Point Arena Hot Springs

The Point Arena Hot Springs are hot springs located along the Garcia River, 15 miles southeast of Point Arena in Mendocino County, California, in the United States. The hot springs served as a popular resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1913, the California Blue Book described the Point Arena Hot Springs as "one of California's most beautiful health resorts."[1]

Point Arena Hot Springs in the early 20th century.

The springs

The springs are located in the canyon of the Garcia River. There are sixteen hot springs, approximately six feet apart, on the northeastern side of the canyon. The springs produce between 1.5 and 3 gallons of mild sulphur water at between 110 and 112 degrees.[2][3]

Resort history

The resort was founded in 1895 and opened to the public in 1904.[2][3] By 1910 a hotel was built on site, including several cottages and camping tents, with a capacity for 100 guests.[2] The resort offered, hunting, fishing, croquet, billiards, a bowling alley, and a photography darkroom. It also offered onsite dining and dancing in the evening. The resort cost $12 a week to visit.[3] While the resort was operating, the springs were formed into cemented basins, with two small bathhouses built over the stream with bathtubs. Guests also bathed directly in the springs.[2] The property was only accessible by horse and carriage.

References
  1. California Blue Book. State Printing Office. 1913. p. 696.
  2. Water-supply Paper. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1915. pp. 82–83.
  3. Katy M. Tahja (2008). Early Mendocino Coast. Arcadia Publishing. p. 19. ISBN 978-0-7385-5946-9.

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