Friday, January 1st, 2010
WILBUR HOT SPRINGS
BY MARLOW RILEY / PHOTOGRAPH BY TIM SACHAK
IF THERE’S ONE THING Californians know well, it’s how to live a healthy lifestyle. And no wonder—the environment itself provides excellent means for rejuvenation. Take Wilbur Hot Springs (530-473-2306; www.wilburhotsprings.com). For centuries, the mineral springs that make up this resort in Colusa County (a beautiful one-hour-and-forty-minute drive north from San Francisco), have allowed for relaxation and healing.
The Native Americans of Northern California’s Coast Range Mountains proclaimed that the springs were magical because of their restorative qualities. According to legend, one of congressman Gen. John Bidwell’s men became ill while searching for gold in 1863. The natives brought him to the springs, where he was miraculously healed, and Bidwell began spreading the word. Over the years, the property around the springs went through several owners and fell into disrepair until 1972, when San Francisco-based psychologist Dr. Richard Louis Miller purchased it. He restored the property and opened Wilbur Hot Springs to the public in 1974.
Located on an 1,800-acre nature preserve, the resort is far from grocery stores and restaurants, so visitors bring their own food and cook in a communal kitchen; those who don’t cook can participate in “Guest Chef Weekends” and enjoy healthy meals by featured chefs.
Yoga, mountain biking and even river rafting in the nearby Cache Creek Canyon are popular activities, but the main attractions, of course, are the natural hot mineral baths, where water is channeled into three flumes with average temperatures of 98, 105 and 110 degrees.
While the restorative properties of the mineral-rich water may not be magic, after a few days at this spectacular, secluded resort you’ll certainly feel like they are.
