Vichy Springs
Vichy Springs flows at 85 degrees in Mendocino County wine country, producing water 26 degrees warmer than ambient temperature on Sulphur Creek where a historic resort once attracted health-conscious visitors seeking mineral waters.
The spring emerges at 806 feet elevation where redwood forests meet oak woodlands and vineyard country. A short walk from parking reveals thermal pools surrounded by native vegetation in a secluded creek-side setting where the microclimate supports lush ferns and shade-loving plants.
Native Americans used this spring long before 1848, when settler Frank Marble documented it for the broader public. The site developed into a commercial resort catering to those seeking therapeutic mineral waters, establishing Vichy Springs as a recognized destination in Northern California's landscape.
The spring is accessible via a short walk from parking. The property offers a more developed experience than wilderness springs, though day-use access remains available. Mendocino County's cool, wet winters and dry summers mean spring and fall provide ideal conditions for a visit.
Is Vichy Springs worth visiting?
Best for
- Warm-water soaking
- Easy day trips
- Overnight camping trips
Overview Chekaka Recreation Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California's Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country. There is one reservable picnic pad in the Overlook Day-Use Area. Chekaka Campground has been permanently closed. The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities is available, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Recreation The 1,822-acre lake provides abundan...