Hunt Hot Springs are one of Northern California’s hidden gems, perfect for adventurers looking for a true wilderness escape. They are part of the broader network of geothermal sites featured in our guide to California hot springs. Tucked away in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, they lie far from towns and modern facilities, requiring a longer hike to reach. The springs consist of several natural pools filled with geothermal water at about 100–104 °F (38–40 °C), bubbling up right along the banks of the Pit River. The mix of soaking in hot natural pools while the cold mountain river rushes beside you creates a unique contrast and makes this a truly memorable experience.
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What Should You Know Before Going to Hunt Hot Springs
Hunt Hot Springs are entirely wild and undeveloped. Don’t expect showers, changing rooms, toilets, or paved paths. Access is more challenging – you can only reach the springs on foot via an unmarked trail, so good navigation skills and solid physical condition are required.
The pools sit right next to the Pit River, with water temperatures around 100–104 °F (38–40 °C). They are small natural basins that fit only a handful of people comfortably. Because of the remote location, you’ll often find yourself completely alone – but that solitude is part of the magic.
No reservations or permits are needed, and entry is free. However, it’s important to follow the Leave No Trace principle – whatever you bring in, take back out – to help keep this unique spot pristine for future visitors.
How to Get to Hunt Hot Springs
Hunt Hot Springs are located deep within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Northern California. The closest larger town is Burney, from where you’ll need a mix of driving and hiking to reach the springs. The route is not officially marked and is known to be challenging, so expect an adventure.
First, drive along Highway 299 and then turn onto forest roads leading toward the Pit River. You can park your car near informal trailheads. From there, it’s a multi-mile hike through dense forest and rocky terrain. The path is unmaintained and can be slippery, so sturdy footwear and good physical condition are essential.
As you approach the river, you’ll hear hot water spilling directly into the pools along the bank. The reward for the demanding access is a sense of true wilderness and solitude.
Best Time to Visit Hunt Hot Springs
Hunt Hot Springs can be visited year-round, but conditions vary greatly depending on the season. Summer and early fall are the best times – the trails are dry, river access is safer, and soaking in the hot pools next to the cold Pit River makes for an amazing contrast.
In contrast, winter and spring can be challenging. Rain and snow often turn the paths into slippery mud, and the Pit River may swell with dangerous currents, making access more difficult or even unsafe at times.
For a quieter experience, plan to visit early in the morning or on weekdays. Weekends can bring more visitors, although it’s never as crowded as commercial resorts.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs at Hunt Hot Springs
Hunt Hot Springs have no official opening hours – this is a completely wild, unmanaged site with no gate or staff. That means you can technically visit at any time of year or day.
Entry is entirely free, and no reservations or permits are required. However, keep in mind that the springs lie within protected forest land and partly across private property, so it’s essential to be respectful and practice Leave No Trace to preserve the area.
Where to Stay Nearby Hunt Hot Springs
If you want to stay as close as possible to Hunt Hot Springs, your best option is camping. In the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest you’ll find primitive campsites where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the wilderness. Some travelers even camp near the trailheads, but it’s important to check local forest service guidelines and always follow Leave No Trace principles.
For more comfort, the nearest town is Burney, about a 54-minute drive from the area. Burney is a small mountain town best known for the nearby Burney Falls, one of California’s most beautiful waterfalls. It’s a practical base if you want simple accommodation and access to shops and restaurants.
If you prefer a wider selection of hotels, you’ll find more options in Redding, 1 hour and 20 minutes away by car. Redding offers larger hotels, restaurants, and is a good choice if you’re combining the springs with a broader Northern California road trip.
Recommended Stays Nearby Hunt Hot Springs
Green Gables Motel & Suites – Burney
A cozy, no-frills motel offering clean rooms, friendly staff, and a central location in Burney. Guests appreciate its proximity to both Burney Falls and the forest roads leading toward Hunt Hot Springs.
Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge – Redding
A more upscale option with modern rooms, a fitness center, outdoor pool, and on-site restaurant. Located near the iconic Sundial Bridge and Turtle Bay Exploration Park, it’s a comfortable base for travelers who want to combine outdoor adventure with a bit of city convenience.
You can explore more accommodations and book directly through the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby Hunt Hot Springs
The area around Hunt Hot Springs is full of Northern California highlights. Just a short drive away is McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, home to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the U.S. – the 129-foot (39 m) Burney Falls, once described by President Roosevelt as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The park is perfect for hiking, picnicking, or camping.
If you enjoy fishing or water sports, the Pit River and nearby lakes like Lake Britton provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Nature lovers will also find endless trails in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, with mountains, giant trees, and breathtaking vistas.
Another great option is a visit to Redding, where you can see the iconic Sundial Bridge, a striking pedestrian bridge over the Sacramento River, and explore the Turtle Bay Exploration Park with its museum and botanical gardens. It’s a perfect stop if you want to combine your hot springs adventure with a cultural experience.
Other Hot Springs Nearby Hunt Hot Springs
Hidden in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest of Northern California, Hunt Hot Springs is surrounded by several other remote geothermal treasures. To the south, Big Bend Hot Springs offers peaceful riverfront soaking with a spiritual retreat atmosphere. Westward near Redding, Steamboat Hot Springs and Weaver Bally Hot Springs provide more rustic, undeveloped pools surrounded by forested mountains. If you’re traveling farther north, Ashland Hot Springs across the Oregon border makes for a relaxing stop on a scenic road trip through the Cascade Range.