Natural hot spring · California
Wendel Hot Springs
Lassen County, California · 15 miles east of Janesville, CA
Last updated
- Type
- Natural Natural hot spring
- Water temperature
- 205°F (96°C) at the source
- Cost
- Not recorded
- Hours or season
- Not recorded
- Clothing
- Not recorded
- Nearest town
- Janesville, CA (15 mi / 23 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 Wendel Hot Springs
Wendel Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in Lassen County, California, about 15 miles east of Janesville, CA. The nearest large city is Reno, NV, roughly 62 miles away as the crow flies.
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 205°F (96°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 Wendel Hot Springs. Other colored dots are nearby springs in this directory. Coordinates: 40.35500, -120.25700.
Getting there
- Nearest town: Janesville, CA. The spring is about 15 miles (23 km) east of town in a straight line.
- Nearest large city: Reno, NV, about 62 miles (100 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 Wendel Hot Springs
- Amedee Hot Springs 203°F
- The Needle Rocks Hot Springs 208°F
- The Needle Rocks Hot Spring 208°F
- Indian Valley Hot Springs 106°F
- Marble Hot Springs Not recorded
- McLear Warm Springs 86°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 Wendel Hot Springs?
The temperature at the source has been recorded at 205°F (96°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 Wendel Hot Springs?
Wendel Hot Springs is in Lassen County, California, about 15 miles east of Janesville, CA. The GPS coordinates are 40.3550, -120.2570.
Can you soak at Wendel 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 Wendel Hot Springs?
The closest listed spring is Amedee Hot Springs, about 4.9 miles southeast. The Needle Rocks Hot Springs is about 34 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.