Radium Sulphur Springs
Radium Sulphur Springs occupies a remarkable position immediately alongside Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, emerging virtually roadside in one of Los Angeles' most developed neighborhoods.
The spring sits at 282 feet elevation on the corner of one of LA's busiest cultural districts. At ground level in urban Hollywood between Larchmont and Gower Street, the thermal waters emerge where movie palaces and vintage architecture surround the site. The spring's location creates an unusual juxtaposition of mineral-rich geothermal activity amid dense urban development.
Discovered in 1905 during an unsuccessful oil well drilling attempt to 1,500 feet, the spring was opened as a commercial spa by G.P. Gehring in 1908. Early twentieth-century entrepreneurs marketed the water as containing radioactive properties claimed to have medicinal benefits, promoting it as "liquid sunshine." The spring represents a quirk of California geology where subsurface heat sources emerge unexpectedly in urban areas.
Access is immediate—the spring sits directly at street level with minimal approach distance. The site experiences typical Southern California conditions with warm, dry weather averaging 65°F annually and just 10.5 inches of rain yearly with no snow. Visiting remains easy during the year-round mild climate.
Is Radium Sulphur Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Gate may be closed due to High Fire danger. Elevation: 1900-Foot ElevationAmenities: 6 hike-in campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no piped water. Seasonal stream water may be available (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall.Hiking: Just a short hike to the 50' Millard Falls. Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of cam...