Hidden Orr-iginal
Historic, clothing optional (read: almost everyone wears their birthday suit), and well off the beaten path, Orr Hot Springs Resort 12 miles west of Ukiah is a retreat like few others. Sprawling across 27 acres surrounded by redwoods, lush gardens—and more than a few full moons!—oases include communal soakers at 107 degrees, private porcelain tubs, and a spring-fed swimming pool. Visitors can make it a day trip or spend the night; among the options are campsites, yurts, and cabins. Night-trippers are allowed to slip into the suds as late as they’d like, making for some nice winter stargazing. A communal kitchen has the pots and pans for preparing a meal to enjoy in the lodge’s dining room or outdoors at a garden picnic table. Speaking of, the garden-variety here applies just as much to the people as to the plants. Orr attracts everyone from bohemians to hipsters, to “Oh hell, let’s give it a try” types. Ready Orr not…!
BONUS: Not far up the road from Orr you’ll find California’s most isolated redwood state park, Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve. Take a short hike among some of the tallest trees in the world.
Orr Hot Springs, 13201 Orr Springs Rd., Ukiah; (707) 462-6277. Reservations required for both day use and overnight. Day use of hot springs is from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and costs $30. Overnight prices vary depending on which accommodation you choose, and price includes all facilities; there is a two-night minimum with the exception of camping, where a one-night stay is allowed—call for information. Overnighters get 24-hour access to the hot springs. No dogs.



