Orr Hot Springs

Category: Hot Springs-soakable

GPS GeoCoords: 39.197881, -123.281301

(Alan Bishop review, site no longer available)
This is one of the best spots in California. The big decisions here are whether to sit and read your book, get a glass of wine from the kitchen, or go soak in the tubs. There is a shallow pool great for lying down in and staring at the stars. Orr has recently added a new steam room and sauna, replacing the old one that was falling apart. Although not as rustic as the other facilities, they do not detract from the atmosphere. If you camp, you have the sounds of a stream to help you get to sleep. No food is served: instead you bring your own and use the kitchen facilities, which is a great way to meet the other people. On busy weekends, they limit the number of people allowed in. Go on a weekday and you will have the place almost to yourself.

If you are visiting Mendocino, this is a good place to stop by on your way back to US101. Take Compche-Ukiah road off of CA1, just south of Mendocino, which eventually turns into Orr Springs Road. It takes around an hour to get there and another 25 minutes to get to US101.

This is worth a special visit. Make sure you bring plenty of food and drink, as the nearest store is a 25 minute drive back along a twisty road. Also, take plenty of towels as the sun often does not make it into the valley in the afternoon. The only caveat is that on busy weekends, the communal sleeping room is not recommended, as there is always a loud snorer to keep you awake.')


Hot redwood tub, a large, warm natural pool, another cold pool, steam room and sauna, and a variety of accomodations including yurts. Accomodations vary from $40 to $185; car camping is allowed for $45 with full use of the facilities.

Day use fees are $22 ($15 on Mondays, excluding holidays).

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