Unnamed Thermal Spring
This 90-degree thermal spring flows 80 meters from Twin Valley Road in Mendocino National Forest, gaining 30 degrees above ambient temperature in Lake County's cool mountain climate. The roadside location offers easy access to forested high country managed for multiple uses.
The spring emerges at 2,244 feet elevation within dense Mendocino forest, surrounded by mixed conifer stands and mountain meadows. Clear water rises from the thermal source, steaming in the cool mountain air that averages just 59.6 degrees annually. The Twin Valley Road corridor provides straightforward vehicle access without significant approach effort.
Mendocino National Forest's thermal springs reflect the region's complex geology of volcanic and geothermal activity. This spring flows on federally managed land designated for balanced recreation and resource extraction, where watershed management takes priority over single-use preservation.
The spring sits on U.S. Forest Service land open to public access year-round. Winter snow accumulation reaches 20 inches, making December through February challenging for visits. Bring water shoes for exploring the thermal pools among the surrounding rocks.
Is this spring worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
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...