Crabtree Hot Springs, California, Natural hot spring in Lake County, California
Crabtree Hot Springs consist of four natural thermal fountains that emerge in a narrow canyon on the north bank of Rice Fork of the Eel River. The springs sit at about 688 meters elevation, surrounded by distinctive serpentine rock formations in the area.
Native peoples traveled to these waters long before John Fletcher Crabtree and his sons came upon them in 1875. The discovery marked a significant shift in how the site became known to European settlers in the region.
Native American communities frequented these waters, believing in their healing properties for both humans and animals, particularly horses.
The site is on private property with restricted access, marked by gates and boundary signs from the Mendocino National Forest. Visitors should check access permissions beforehand and respect the property boundaries at all times.
The hottest spring releases warm water from serpentine rock formations at a steady flow rate year-round. This geological feature draws visitors interested in natural thermal phenomena and the geology of the region.
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