Did you know there are many natural hot springs in Northern California? The remote corners of the state have amazing natural forests that are perfect environments for a natural hot spring. If you’re looking for a relaxing get away from the city, you must check out these incredible Northern California hot springs.
» Check out the 24 Best Cities in California to Visit and 10 Great Campgrounds in Northern California.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out all our guides to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Find the best beaches in Monterey, waterfalls in Southern California, and national parks.
Why Visit a Hot Springs
Hot springs are one of the greatest things during the cooler seasons. Warm wading pools, often surrounded by beautiful views and nature. There’s also the added benefit that many hot springs have minerals that promote healing and health in the skin.
Another great thing about hot springs is that they are geothermally heated, and therefore will be warm year round. One of the most amazing things is to visit hot springs in the winter, and stay warm in the springs while snow falls around you.
Visiting these hot springs as part of a Northern California road trip is very inspiring and will add an unforgettable memory to your journey.
Different Types Of Hot Springs
You can expect to find an array of different types of hot springs in Northern California. There are man-made mineral pools to natural springs that are fed by an underground spring. These can greatly vary in temperature, from really hot to lukewarm.
You will also find that there are large facilities that are more commercialized that have the look of a resort pool with decks and bars. But there are also smaller off-the-beaten-path hot springs that don’t feel touristy and are basically just natural water holes in the ground that you climb into. You might also find a small man-made tub that is being fed with spring water. There are also not-for-profit organizations running hot spring retreats.
Where to Find the Best Hot Springs in California
All of the hot springs we have listed here are located in Northern California, and most of them are a bit remote. These will take a bit of a drive away from the bustling cities, but it’s worth it for the tranquil experience.
1. Hill Top Hot Springs
Located about 15 miles east of Mammoth Lakes, Hill Top Hot Springs is also called Pulky’s Pool. This is one of the best hot springs in Northern California, and it’s quite a popular pool in Mammoth Lakes, so it can get crowded, but even seeing it is worth it. It’s a man-made pool that fits about 4-6 people (clothing optional).
You have to take just a short hike from the parking lot to get there, which is probably why it’s so popular, but the views are worth it. Water flows in at over 100 degrees, so the pool stays between 100-110 degrees F, though usually on the cooler side because one of the pipes has a valve to regular the amount of hot water coming in.
2. Crab Cooker Hot Spring
Another man-made pool in Mammath Lakes near to the one above is Crab Cooker Hot Springs. It’s free to visit and again only about 4-6 people can fit at once. I don’t know if the springs earned its name because of how hot it is, but you do have to be careful as the temperature can get extreme and it’s not safe to get in.
As with Hill Top, the water comes in through piles that can be regulated with a valve, so you can cool it down by slowing the flow of water and waiting for it to cool. However, the valve is under the water, so it’s hard to reach if the pool is already too hot.
3. Vichy Springs Resort and Inn
Vichy Springs Resort & Inn is unique because it’s the oldest hot springs on the list, established in 1854. There are 14 naturally fed mineral baths (4 outside and 10 inside) where you can have a soak in the only naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths in North America.
The best part about Vichy Springs is that it’s a hot springs resort and inn with rooms, so you can stay in one of their cottages and enjoy the mineral water longer, instead of having to rush home.
There’s also an Olympic size swimming pool that’s open during the summer season, as well as a 700 acre reserve with trails for walking & hiking.
4. Wilbur Hot Springs
Wilbur Hot Springs is located two hours outside San Francisco on a large nature reserve, and is a beautiful place to relax and get away from regular bustling life. The hot springs are full of minerals that are great for your skin, and a soak will take the stress right out of you.
Because of it’s remote location, confirmed reservations are required to enter the hot spring and/or stay at the lodge. A day-use of the hot springs will cost $59 which is up to seven hours (10am – 5pm) in the springs. You can also stay on the property overnight for as little as $75.
5. Travertine Hot Springs
Tucked into the Sierra mountains, Travertine Hot Springs offers mountain views and quiet wading. This hidden wonder is only a couple miles of gravel road off of highway 395, near the town of Bridgeport, and you can drive straight up to the first pools. It’s one of the best natural hot springs in northern California.
There are several pools to go around, and they are varying temperatures and sizes. Due to this land belonging to the Forrest Service, all of the hot springs are free and open all-day year round. You can also camp on any of the land for free if you wish.
6. Sierra Hot Springs
This hot springs resorts in northern California is located in a 1870s lodge in Sierraville, California. Quiet, secluded, and packed full of friendly and experienced staff, Sierra Hot Springs are a great choice if you’re looking for your next soak.
This hot spring requires reservations, and currently does not accept day-use visitors. Book a room in their lodge for either two or three nights- or camp for as long as you like with reservations- and feel the relaxation with their massages, hot springs, and cafes. Room rates begin at $82, and camping starts at $38.
7. Orr Hot Springs
Between the towns of Ukiah and Mendocino lays the Orr Hot Springs, a remarkable place to stowaway in tranquility. The property is located in the woods, which allows for exploring when you aren’t soaking or otherwise enjoying the resort.
Stay in one of their small cottages, in a room at the resort, or come for a day trip. Day-use of the spring pools start at $100 for one or two adults for sessions of four hours each. You can choose between indoor and outdoor pools, and the cold soaking pool is open to everyone.
8. Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Nestled in a large stretch of plains surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Glass Mountain Ridge, the Wild Willy’s Hot Spring is a place of gorgeous views and warm waters.
There are two wading pools that are always open to the public with no need for reservations. This is an easy low-stress way to soak and hang out in a hot spring with unique sights. Check out these other nearby hot springs in Mammoth Lake.
9. Buckeye Hot Springs
This is a natural hot spring located about 10 miles southwest of Bridgeport, which is northeast of Yosemite National Park and very close to the Nevada border.
The hot spring is open year around and is clothing optional. The hot springs here require a short but steep hike down the mountain, so be prepared with proper footwear. At the upper level are two natural springs known as the Upper Pools with gorgeous views.
If you continue going down you’ll come to four semi-natural pools that were built in order to pool the water coming down the rocks to make the pools to sit in. Behind you is a rock wall and the hot spring water falls down it like a waterfall into the pool. It is quite hot, so be very careful around it.
10. Harbin Hot Springs
Harbin Hot Springs is a hot spring retreat and workshop center located in Lake County, California. It was founded by Matthew Harbin in the early 1900s and is named after him. The springs are about two hours northeast of San Francisco Bay Area.
The main pool area has eight different spring-fed pools that range in temperature from really hot to pretty chilly, so you can go between and find what suits you. They also offer clothing-optional sunbathing, saunas, yoga, and bodywork treatments.
At least one person in your party needs to be a member of the non-profit retreat center. You need to make a reservation on their website or by calling before you arrive. They are open 7 days a week (though Saturday and Sunday are reserved for people holding a 6-hour or longer pass.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free hot springs in California?
Yes, there are plenty of free hot springs in California that you’ll find while hiking just a little ways off a parking lot, such as the ones we’ve listed here in Mammoth Lakes. The only thing to keep in mind with free hot springs is that they are very crowded usually and not everyone is there to preserve the peaceful nature of the activity.
Does California have natural hot springs?
Yes, there are many natural hot springs in California, as well as man-made springs that have been formed for the enjoyment of all. One of the most easily accessible natural hot springs in California is Wild Willy’s in Mammoth Lakes.
Are there hot springs in the redwood forest?
Orr Hot Springs, listed above, is located in the redwoods of the Mendocino Coastal Range. It’s not the only one that can be found among the redwoods though.
CONCLUSION
Hot springs are an amazing way to get away from everyday life, and can be an inexpensive on-a-whim trip or a planned weekend. There are so many free hot springs in northern California that you really don’t need to pay a lot to stay at a resort, but we’ve included a few of those on the list too.
Like this article? Save it on Pinterest so you can find it again.
FOLLOW US on Pinterest and Facebook for more California travel inspiration and tips!
Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.