Fumarole — Not a Soaking Spring
Fumarole is a fumarole, not a traditional hot spring. These geothermal features can be extremely dangerous — boiling water, toxic gases, and unstable ground are common hazards. Do not attempt to soak.
File:Double Rainbow Clearlake California.jpg — cc0
Fumarole sits where subterranean heat vents through volcanic terrain, its steam plumes visible from the road in Lake County's geothermal landscape.
The roadside setting places this feature just 10 feet from Oak Street at 1,393 feet elevation, where steam and gas escape through fractured rock in the complex geothermal systems that define California's Clear Lake volcanic field. Visitors encounter an active but non-swimming thermal feature characterized by hot vapor rather than bathable pools.
History of Fumarole
This fumarole represents part of the broader Clear Lake geothermal complex, a region shaped by ancient volcanic activity and ongoing heat flow from the Earth's interior. The 'H' temperature designation reflects steam-dominated discharge rather than traditional hot spring pools suitable for immersion.
Visit roadside without special permits. Best viewed early morning when steam plumes are most visible against cool air. Expect active geothermal features rather than soaking pools, and respect all posted safety boundaries around steam vents.
Is Fumarole worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Fumarole is well suited for easy day trips and overnight camping trips.
Annual Precip: 25.4 in
Annual Snow: 4.7 in
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...
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
Swimsuit & towel
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially in hot water
Camping gear
Nearby camping at Little Stony
Trash bag
Pack out what you pack in
12 miles from Clearlake, CA
USGS Quad: (CLEARLAKE HIGHLANDS 7.5) · NOAA: 4.0 · AMS Map: SANTA ROSA
What is the water temperature at Fumarole?
Fumarole is classified as hot. An exact temperature measurement has not been recorded.
Where is Fumarole located?
Fumarole is located in Lake County, California at 1,393 feet elevation, near Clearlake. Coordinates: 38.9790°N, 122.6590°W.
How do I get to Fumarole?
Fumarole has Roadside road access, with the nearest road being Oak Street (10 ft from the road).
Can I camp near Fumarole?
Yes, Little Stony is located nearby (21.7 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Fumarole?
Fumarole is generally safe for soaking at its recorded temperature. Access may be on private land or unconfirmed — verify current conditions before visiting. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Fumarole crowded?
Fumarole is accessible from a paved road, making it easy to reach. Weekends and holidays may be busier — consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.
What should I bring to Fumarole?
Essentials for Fumarole: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in.