Jenny P.
Yelp
Nerdy Opener:
Orr is basically a clothing-optional version of the Shire in Middle Earth, you know, that northern part where Hobbiton meets the Bindbole Woods. Huts with living roofs, stone footpaths, small footbridges over the river, ferns, small waterfalls, soft green woodsy areas, communal kitchens, sitting rooms with big comfy furniture, mellow laid-back people chilling...
The Journey In:
It's nice that I don't have to travel to New Zealand for a hobbit hot spring experience. I'll stop being nerdy now. Be warned, Orr Hot Springs road is unkind to the carsick and to cars with cumbersome handling. Twists, turns, hairpins, blind corners, etc. Count 12 miles from the turn onto the road, and then Orr Resort is pretty obvious once you get there, on the left, after some wooden fencing. There is a check in parking lot first, to the left, and then two lots to the right if you miss this one. It's $30 for day use, and make sure to book in advance. It fills up fast, and they only let a certain amount of people in a day to make sure everything stays pristine. No groups of more than 4 are allowed.
Relaxing Atmosphere Makes a 5 Star Experience:
I really enjoyed the atmosphere here. Orr has posted signs that stress the importance of making all guests feel comfortable at all times, and everyone pretty much abides by these rules, from what I saw. They also are reiterated upon check in (I appreciated this because sometimes these places don't give you much info upon check in, and it's kind of abrupt and awkward. I appreciated the overview.). The outdoor hot pools are rather small in size, but they feel very nice and are well kept due to the daily attendance cap. Clear, calm, and naturally filtered through a drainage system. Our favorite was a snug warm pool (I would guess just shy of 100 degrees.) built into the far side of the cold swimming pool. It fit me and two friends perfectly.
Orr has just about everything:
Friendly Frenchman to greet, advise, and give a mini tour of the map? Check.
A mellow cat named Elvis that loves pets and tolerates selfies? Check.
Communal sitting areas, kitchens, shelves stuffed with books and games, and cabins to rent out for a weekend? Check.
A fully functioning website and responsive, welcoming staff? Check.
Three outdoor hot pools of varying size and temperature, one large spring fed swimming pool, and several private baths both indoors and outdoors? Check.
Lockers, changing rooms, showers, steam room, sauna, and massage? Check.
Spacious HEATED bathroom easily accessible from the pools? Check!
Important:
As always, check the weather before heading out. The road is unforgiving enough without rain, with makes it more difficult. There are soft shoulders with plenty of nice mud to potentially get stuck in. However, if you have faith in your driving and your car, you'll be fine. When we went this past weekend, it did rain on us, but it was light drizzle and only added to the experience. I liked sitting outdoors in the snug hot pool as rain fell on me from above. Additionally, be advised that your cell phone will not work here, and there is no wifi. If you route your phone from Ukiah, googlemaps could take you all the way (mine did!), but that's all you get.
Yelpers: Check in when you get back to Ukiah proper. Checking in while you're here won't happen.
I can't wait to come back for perhaps a romantic weekend or to try that Montgomery Redwoods hiking trail further down the road.