Hot springs on private property near Mount Shasta.
The stone-made tubs had been destroyed, but the signature water was still there.
Caution
We have been informed that the property is privately owned and therefore unavailable. There are also reports of frequent vehicle vandalism in the area. Please consider visiting based on the latest local information.
You'll never know unless you go there
There are several hot springs in the rural California town of Big Bend.
However, all of them are on private property, and it is impossible to know if and how they are accessible until you go there.
It would be nice if they would take money and do business, but so far it seems that they may or may not open, depending on the good will and change of mind of the owner.
Two miles northwest of the village of Big Bend, there was a bridge across the Kosk River.
I stopped just before it and walked into a private lot on the left.
There was a warning sign, perhaps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, that read "Closed due to biohazard."
On the other hand, there were signs suggesting the presence of hot springs, such as "No soap allowed," so I went ahead.
The hike to the hot springs was about 0.7 miles round trip.
There is an open space and several cars were parked and people were seen sleeping there; but camping is prohibited in the first place.
It would be wise not to pry too much.
Destroyed tubs
After passing through it, I hit the Kosk River and saw steam rising from the riverbank.
It was definitely a hot spring.
Brown soil was exposed only around the hot springs.
I was concerned that an excavator was parked nearby.
It was possible that the area around the hot springs was destroyed to prevent people from gathering under pandemic.
Or simply a landslide, I do not know the truth.
In any case, the hot water was alive and well.
The shallow pools on the riverbank were at the right temperature as the boiling water mixed with the river water.
The sediment around the spring was gouged out.
Originally, there were a few beautiful stone-made tubs here, but there was no sign of them.
However, the water was overflowing from the structure that seemed to be its foundation, with a considerable amount.
The water temp was 136 degrees F, hot enough to burn.
Behind it, just below the cliff, was a rectangular concrete tub.
It was just large enough for one person to just barely soak in.
Despite its close proximity, the water temp here was an appropriate 104 degrees F.
I felt energized by the geothermal activity, which was as powerful as ever despite the destruction of the tubs.
Summary
Hunt Hot Springs, Big Bend, California, U.S.
My rating
Type: Undeveloped
Rule: Clothing optional
Chemical use: No
Water temp: Up to 136 degrees F
