Oregon Hot Springs (Big Hot Spring)
Oregon Hot Springs, also known as Big Hot Spring, emerges at 142°F along the Oregon-California border in Siskiyou County, flowing at 4,148 feet elevation and running 92 degrees above ambient air temperature. Located near Tulelake, this roadside spring sits just 47 meters from the nearest road, offering easy access despite its position in the remote high desert of the California-Oregon borderlands.
The spring emerges in the Modoc Plateau region at 4,148 feet elevation, where volcanic geology creates a landscape of lava flows, cinder cones, and fault-controlled basins straddling the state line. The area receives 18.3 inches of annual precipitation with 44 inches falling as snow, supporting sagebrush and juniper vegetation in this semi-arid environment. Tulelake Basin lies nearby, historically a vast wetland now largely drained for agriculture. The Medicine Lake Highlands volcanic field extends eastward.
The spring's dual name reflects both its location near the state boundary and its status as the largest thermal feature in the immediate area. The Modoc people inhabited this region for thousands of years, with the Modoc War of 1872-1873 occurring in nearby lava beds. Euro-American settlement followed, with thermal springs serving ranching operations. The spring continues to flow in the sparsely populated borderlands between Klamath Falls and the California state line.
Visit spring through fall when high desert roads remain passable; winter brings snow and mud. The 142°F temperature makes this spring dangerously hot—maintain safe distances and avoid any contact. The remote location requires self-sufficiency; bring all necessary water, food, and emergency supplies. The nearby Lava Beds National Monument offers extensive cave systems and Modoc War historical sites. Summer heat exceeds 90°F; winter nights drop below freezing. Cell service is unreliable.
Is Oregon Hot Springs (Big Hot Spring) worth visiting?
Best for
- Observing powerful hot springs
- Easy day trips
Not ideal for
- Casual soaking