Fales Hot Springs, situated in the Eastern Sierra Nevada 13.5 miles west of Bridgeport, was formerly a prominent hot spring resort. There are just ruins and private land remaining, but the hot water drains into a pool created under the 395 highway where people like to bathe.
Despite its proximity to a major freeway, this spring is clothes optional.
Natural Hot Springs
Neither the source nor its surrounding area is accessible to the general public since they are located on private property with a residence. Nonetheless, a pipe beneath Route 395 distributes hot mineral water from the abandoned Fales Resort to a heated pool surrounded by granite walls.
A series of smaller pools are developed on the way to the larger one in the end. Temperatures average at 92 °F, but snowfall from nearby mountains might make the stream a little chillier in certain seasons.
A slimy layer of algae may cover the water, but there isn’t much of a sulfur odor. It has been noted that ticks may be found in the grass around the spring. To be on the safe side, throw your wet clothes and towels over some bushes. In general, there are better areas to soak, but it is free and may appeal to those with a sense of adventure.
Details
Address: 2 miles east of Hot Creek Pool, which is located at 90307 US-395, Coleville, California 96107, or 13.5 miles northwest of Bridgeport
Season: Year-round