Wilbur Hot Springs

What to expect

Wilbur Hot Springs sits alone in a valley in the inner Coast Range hills of Colusa County, about 23 miles from the nearest town with services. It has been a spa of some kind since the 1860s, and today it runs as a quiet, off-grid retreat: no grid power, no Wi-Fi, no cell signal, and a strong house culture of silence and privacy in the baths. The property covers roughly 1,700 acres, most of it a protected nature preserve of oak woodland, grass and chaparral.

The heart of Wilbur is the Fluminarium, a covered bathhouse built around long, narrow wooden soaking troughs called flumes. Spring water rises at about 143°F62°C, cools to around 128°F53°C on its way to the bathhouse, and is fed into four flumes. Staff adjust the flow so the flumes average about 100°F38°C, 105°F and 109°F41°C and 43°C. The water is untreated and constantly flowing, with a noticeable sulphur smell and a mineral feel. Outside there is a “talking flume” where quiet conversation is allowed, plus a swimming pool, a dry sauna and a cold plunge.

The swimming pool changes with the seasons. In summer it holds cool spring water and is chlorinated. In winter it is heated with geothermal water and left unchlorinated. The resort’s conditions page will tell you which mode it is in.

Getting there

All routes end on the same last few miles. From State Route 20, about 500 feet from its junction with State Route 16, turn onto Bear Valley Road. Follow this unpaved road for about 3 miles, turn left on Wilbur Springs Road, cross the Silver Bridge, and continue about half a mile to the Wilbur gate. Close the gate behind you to keep cattle in, then drive slowly to the hotel and use the temporary lot to check in.

• From Sacramento (about 1.5 hours): I-5 north to Williams, then SR 20 west for about 18 miles to the SR 16 junction and Bear Valley Road. The scenic alternative runs through Woodland, Esparto and the Capay Valley on SR 16.
• From the San Francisco Bay Area (about 2.5 hours): I-80 east past Vacaville, I-505 north, then either SR 16 through Cache Creek Canyon or I-5 to Williams and SR 20 west.
• From Napa, Santa Rosa or Ukiah: Come across Lake County on SR 29, SR 53 or SR 20, then east on SR 20 past Clearlake Oaks. Bear Valley Road is about 3 miles after you enter Colusa County.

Download your directions before you leave, because there is no signal for the last stretch. Fill up in Williams, Brooks or Clearlake Oaks, since there is no fuel nearer, and there is no EV charging on site. At night, watch for cows on the road. First-time visitors are asked to arrive in daylight.

Prices and booking

Every visit needs a confirmed reservation. The 2026 published rates, which already include an 11% land management fee:

• Day use: $68.82 weekdays, $76.59 weekends and holidays. Hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, one price whatever time you arrive. It covers the flumes, pool, sauna, community kitchen and the 1,560-acre nature preserve.
• Bunk room: $116.55 weekdays, $146.52 weekends, per person. Adults only.
• Solar Lodge private room: $228.66 weekdays, $286.38 weekends, double occupancy, sharing two half baths.
• Historic Hotel room: $243.09 weekdays, $303.03 weekends.
• Cabin: $270.84 weekdays, $338.55 weekends. Cabins 9 and 10 are ADA accessible.
• Cabin Suite with kitchen and deck: $355.20 weekdays, $442.89 weekends.
• Campsites (April to October): $87.69 per person per night, on tent platforms about 600 feet uphill from parking. No vehicle camping.

Holiday rates are a little higher. One-night stays are only available Sunday to Wednesday nights, except for bunks and campsites. Check-in is 3 PM to 9 PM and check-out is 11 AM, and you can use the baths until 5 PM on your last day. Arriving before 3 PM costs $10 per hour per person, and overstaying costs a $59 late fee. Groups of more than five should call the front desk at (530) 777-2306 before booking.

Rules and etiquette

• Ages 13 and up only. Teens must stay with a parent or guardian.
• Clothing optional in the bathing area only. Clothing is required everywhere else.
• No devices in the baths. Photos in or of the bathing area get you removed with no refund.
• Keep it quiet. Talk softly, and only outside the Fluminarium or in the talking flume.
• No alcohol, food or glass in the bathing area. Spirits are allowed in moderation elsewhere, but none are sold on site.
• Shower before you soak.
• No sexual activity in the bathing area.
• No pets and no emotional support animals. Service dogs only.
• Smoking only at the Ramada. Fire of any kind is banned elsewhere because of wildfire risk, and campers cannot use stoves.

Facilities

Food is self-catered. The community kitchen is open 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM with stoves and ovens but no microwaves or toasters, to save solar power. A small store sells coffee and snacks. The nearest grocery store is about 20 miles away, so shop on the way in. Bring your own towel, because there is no laundry on site, and pack sandals, a robe, a flashlight and layers. Room taps run cold, and hot tap water is only in the kitchen. Massage and other bodywork can be booked.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summer days in these hills often pass 100°F38°C, so soak early or late. Winter is mild but wet, and the warm pool makes it a good time to visit. Late summer and autumn bring wildfire risk, and in July 2024 the resort was evacuated as a precaution during the Ridge Fire. Check the conditions and air quality links on the resort’s site before you leave.

Where to stay nearby

Staying on site is the usual choice, since it gives you the baths through the night after day guests leave. Day visitors who want a cheap base can stay in Williams, about 23 miles east on SR 20 by I-5, which has motels and fast food. Clearlake and Clearlake Oaks, about 25 miles west, have more lodging around the lake.

Safety notes

• Hot water: The hottest flume averages about 109°F43°C. Keep soaks short, cool off between sessions, and drink plenty of water.
• Alcohol: The resort warns that drinking before soaking can be dangerous, and the baths are alcohol-free.
• Wildlife: Ticks, snakes and other animals live on the property. Check for ticks after hiking and keep food in the kitchen.
• Remoteness: There is no signal and help is far away. Tell someone your plans and carry what you need.
• Fire: Follow evacuation instructions if a fire is reported. Smoke can also make soaking unpleasant.