Remington Hot Springs is one of the last free, open-to-everyone hot spring spots in Southern California. It sits right beside the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest, and you can reach it with a short walk from a dirt parking area. There is no ticket booth, no front desk, and no entry fee. You walk in, pick a tub, and soak.
The pools are not fancy spa pools. They are rough, hand-built tubs made of cement and river rock, and local volunteers keep them clean. The water comes out of the ground naturally warm, and the view of the river and the canyon walls makes the whole trip feel like a small escape. It is also only about 35 to 37 miles from Bakersfield, so it is an easy day trip.
In this guide, you will learn how to get to Remington Hot Springs, what the hike is like, how hot the water gets, and the best time to go. You will also find safety rules, a packing list, nearby places to visit, and answers to common questions. Everything is written in simple words so you can plan your visit without stress.
Remington Hot Springs at a Glance
Here are the key facts before we go deeper.
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Remington Hot Springs |
| Location | Old Kern Canyon, near Bodfish and Lake Isabella, Kern County, California |
| Land | Sequoia National Forest |
| Water type | Natural geothermal (sulfur-rich) |
| Water temperature | About 80°F to 115°F (27°C to 46°C), depending on the tub |
| Elevation | About 2,217 feet |
| Cost | Free |
| Hike | Short walk, roughly a quarter to half mile each way |
| Facilities | None (no toilets, no staff, no running water) |
| Open | Year-round, but always check current conditions |
| Pets | Usually allowed on a leash |
Note: Details like temperature and trail length vary slightly between sources, so treat them as close estimates.
What Is Remington Hot Springs?
Remington Hot Springs is an undeveloped thermal spring system on the banks of the Kern River. “Undeveloped” means there are no buildings, shops, or paid services. Nature supplies the hot water, and people have added simple tubs to catch it.
The spot has a few things that make it special:
- It is free: Remington is described as the only free, public, and undeveloped hot spring left in the Kern River Valley.
- It is volunteer-cared: A group called the Kern River Hot Springs Angels power washes the tubs and helps keep the area clean.
- It has a river view: Three larger pools sit at the river’s edge, and a smaller tub called the Miners Tub sits about 50 feet above them.
- It has a mineral smell: The water is rich in sulfur, so expect a “rotten egg” scent. It can also tarnish jewelry and metal.
The water flows out of the ground slowly, at about 3.5 gallons per minute. That is why the tubs can take time to fill and why the temperature changes from pool to pool.
A Short History of the Area
People have used these springs for a very long time. The Tübatulabal, the Indigenous people of this part of the Kern River, lived near the springs for thousands of years. They fished, hunted, and raised families along the river, and they often built villages close to warm springs.
In later years, the area saw resort-style development, and old concrete remains in some places along the Kern. Today, no resort is left at Remington. What you see now is mostly the work of local volunteers who care for the tubs so everyone can enjoy them.
How to Get to Remington Hot Springs
The hot springs are along Old Kern Canyon Road, which runs beside Highway 178 on the opposite side of the river. Here are simple steps from Bakersfield:
1. Drive east on Highway 178 toward Lake Isabella (about 37 miles)
2. Turn onto Borel Road, then after about 0.3 miles bear right onto Old Kern Canyon Road
3. Follow the road for around 3 to 4 miles
4. Look for the signed trailhead and the dirt parking area
The drive from Bakersfield takes about 45 minutes. If you are coming from Lake Isabella, it is a shorter trip.
Pro tip: Cell service is weak or missing in the canyon. Download your map before you leave home.
The Hike to the Pools
The walk is short and mostly easy. A trail drops down from the parking area to the river, passing wildflowers in spring. The round trip is under one mile.
| Trail Detail | What to Expect |
| Distance | About 0.4 miles round trip (some sources say a bit more) |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Trail type | Out and back |
| Crowds | Often busy, especially on weekends |
| Family friendly | Yes, but watch children closely |
The trail is a little steep and rocky in spots. Wear shoes with good grip, not flip-flops, because the walk back up can be tiring after a hot soak.
The Pools: What You Will Find
Remington Hot Springs has a few main soaking spots. The upper tub is usually the hottest. The water cools as it moves down to the pools near the river.
| Pool | Where It Is | Typical Feel |
| Miners Tub | About 50 feet above the main pools | Smaller and often the hottest |
| Upper river pool | Near the top of the main group | Very warm |
| Middle river pool | Between the upper and lower pools | Comfortable to warm |
| Lower river pool | Right beside the river | Mild to warm |
The three river-level pools sit high enough that the river does not usually fill them, except during heavy flooding or high water.
You can also step into the Kern River to cool off after a hot soak. The river water is cold, so this swap of hot and cold is a favorite for many visitors.
Best Time to Visit Remington Hot Springs
The hot springs are open year-round, but each season feels different.
| Season | What It Is Like |
| Spring | Wildflowers bloom, and the weather is mild. River flows may be high. |
| Summer | Very hot outside, so soaking can feel heavy. Crowds can be bigger. |
| Fall | Pleasant weather and good soaking temperatures. |
| Winter | Cool air makes the hot water feel amazing. Fewer people come. |
Many visitors say early morning or a weekday gives you the most peace. Fall and winter are great for soaking because the contrast between cool air and warm water feels wonderful.
One key warning: the river can rise when water is released from the dam upstream, and winter runoff can also raise water levels. High water can make the area unsafe or flood the lower tubs.
Rules and Etiquette You Should Follow
Because Remington Hot Springs is free and run by volunteers, good manners matter a lot. If visitors leave a mess, the place can lose public support.
- Pack out all your trash: There are no trash bins at the pools.
- No glass: Broken glass is dangerous for bare feet.
- Do not use soap or shampoo in the tubs or river: It harms the water and the fish.
- Be quiet and respectful: Many people come here to relax.
- Clothing is often optional: This is a local custom, so be ready to see people soaking without swimsuits. Bring a suit if you prefer one.
- Share the space: The tubs are small, so rotate if others are waiting.
- Keep pets leashed and out of the tubs.
Safety Tips: Please Read This Part
Hot springs are fun, but they can be risky. Staying safe is the most important part of any visit.
Why safety matters here: Miracle Hot Springs, a neighboring spot along the same river, was closed by the U.S. Forest Service after a second death in less than two years. That news is a good reminder to take safety seriously at every Kern River hot spring.
Follow these safety rules:
- Limit your soak time: Stay in for about 15 to 20 minutes, then rest and cool down.
- Never soak alone if you can avoid it: A friend can help if you feel dizzy.
- Skip alcohol: Heat and alcohol together can make you faint.
- Drink plenty of water: Hot water makes you sweat and lose fluids.
- Test the temperature first: Some tubs can reach up to about 115°F.
- Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or have heart problems or low blood pressure.
- Watch the river: Never swim in fast, high, or cold water without care. The Kern is a powerful river.
- Stand up slowly: Getting out too fast can make you lightheaded.
- Do not leave valuables in your car: The parking area is not watched, so lock your vehicle and take only what you need.
What to Bring: Simple Packing List
- Swimsuit and a towel
- Sturdy shoes or sandals with a strap
- Plenty of drinking water
- A trash bag for everything you bring in
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A flashlight or headlamp if you go near sunset
- A change of dry clothes
- Offline maps and a small first-aid kit
Leave your jewelry at home. The sulfur in the water can turn silver and other metals dark.
Is Remington Hot Springs Open Right Now?
As of the latest guides we reviewed, Remington Hot Springs is open to visitors. However, conditions can change quickly because of fire danger, river levels, road work, or Forest Service decisions. Before you go, you should:
- Check the Sequoia National Forest website or call the Kern River Ranger District.
- Look at recent Google reviews for fresh visitor reports.
- Check the river flow and the weather for the day.
This simple step can save you a long drive for nothing.
Things to Do Near Remington Hot Springs
You can turn your soak into a full day out. The Kern River Valley has plenty to offer.
| Place or Activity | Why Visit |
| Kern River (Kernville area) | Whitewater rafting and kayaking, from beginner to expert |
| Lake Isabella | Boating, fishing, and lake views |
| Kernville | A small mountain town with food, shops, and river access |
| Kern River Brewing Company | A popular place to eat and relax after a soak |
| Scenic drive on Highway 178 | Beautiful canyon views |
| Keysville Recreation Area | Primitive camping along the river |
Remember that Remington Hot Springs itself is a day-use spot, not a campground. For overnight stays, try nearby camping areas or hotels in Bakersfield, Lake Isabella, or Kernville.
Other Hot Springs Along the Kern River
The Kern River has several warm springs, but many are not open to visitors.
| Hot Spring | Status |
| Remington Hot Springs | Free and open to the public |
| Miracle Hot Springs | Closed by the Forest Service after safety concerns |
| Democrat, Hobo, and Kern Hot Springs | Mostly private property, so do not enter without permission |
If you want a fully developed pool with staff and bathrooms, Avila Hot Springs near San Luis Obispo is a paid option about 100 miles southwest of Bakersfield.
Is Remington Hot Springs Worth Visiting?
Yes, for the right traveler. If you love quiet nature, river views, and free adventures, Remington Hot Springs is a great choice. It is close to Bakersfield and easy to reach, and the setting is beautiful.
But it is not for everyone. If you want clean bathrooms, a snack bar, and a lifeguard, this will feel too rough. It is a wild, shared place, and its charm comes from being simple.
Pros
- Free to enter
- Short hike
- Beautiful river and canyon views
- Open most of the year
- Cared for by local volunteers
Cons
- No toilets or running water
- Sulfur smell
- Can get crowded
- Weak phone signal
- Unwatched parking area
Conclusion
Remington Hot Springs shows how much fun a simple, natural place can be. With warm mineral water, handmade tubs, and a cold river just steps away, it gives you a real taste of the Sierra foothills without spending a dollar. A little planning goes a long way: check conditions, pack smart, stay safe, and leave the place cleaner than you found it.
If you take care of Remington Hot Springs, it will stay free and open for the next visitor, too. Share this guide with a friend who loves the outdoors, and have a safe, relaxing soak.
Remington Hot Springs FAQs
1. Is Remington Hot Springs free?
Yes. There is no fee to visit or soak.
2. Where is Remington Hot Springs located?
It is on the Kern River near Bodfish and Lake Isabella in Kern County, California, inside the Sequoia National Forest.
3. How hot is the water?
It ranges from about 80°F to 115°F, depending on which tub you choose. The upper tubs are usually hotter.
4. How far is the hike?
It is a short walk of roughly a quarter to half mile each way from the parking area.
5. Is Remington Hot Springs clothing optional?
Local custom says yes, so you may see people without swimsuits. You can wear one if you like.
