Unnamed Thermal Spring
Just 150 meters from California Pines Boulevard in Modoc County, this 81-degree spring flows at 4,503 feet elevation, creating 30 degrees of warmth in one of California's coldest mountain regions.
The spring emerges from the earth near the road in forested high country terrain, with easy access to a thermal feature in an environment where average annual temperatures reach just 50.7 degrees. Winter snow, averaging 47.5 inches annually, covers the landscape for much of the year, making summer the optimal season for visitation.
Roadside access from California Pines Boulevard makes this spring highly accessible with minimal walking required. Heavy winter snowfall and long cold season define the region—plan visits for late June through September when conditions are most favorable. The site remains open year-round, but winter access requires appropriate vehicles.
The spring's 30-degree thermal contrast above ambient reflects significant geothermal activity in the Modoc Plateau, an area experiencing ongoing tectonic adjustments that influence groundwater circulation. The site's proximity to the road in this remote county reflects the sparse infrastructure of northeastern California.
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