miles off, is the nearest listed camp.
Winter is listed as best, though the refuge gets real snow then. The walk from the road is short, but access is restricted, so contact the refuge before you plan anything. No fee recorded. The water is tepid, so there is little reward for bending the rules. Camping is at Pepperdine Equestrian Campground if needed, and Alturas is only two miles or so away.
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The campsites are mostly shaded and enjoy serene surroundings and are equiped with 12' X 12' metal corrals. A short trail runs over to the start of the Summit Trail where it heads south into the South Warner Wilderness. No wilderness permits are required however, if you plan to use a camp or backpack stove or charcoal barbeque or have a campfire outside the developed campground, you will need a current California Campfire Permit.
this spring is road-accessible, so you can bring more gear.
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