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Map Satellite Hot Creek, which arises as Mammoth Creek, takes its name from the hot springs which occur at intervals along its course. Some of the springs are truly hot springs, with water temperatures nearing the boiling point. Though most of the springs are fumaroles, or bubbling hot springs, there has been geyser activity in the recent past.
The creek has cut through late Tertiary rhyolitic deposits which have been altered and whitened by hot springs activity.
Along portions of the creek there are tule, Scirpus sp., and willow, Salix sp., thickets which are utilized by migratory birds as a resting area, and by numerous land birds and several waterfowl, including mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, gadwall, Anas strepera, and cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera, as nesting areas. Nearby there are sage grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus, populations.
Integrity: Portions of the area are well used for bathing and fishing and there are various buildings and paths within the area.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
May 1981
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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