| Traveling 800 River miles from the mountains through ancient redwood forests, the Eel River offers a variety of plunge points for day trippers as it meanders south from Leggett to Willits. Receiving both state and national “Wild and Scenic” designation, the river offers a variety of swim spots including lazy bends and rushing currents. Pack a picnic and head north from Willits via Highway 101 to Highway 162 toward Covelo. At 15.3 miles turn left at Laytonville Dos Rios Road. The confluence of the Eel River and Middle Fork offer numerous turn-outs for dipping. Photo credit: Wikipedia. www.blm.gov/visit/middle-fork-south-fork-eel-river.
From the surreal file
Bowling Ball Beach has caused speculation for centuries given the mass of almost perfectly spherical stones. Hidden like the Terracotta Army, the geological phenomena known as “concretions” are rare and picture-ready, formed by a natural process of sedimentary rock binding to minerals and/or stone. These stones, paired with a sizzling Mendocino sunset, finish the frame. Located at Schooner Gulch State Beach, visitors can access the site via a short hike across the bluffs and moderate scramble down a dirt path. Note: Low tide access only. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=446.
Adrenalin rushes
Push the adrenalin button as well as the envelope with a kayak tour of Mendocino’s local sea caves and arches. Take to the high seas at Van Damme State Park with Kayak Mendocino for an exploration of all things salty… harbor seals, gulls, terns, sea stars and resident urchin. Glide in and out of narrow sea caves and coves, explore the marine life in coastal nooks and float the day away with a pro leading the way. All ages, no experience required.
Liquid Fusion Kayaking is the stop. Start with a skills tune-up at Noyo Beach then move into guided maneuvers including capsizing, recovery and reading the waves. Not for the uninitiated, this is a three-hour adventure certain to put every muscle into play. www.kayakmendocino.com; www.liquidfusionkayak.com.
Soak away the stress
..Sometimes all it takes to rejuvenate the mind and body is a good long soak. Enter California Landmark No. 980 – better known as the champagne mineral baths – Vichy Springs Resort and Spa. A favorite of Teddy Roosevelt, Mark Twain and Jack London, the 700-acre playground offers America’s only warm and naturally carbonated Vichy mineral baths (and Olympic-size pool); day rate available. www.vichysprings.info.
Retro spa
For a look back at old Mendocino, Orr Hot Springs is worth the trek. Located next to Montgomery Woods State Park in the back country, this 27-acre bucolic escape is the real deal. There's a secluded mineral bath, two communal tubs set between 104–107 degrees or snag one of two stargazing tubs located atop of the bathhouse building. The enormous cold pool, a 15 by 60 ft., spring-fed plunge built into a rock sidewall set at a delightful 65–75 degrees, offers the ultimate chill down. For those seeking a detox duo, the dry sauna and constant-flow steam room, from the same water source, does the trick; massage is also available. Orr also offers 23 guestroom cottages including six stand-alone yurts and cabins. www.orrhotsprings.org.
Cannonball run
..Slumbering in a narrow canyon at the foot of Cow Mountain just 5.5 miles east of Ukiah, Mill Creek is home to a mix of oak, madrone and bay forest, spectacular spring wild flowers and three sizable dams, the third being the largest and most sought out swimming hole. Take to a network of nature trails in this 400-acre park replete with panoramic backdrops of Ukiah Valley then uncork a cool one with a somersault landing. Exit Highway 101 at Talmage Rd., turn right on Old River Road and left on Mill Creek Rd. www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mill-creek-park-ridge-trail.
Drift, paddle, plunge
.Oh, for the love of Big River, the second longest estuary in California sporting 8.3 miles of scenic splend0r. On tap at Catch-a-Canoe & Bicycles Too! are a variety of toys for a trek upriver including a 9-person Solar Wind Tribird, locally-crafted redwood outriggers, sporty kayaks and SUP boards. Private tours aboard the Mendoléa Voyaging Canoe, built from repurposed old-growth redwood, combines state-of-the-art electric power in an ultra-stable catamaran configuration. A Canine Cruiser with a raised padded floor for dogs is the ticket for a stint up the pristine river in search of resident harbor seals, river otter and a plethora of birds. www.catchacanoe.com.
Wine down
Mendocino’s wine-centric Anderson Valley features a cache of world-class wineries. Just past Iron Bridge at mile marker 3.675 in Navarro River Redwoods State Park lies Big Hole, a crisp counterpart to a day of uncorking the good stuff. A 10-minute hike through the redwoods delivers nature’s nirvana in an Instagram-ready format; www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=435.
Mendocino County sits 114 mi./184 km. north of San Francisco and can be reach by car after flying into San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), and Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS). It's also a scenic drive from parts of California. For more information, go to www.VisitMendocino.com.
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