Quick FactsOverview
About Remington Hot Springs
Remington Hot Springs, California is a free undeveloped thermal spring on the banks of the Kern River in the Sequoia National Forest, near the community of Bodfish in Kern County. The site consists of four volunteer-built rock and cement soaking pools at the river's edge, maintained by a local volunteer group known as the Kern River Hot Springs Angels.
Three main pools cascade toward the river, each at slightly lower temperature than the one above. The pool nearest the spring source reaches around 106 degrees Fahrenheit; temperatures step down to approximately 100 degrees in the lower pools. A fourth smaller pool called the Miner's Tub sits about 50 feet above the main cluster. The pools are notable for their stonework, with colored tiles and stones embedded in the cement walls. The cold Kern River flows directly alongside, offering an immediate contrast to the hot soaking pools.
Remington is widely noted as the only free, public, and undeveloped hot spring remaining in the Kern River Valley. For those researching natural hot springs in California that combine riverside scenery with free access and a short approach hike, it is one of the most rewarding options in the Southern California inland ranges, and draws a loyal following of local and regional visitors.
Location & Access
Getting to Remington Hot Springs
Remington Hot Springs is reached by taking Highway 178 northeast from Bakersfield, exiting onto Borel Road, then turning south onto Kern Canyon Road. After approximately 3.4 miles, a dirt parking area on the right marks the trailhead. A quarter-mile trail descends steeply about 300 feet through cottonwood forest to the pools at the river's edge.
The trail is manageable for most fit adults but steep, and the return climb is more demanding than the descent. Footwear with good grip is essential. Cell service is limited or absent at the trailhead and along the trail, so offline maps should be downloaded before departure. The parking area holds roughly 15 vehicles and fills quickly on weekends.
The site is approximately 42 miles northeast of Bakersfield and 6 miles west of Lake Isabella, making it a practical day trip from the Central Valley or a natural stop for travelers between Bakersfield and the Eastern Sierra. For those seeking hot springs near Bakersfield with free access and a riverside setting, Remington is the most consistently visited free option in the region. The access road from Kern Canyon Road is unpaved for the final stretch but passable in standard passenger vehicles.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Remington Hot Springs Suits
Remington Hot Springs suits adults comfortable with undeveloped natural springs, a steep short trail, and a clothing-optional environment. The site has no staff or enforcement, is maintained entirely by volunteers, and operates on informal community norms. It is not suitable for young children given the steep trail, the clothing-optional setting, the proximity to a fast-moving river, and the complete absence of facilities.
The site is not wheelchair accessible. The quarter-mile trail drops 300 feet on uneven terrain, and the pools at river level have no structured access. There is no adapted infrastructure at the parking area or along the trail.
Free hot springs in California with this level of character and accessibility are uncommon, and Remington draws a loyal following of regular visitors who maintain its etiquette norms. The site is best experienced by those who appreciate a raw, community-tended outdoor space. Dogs are welcome on leash but are not permitted in the pools themselves. The Kern River alongside the pools offers a cooling dip for confident swimmers, but the current can be fast depending on dam releases from Lake Isabella upstream, and conditions can change without warning. Visitors should assess river conditions before entering the water and treat the river with caution at all times. The combination of hot soaking and cold river swimming is a distinctive feature of Remington that makes it different from most other hot springs in California.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety and Etiquette at Remington Hot Springs
Remington Hot Springs warrants mindfulness on several fronts. The Kern River adjacent to the pools carries strong current that can increase quickly following dam releases from Lake Isabella upstream. Visitors should not enter the river without assessing current conditions, and children should be kept well away from the river bank. Checking dam release schedules before visiting during high-water periods is advisable.
The trail to the pools is steep and can be slippery in wet conditions. Sturdy shoes with good grip are essential. The return climb from the pools is more demanding than the descent, and visitors should ensure they have the energy and footwear to make it back before settling in for an extended soak. No shade exists at the river-level pools; sun protection and water are both necessary, particularly in the hot summer months when Kern Canyon temperatures can be significant.
Glass containers are prohibited at the site. Broken glass in the river and around the pools has injured visitors in the past, and the no-glass rule is a firm community standard. All waste must be packed out as there are no bins or services on site. The clothing-optional custom is long-standing at Remington, though technically on Forest Service land swimsuits are legally required and rangers occasionally patrol the area.
The pools are maintained entirely by volunteers, and treating them with care is the expected standard for anyone who values their continued existence. No overnight parking is officially permitted in the main lot, but dispersed camping is available in designated areas along the river nearby. The Hobo Campground, a few miles to the east, offers a more structured camping option for those who want to make more than a day trip of the visit.
