Outbound Collective logo

Boiling Springs Lake Loop

Plumas County, California

Details

Distance

2.38 miles

Elevation Gain

449 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Josh Currie

Boiling Springs Lake is the largest geothermal feature in the whole park and one of the biggest hot lakes in the world. 

The hike to Boiling Springs Lake starts at the Warner Valley Trailhead and is only a 3 mile roundtrip hike. It's a fairly easy hike that starts through the valley and then winds up through the forest and eventually opens up to the lake. 

First thing you'll notice as you approach the lake is the sulfur smell followed by the turquoise, green/brown water. The lake itself is more of a pond but the difference is its about 125 degrees fahrenheit and there is steam rising from the surface. 

There are signs posted cautioning the hikers to not stray from the trail as the ground surrounding the lake is very soft from the constant heat and will give way if too much weight is on it.  

Though it is a beautiful spot to explore, I wouldn't recommend hanging around the water too long as the sulfur can be quite overwhelming.   

If you're looking for a base camp, I'd recommend Warner Valley Campground right near the trailhead. 

Boiling Springs Lake Coordinates: 40.4356276,-121.3972202

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Forest
Lake
Scenic

Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Drake Lake Trail

Camp at Warner Valley

Devils Kitchen Trail

Kings Creek Falls Trail

Seven Lake Loop in Lassen Volcanic NP

Bumpas Hell to Cold Boiling Lake