Natural hot spring · California
Growler Hot Spring
Tehama County, California · 16 miles northwest of Chester, CA
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 203°F (95°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Chester, CA (16 mi / 25 km)
- Coordinates
- Pools or sources
- 1
- Scalding: recorded at 50°C or above. Water at this temperature causes burns in seconds.
- Historical record only: this spring has not been confirmed on the ground since 1981 and may be on private land.
About Growler Hot Spring
Growler Hot Spring is a natural hot spring in Tehama County, California, about 16 miles northwest of Chester, CA. The nearest large city is Paradise, CA, roughly 44 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 203°F (95°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.
This spring comes from the US federal Thermal Springs List compiled in 1981. Nobody has confirmed it on the ground for this directory since, so treat the details as historical. Many springs on that list sit on private ranch land, so never visit without permission.
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, 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 Growler Hot Spring. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 40.39300, -121.50700.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Chester, CA. The spring is about 16 miles (25 km) northwest of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Paradise, CA, about 44 miles (71 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 Growler Hot Spring
- Morgan Hot Spring 205°F
- Sulphur Works, Tophet Hot Springs 199°F
- Drakesbad Hot Springs 151°F
- Terminal Geyser 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 Growler Hot Spring?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 203°F (95°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 Growler Hot Spring?
Growler Hot Spring is in Tehama County, California, about 16 miles northwest of Chester, CA. The GPS coordinates are 40.3930, -121.5070.
Can you soak at Growler Hot Spring?
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 Growler Hot Spring?
The closest listed spring is Morgan Hot Spring, about under 1 mile southwest. Sulphur Works, Tophet Hot Springs is about 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 the NOAA NCEI Thermal Springs List. Data last refreshed August 2026. Source 1
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.