Natural hot spring · California
Drakesbad Hot Springs
Plumas County, California · 13 miles northwest of Chester, CA
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 151°F (66°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Chester, CA (13 mi / 21 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 2
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
- Undeveloped source: no staff, no facilities, and no maintained access. Conditions change.
About Drakesbad Hot Springs
Drakesbad Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Plumas County, California, about 13 miles northwest of Chester, CA. The nearest large city is Paradise, CA, roughly 49 miles away as the crow flies.
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 151°F (66°C). That puts it in the "too hot to enter at the source" range. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
It is a natural spring with little or no development. Some natural springs have rock pools you can sit in, while others are too hot, too shallow or on land where soaking is not allowed.
The site has 2 mapped pools or sources within about 500 meters of each other.
Water temperature
Too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Readings come from the NOAA thermal springs list, OpenStreetMap mappers, and other public sources. Temperatures change with season, flow and pool design. See our soak temperature guide for safe soaking times.
Map and directions
Red marks Drakesbad Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 40.44245, -121.40352.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Chester, CA. The spring is about 13 miles (21 km) northwest of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Paradise, CA, about 49 miles (79 km) in a straight line.
- Planning from a city? See hot springs near Reno, NV.
- Use the directions buttons above for a driving route. Final roads to many springs are unpaved, seasonal or closed in winter, so check road conditions before you go.
Weather forecast
Live forecast for this exact spot from the US National Weather Service.
Hot springs near Drakesbad Hot Springs
- Terminal Geyser 205°F
- Growler Hot Spring 203°F
- Sulphur Works, Tophet Hot Springs 199°F
- Morgan Hot Spring 205°F
- Indian Valley Hot Springs 106°F
- Big Bend Hot Springs 180°F
Before you go
- Check the operator, land manager or park website for current hours, fees and closures. Details in any directory can go out of date.
- Pack out everything you bring, including food scraps. Do not use soap in natural pools.
- Keep your head above water. Warm fresh water can carry Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that enters through the nose.
- Drink water, limit soaks to 10 to 20 minutes at a time in very hot water, and skip alcohol.
- Read our hot spring etiquette guide and safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Drakesbad Hot Springs?
The recorded temperature has been recorded at 151°F (66°C), which is too hot to enter at the source. Water this hot can burn skin quickly. Soaking pools are usually cooled by mixing with creek or tap water. Never enter the source itself.
Where is Drakesbad Hot Springs?
Drakesbad Hot Springs is in Plumas County, California, about 13 miles northwest of Chester, CA. The GPS coordinates are 40.4425, -121.4035.
Can you soak at Drakesbad Hot Springs?
The source is too hot to enter safely. Natural springs vary. Some have pools built by visitors, others are too hot or shallow, and some are on private land or in areas where bathing is banned. Check local rules and test the water before you get in.
What hot springs are near Drakesbad Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Terminal Geyser, about 2 miles southeast. Growler Hot Spring is about 6.4 miles away.
What should I bring to a hot spring?
Water to drink, a towel, sandals with grip, a bag to pack out trash, and warm layers for after your soak. At primitive springs bring a headlamp and tell someone where you are going.
Sources and corrections
This listing combines OpenStreetMap, the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1 Source 2
Visited recently? Send a correction, such as a temperature reading, fee, closure or photo. If you look after this spring and want it removed, see removal requests.