Not every hot spring is worth the drive. This one is. Feather River Hot Springs sits at 29186 CA-70, tucked into the Sierra Nevada canyon 13 miles west of Quincy 2 natural mineral tubs on the bank of the Feather River, running 99–104°F year-round.

I’m Vanessa, and at CATRAVELTIMES I’ve road-tripped California’s soaks long enough to sort the worth-it from the skip-it. Day use runs $20 per person. If you’re exploring Hot springs in California, this one goes firmly in the worth-it column.

What is Feather River Hot Springs? Quick Detail

The Northern Maidu occupied the Feather River region for over 2,000 years. Whether they used these springs isn’t known. Modern discovery came in the 1930s when Highway 70 was built workers spotted hot water seeping from canyon rock.

By the late 1930s, O’Neill’s Dine and Dance stood here: cabins, a dance floor, a heated pool. A fire took it in 1976. Rocki Eriksen bought the property in 2000 and restored it. Knowing that history as I settled into the tub this place earns its edges. Now let me tell you how to find it.

How to find Feather River Hot Springs? Directions & Map

From Quincy, take Highway 70 west for 13 miles, about 20 minutes. Watch for the big red flatbed truck on the left; the nursery sign on the fence marks the parking area. From Sacramento, take I-5 to Highway 99 to Highway 70 65 miles northeast of Oroville, roughly 90 minutes.

The footpath to the tubs is rocky, so wear real shoes. Hit the Twain Store sign and you’ve gone too far. You’ll hear the river before you see it and you’ll want your camera before you change.

Feather River Hot Springs Photos Stunning & Scenic Views

I shot the tub from above, from the riverbank, and once just after dawn when the mist was still low on the water. The canyon walls behind the river make almost every angle worth keeping. Golden hour here is something else entirely.

Feather River Hot Springs Serenity Starts Here

Feather River Hot Springs Relaxation Carved by Nature

Feather River Hot Springs Let nature heal you

The setting photographs better than most polished resorts and none of it is manicured. Now let me walk you through everything you need to know before booking.

Important Information You Need to Know About Feather River Hot Springs

Is There an Entry Fee at Feather River Hot Springs?

Day use runs $20 per person for a 2-hour soak. Members pay $10, and annual membership costs $25 per adult. A private session for up to 6 people is $120 for 2 hours. Campers and cabin guests soak free. I signed up for membership before I left the parking lot.

How Do You Book a Soak?

Reservations are required no drop-ins. Text 925-783-2913 at least 24 hours in advance on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends. Email [email protected] if texting isn’t available. I texted the night before a Thursday visit and had a confirmed slot by morning. Plan ahead.

What Are the Rules at Feather River Hot Springs?

5 rules apply: no children, no pets, no glass containers, no open flames, and no drop-ins. The footpath to the tubs is rocky bring a flashlight for evening visits. I almost skipped it on my first trip. Don’t. For a comparable canyon soak, Benton Hot Springs is worth comparing.

What Are the Hot Springs Facilities Like?

There are 2 concrete tubs fed by 2 separate springs. The larger sulfur tub runs around 104°F; the smaller lithium-mineral tub is slightly cooler at 99°F. A natural river plunge pool forms early season. Cabins, 7 tent sites, and 5 full-hookup RV sites are available April through November.

Is Feather River Hot Springs Part of a Resort?

Feather River Hot Springs isn’t a resort in the polished sense. It’s a privately owned 11-acre property with 3 restored cabins, a native plant nursery called California Sister, and an outdoor stage hosting live folk and bluegrass concerts April through October. Rustic, personal, and deliberately uncommercialized.

Feather River Hot Springs Camping: What Are the Options?

Camping runs April 1 through November 1, weather permitting. The 7 tent sites and 5 RV sites sit close to the river and the tubs. Campers soak free. From the sites, you watch freight trains wind through the canyon day and night. Among Hot springs with camping, few offer that.

What’s the Water Temperature & Best Time to Visit Feather River Hot Springs?

The sulfur tub held steady at 104°F warm enough to feel immediately, not so hot you’re watching the clock. The smaller mineral tub ran closer to 99°F. Both flow naturally year-round.

Season	Why Visit	Best Time	Water Temperature
Summer	Warm days, long light, active river	June–August	99–104°F
Winter	Snow on canyon walls, total solitude	December–February	99–104°F
Spring	Wildflowers, high river, vivid skies	April–May	99–104°F
Fall	Cool air, fall foliage, smaller crowds	September–October	99–104°F
Year-Round	Consistent water temps in both tubs	Anytime	99–104°F

Fall is my pick cold air, full canyon color, and noticeably thinner crowds. Now let me tell you what to actually bring.

Things to Do at Feather River Hot Springs

The soak is the main event, but I spent 2 full days around Quincy and Plumas County and still didn’t get to everything. Here’s what I’d prioritize.

Butterfly Valley Botanical Area

Located about 20 minutes from the springs near Quincy, Butterfly Valley is a carnivorous plant preserve with wild pitcher plants and sundews. No entry fee. Rated 4.6/5 on Google. Small, uncrowded, and genuinely unlike anything else in Northern California.

Plumas County Museum

At 500 Jackson Street, Quincy, the Plumas County Museum covers local railroad history, Maidu culture, and canyon development. Admission is $2–$3. Rated 4.7/5 on Google. The railroad section is worth the stop after driving Highway 70 in.

Bucks Lake Wilderness

Bucks Lake sits at 5,150 feet and offers hiking, fishing, and paddling. Trailheads are roughly 17 miles from Quincy. No day-use fee at most access points. Rated 4.8/5 on Google. I wish I’d planned a full morning here.

Keddie Wye

A historic railroad junction 4 tracks converging in a narrow canyon gorge and one of the most photographed pieces of railroad engineering in California. Free to view from Highway 70. Rated 4.6/5 on Google. Train people lose an hour here easily.

Indian Valley Museum

In Taylorsville, about 30 miles from the springs, the Indian Valley Museum covers Maidu history and pioneer life. Free admission. Rated 4.5/5 on Google. More focused on Indigenous history than the Quincy museum worth the detour for context.

Where to Stay & Eat Near Feather River Hot Springs

I always base myself somewhere close enough that the morning drive doesn’t eat the day. Quincy, 13 miles east, covers everything. If your route takes you further south toward the desert, a Jacumba Hot Springs hotel makes a surprisingly good overnight anchor soaking access built right into the stay, no extra planning required.

Hotels Near Feather River Hot Springs

Gold Pan Lodge

Motel-style property in downtown Quincy, 13 miles from the springs. Rates run $80–$120/night. Rated 3.8/5 on Google. Reliable, no-frills, and walking distance to restaurants and the museum.

Pine Aire Motel Resort

Cabin-style units just outside Quincy, 14 miles from the hot springs. Rates around $90–$130/night. Rated 3.9/5 on Google. Good choice for extra space and quiet after a canyon day.

Quincy Courtyard Suites

Suite-style property in central Quincy with kitchen access, 13 miles from the springs. Rates $110–$160/night. Rated 4.1/5 on Google. The kitchen is a real advantage for multi-night stays.

Quail Lodge Lake Almanor

Lodge near Lake Almanor, 35 miles from the springs, with lake views. Rates $130–$200/night. Rated 4.3/5 on Google. The longer drive is offset by the setting.

Quincy Feather Bed Inn

Historic bed-and-breakfast in Quincy, 13 miles from the springs. Rates $120–$160/night. Rated 4.5/5 on Google. Breakfast included and the rooms feel personal — not chain-hotel generic.

Restaurants Near Feather River Hot Springs

The Knook

Casual bar and grill in Quincy with burgers and pub fare. Rated 4.2/5 on Google. Prices $10–$20 per person. Open most evenings call ahead. Solid post-soak option when you want something filling.

Blue Ox Peninsula Bar and Grill

Lakeside American grill near Lake Almanor Peninsula. Rated 4.0/5 on Google. Prices $12–$25 per person. Best for lunch or early dinner the lake setting does most of the work.

Aslan’s Mediterranean Grill

Mediterranean restaurant in Quincy serving wraps, bowls, and grilled plates. Rated 4.4/5 on Google. Prices $10–$18 per person. One of the better non-burger options in town the shawarma held up.

Morning Thunder

Breakfast and lunch café in Quincy with locally sourced ingredients. Rated 4.5/5 on Google. Prices $8–$15 per person. Opens at 7 AM the right call before a morning soak.

Sage & Salt Fusions

Fusion restaurant in Quincy with a rotating seasonal menu. Rated 4.3/5 on Google. Prices $15–$28 per person. The most interesting dinner option in town worth a reservation on weekends.

What Are People Saying About Feather River Hot Springs?

Google reviewers rate Feather River Hot Springs at 4.2 out of 5. Praise goes to the canyon setting, mineral water quality, and Rocki’s personal care for the property. Couples and solo travelers dominate families less so, given the no-children rule. The setting earns every star.

My Honest Take After Soaking at Feather River Hot Springs

I drove Highway 70 through the canyon at dusk on my way out, and the river caught the last light in a way I keep thinking about. The sulfur smell fades in minutes. What stays is the sound of the water, the eagles, and no commercial noise anywhere. This is right for anyone who wants a genuine soak without a wristband or a gift shop and if you’re still planning your California soaking route, CATRAVELTIMES is where I keep everything worth knowing. Skip it if you need amenities or travel with kids. Go in fall. Go on a weekday. Text Rocki 48 hours out.

FAQs About Feather River Hot Springs

How much does Feather River Hot Springs cost?

Day use is $20 per person (non-member) or $10 for members, for a 2-hour soak. Private sessions for up to 6 people cost $120. Campers and cabin guests soak free.

Do you need a reservation at Feather River Hot Springs?

Yes text 925-783-2913 at least 24 hours ahead on weekdays, 48 hours on weekends. No drop-ins. Email [email protected] if texting isn’t an option.

Are children allowed at Feather River Hot Springs?

No. Children are not permitted at the hot springs. The no-children policy is firm it’s one of 5 listed access rules for the property.

Is Feather River Hot Springs open year-round?

The hot springs are available year-round by reservation. Camping and cabin stays run April 1 through November 1. Water temperature holds at 99–104°F regardless of season.