About an hour east of Mendocino Village, you’ll find hidden gems perfect for a day trip: Montgomery Woods State Park and Orr Hot Springs. Nestled close to one another, these destinations offer a blend of awe-inspiring natural beauty and relaxing geothermal baths
A Scenic Drive Through Mendocino Beauty
The scenic Comptche-Ukiah Road winds through coastal redwood and pygmy forests, meadows, valleys, hilltops, and along a river – so much Mendocino beauty. You will pass by farms and old homesteads that harken to a simpler life, and about halfway, you will reach the one-store town of Comptche. The Comptche Store is worth a quick pop-in just to step back in time.
Walk Among the Giants at Montgomery Woods
The entrance to Montgomery Woods State Park will be on your right, about one hour from Mendocino Village. The woods are gorgeous, there are few visitors, and the park contains some of the tallest redwood trees in the world. Take the full loop (about an hour’s walk) and snap a photo with the famous and enormous redwood root ball from one of these incredible, fallen giants.
Relax and Rejuvenate at Orr Hot Springs
Just past Montgomery Woods lies the spa oasis Orr Hot Springs, where you can enjoy geothermal hot springs in a variety of natural tubs and varying temperatures. They also have wet and dry saunas, as well as personal, open-air clawfoot tubs. Keep in mind that there are no restaurants along this route, so plan your meals in advance and pack them accordingly. There is a communal kitchen on-site for your cooking use. We recommend stocking up on picnic supplies in Mendocino before heading out – Mendocino Market is a great choice for pre-made sandwiches, or either Coroner’s of the Mouth or Harvest will have great provision options, as well. Remember to bring plenty of water and maybe some Anderson Valley wine!
