Big Bend (California)
Big Bend is a city in Shasta County in the Shasta Cascades region of California.
Get in
By car
The only way into Big Bend is to go by car. From CA Hwy 299 (east of Redding), turn north on Big Bend Road. When you get to the intersection at Nelson Creek Road, you're in Big Bend.
Get around
As Big Bend is such a small town, the only plausible way to get around is by car.
See
The area of the Pit River near Big Bend is good for boating and nature viewing. There are also many hot springs open to visitors.
Do
Big Bend Hot Springs
Big Bend Hot Springs is in the town of Big Bend, in northern California. The site has extraordinary geothermal springs and wells and is on the Pit River between two volcanoes, Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen. The two-mile gravel road descends down a rough, narrow wash to the Hot Springs Historic District and trailhead area. Motor homes and oversize vehicles are prohibited on the one-way sections of the Hot Springs Road.From the trailhead, the hot spring is a 0.5-mile round trip. A one-mile loop trail continues from the hot spring around on the bluff above the Rio Grande, returning to the trailhead area. The hot spring is not accessible by car.
Hot spring water is heated by geothermal processes and emerges at 105 °F (41 °C). The water carries dissolved mineral salts reputed to have healing powers. Some hot springs can burn you either with the scalding effects of heat or the caustic nature of the water chemistry. Use caution when bathing and limit the exposure of children to the warm waters. When the Rio Grande floods, muddy water flows over the spring, often submerging it. Once the flood has receded, the spring may be covered in rocks, mud or debris.
Pit River
Fishing
This river is excellent for trout fishing, but is extremely hard. Only fish here if you are physically fit to do so.
Buy
Eat
There are no restaurants in Big Bend, so be sure to bring your own meals.
Drink
Sleep
If you stay here, you must bring a tent; there are no motels or RV sites of any kind in Big Bend. Overnight camping is prohibited in the area of the Hot Springs.