At 191°F, the source water at Hot Spot is hot enough to cause burns. Some hot springs this hot have cooler side pools or downstream areas suitable for soaking — always test the water temperature before entering.
Hot Spot delivers water at 191°F, the hottest spring in this dataset section, creating a temperature differential of 150°F above the cold, high-elevation environment of the Modoc National Forest near Tulelake.
A 2,000-foot walk across volcanic terrain leads to this high-altitude spring at 7,078 feet elevation. The landscape is stark—dark basalt, minimal vegetation, and profound silence typical of the Medicine Lake Highlands. Cold winters deliver 122 inches of snow annually.
History of Hot Spot
Hot Spot's extreme heat reflects its proximity to the geothermally active Medicine Lake volcano. The spring emerges through the same volcanic system that creates the nearby Medicine Lake itself, a much larger but non-thermal water body in this geologically young landscape.
Access via Forest Service roads near Medicine Lake Recreation Area. Bring layers—high elevation and exposed terrain make conditions cold despite hot water. Best visited June through October; winter access is unreliable. Exercise caution on dark lava rock.
Is Hot Spot worth visiting?
Best for
Observing powerful hot springs
Overnight camping trips
Not ideal for
Casual soaking
Hot Spot is well suited for observing powerful hot springs and overnight camping trips.
Monthly Climate
26°Jan
26°Feb
29°Mar
35°Apr
43°May
53°Jun
63°Jul
62°Aug
54°Sep
43°Oct
32°Nov
25°Dec
Annual Precip: 29.4 inAnnual Snow: 122.7 in
Best Time to Visit
DecemberAir 25°F · Water 191°F · +167° contrast
JanuaryAir 26°F · Water 191°F · +165° contrast
FebruaryAir 26°F · Water 191°F · +165° contrast
December offers 39°F more contrast than July
Nearby Camping
Medicine Lake Recreation Area3.5 mi away
Overview
The popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California. The Recreation Area is located in the Modoc National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet.Recreation
The Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers camping, boating, fishing and swimming. The adjacent Day Use Areas accommodate boating with a concrete boat ramp and dock. Swimming is available in a designated swimming area next to the Picnic Area. Hi...
USGS Quad: MEDICINE LAKE 15 · PP 492: 3.0 · NOAA: 1.0 · AMS Map: ALTURAS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water temperature at Hot Spot?
Hot Spot has a water temperature of 191°F (88°C). This is considered a hot spring, well above body temperature.
Where is Hot Spot located?
Hot Spot is located in Siskiyou County, California at 7,078 feet elevation, near Tulelake. Coordinates: 41.6070°N, 121.5230°W.
How do I get to Hot Spot?
Hot Spot has Short Walk road access (0.4 mi from the road).
Is Hot Spot free to visit?
Hot Spot has Open access. It is managed by US Forest Service.
Can I camp near Hot Spot?
Yes, Medicine Lake Recreation Area is located nearby (3.5 miles away).
Is it safe to soak at Hot Spot?
The water at Hot Spot reaches 191°F, which can cause severe burns. Do not enter the source pool directly — look for cooled side pools or downstream areas where the water has cooled to a safe temperature. Always tell someone your plans before visiting remote hot springs.
Is Hot Spot crowded?
Hot Spot sees varying levels of visitors depending on the season and day of the week.
What should I bring to Hot Spot?
Essentials for Hot Spot: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, warm layers for before and after soaking, camping gear, a trash bag to pack out what you pack in. The water is over 110°F — test the temperature before entering and watch for scalding near the source.
Temperature
191°F
WarmHotBoiling
Water Temp191°F (88°C)
Avg Air Temp41°F
Above Ambient+150°F
Perfect soaking weatherMarch
Access
Open
Road AccessShort Walk
Distance to Road0.4 mi
Land
OwnershipFederal
AgencyUS Forest Service
DesignationNational Forest
UnitModoc National Forest
ManagerUS Forest Service
Protection3 - Protected, subject to extractive use