Guide to Hunt Hot Springs – 2024 Updated
I recently visited Hunt Hot Springs, one of the best California hot springs which includes 3 rock-walled natural hot springs located next to Kosh Creek, in the Cascade Mountains of Northern California near Mount Shasta. Here’s our complete 2024 updated guide to visiting this amazing soaking spot.
The Waters at Hunt Hot Springs
Hunt Hot Springs, Photo Courtesy of @hotspringhiker
There are 4 different places two soak at Hunt hot springs. First off, there are two concrete and rock walled tubs that are joined together. The temperature of the hot spring water flowing into these tubs is very hot and varies from 120°F to 110°F. The third tub is an all natural rock walled tub by the river that is about 103°F degrees and fits about two people. The final soaking spot is a larger rock walled tub along the river, with a temperature of about 100°F. The temperature of this tub can be adjusted by allowing water from the creek to flow in. After you’ve warmed up in the hot springs, you can take a refreshing dip in the Kosh creek to cool off. We love that at Hunt hot springs there are soaking options for everyone depending on their temperature preference.
Photo Courtesy of @norcalhesh
A unique feature of this spot is that nearby there are many spots where hot spring water percolates up to the surface. Nearby hillsides, the creek bank, and other spots all have water bubbling up. Perhaps in the future some volunteers will built out pools for soaking in additional spots! Who’s up for the challenge?
Directions to Hunt Hot Springs
Hunt Hot Springs, Photo Courtesy of @rebecca_faii
To get to Hunt Hot Springs, first you’ll arrive in the town of Big Bend and get on Big Bend Road. After you cross the river, Big Bend Road will turn into Summit Lake Road. Stay on this road for a little over 2 miles, and stay to the left at the fork that is about 1 mile in. Finally, you’ll come to a bridge that traverses Kosk Creek. This is where you can park. Don’t cross the bridge. This hot spring is on private property. Thankfully the land owners here are very gracious and generally allow hot spring enthusiasts to enjoy the waters. Please be respectful and clean up after yourself. After parking, you’ll walk about a half mile downstream (on the east side of the creek), to arrive at the Hunt hot springs.
Here is the Google maps pin to help you find the spot:
Where to Stay While Visiting Hunt Hot Springs
There are various campgrounds where you can stay around Big Bend. This is a great option if you’d like to enjoy the hot springs for more than one day. One of the most popular nearby campgrounds is in the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.
2024 Update
Please be careful if you visit this spot! There have been reports of the Big Bend hot springs being used by the homeless population/drug users, and car break-ins occurring. On the road to the hot spring, there’s a cement roadblock with graffiti that warns “smash & grab”. Additionally, someone who went missing was last seen at this hot spring. Her name is Courtney, a 5'7, short-haired ginger, 120 pounds, with a 2004 Red Subaru Outback and a medium-sized border Collie dog.
More Hot Springs in California
California is one of our favorite states for finding hot springs as it is one of the most geothermally active states in the USA. If you’re interested in exploring more spots nearby, check out our California hot springs map with the top 97 hot springs to visit in California.