Recreation
As you check out our points of interest and things to do, we are sure that you will be pleasantly surprised at the vast choices you have while visiting us. There are many options for you to explore. You can create a wonderful relaxing visit. One of the best reasons to visit is to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and truly relax. Even if you choose to have a more structured itinerary, you will still find that we offer a slower pace and definite peace and calm.
Staying in the Willits area provides the opportunity to take "day trips" throughout Mendocino County and beyond. Willits is centrally located in the "Heart of Mendocino County." You can make Willits your base and enjoy what we have to offer as well as taking mini-excursions exploring the magnificent Mendocino Coast, touring our award-winning wineries, and the ancient Redwood Forests.
| Make Willits your destination! | ||
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| Bicycling |
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| Whether you are an avid bicyclist or just want to take in a leisurely trip through the forests, you will find that the Willits area has some great trails to ride with your family and friends. The California Department of Transportation produces a detailed Bicycle Touring Guide covering the California Northcoast. To obtain a copy contact: Caltrans District 1, Public Affairs Officer, P.O. Box 3700, Eureka, CA 95502-3700 (707) 445-6444 |
| Willits/Ukiah KOA Kampground 1600 Hwy. 20, Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-6179 . (707) 459-1489 fax KOA Kampground offers bike rentals and a beautiful setting in which to ride. Contact the KOA office for rates and terms. |
| Jackson Demonstration State Forest Headquarters Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection 802 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 (707) 964-5674 There are several identified trails in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. The JDSF Headquarters produces a detailed map. To obtain a copy of the map contact the JDSF Headquarters office. Please note that some trails and roads may be closed at any time for maintenance, seasonal restrictions, or other reasons. |
| Mendocino National Forest - Covelo Ranger Station 78150 Covelo Rd., Covelo, CA 95428 (707) 983-6118 For information about bicycling in the Mendocino National Forest contact the Covelo Ranger Station. Mendocino National Forest Maps are available for a nominal charge. It is recommended to contact the ranger station and check on current weather and road conditions before making a trip to the Mendocino National Forest. |
 Casino |
| Sherwood Valley Rancheria Casino 100 Kawi Pl., Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-7330 Indian casino gambling. |
| Cross Country Snow Skiing |
| The Mendocino National Forest offers cross-country snow skiing for the avid outdoor enthusiast. The breathtaking scenery only adds to the experience. |
| Mendocino National Forest - Covelo Ranger Station 78150 Covelo Rd., Covelo, CA 95428 (707) 983-6118 For information about cross-country snow skiing in the Mendocino National Forest contact the Covelo Ranger Station. Mendocino National Forest Maps are available for a nominal charge. It is recommended to contact the ranger station and check on current weather and road conditions before making a trip to the Mendocino National Forest. |
| Fishing |
| The Willits area and Mendocino County offer many options for the fishing enthusiast from lake fishing to ocean fishing. |
Lake/Pond Fishing |
| Willits/Ukiah KOA Kampground 1600 Hwy. 20, Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-6179 . (707) 459-1489 fax Seasonal fishing pond. Day use for a fee. Contact KOA for information. |
| Brooktrails Community Services District (Lake Emily & Ada Rose) Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-2494 Lake Emily is stocked with trout several times a year and Lake Ada Rose also has a variety of fish. Both are located just 2 miles northwest of downtown Willits. |
| Lake Mendocino US Army Corps of Engineers 1160 Lake Mendocino Dr., Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 462-7581 Lake Mendocino has striped bass, large mouth and small mouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. For information on boat rentals, slip rentals and boat launching call the marina at (707) 485-8644. |
| Mendocino National Forest - Covelo Ranger Station 78150 Covelo Rd., Covelo, CA 95428 (707])983-6118 For information about fishing and activities in the Mendocino National Forest contact the Covelo Ranger Station. Mendocino National Forest Maps are available for a nominal charge. It is recommended to contact the ranger station and check on current weather and road conditions before making a trip to the Mendocino National Forest |
Stream & River Fishing |
| Cow Mountain Recreation Area Bureau of Land Management 2550 N. State St., Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 468-4000 Rainbow trout are found in some of the small cold water streams, and several of the small reservoirs are stocked with sunfish. |
| Mendocino National Forest - Covelo Ranger Station 78150 Covelo Rd., Covelo, CA 95428 (707) 983-6118 For information about fishing and activities in the Mendocino National Forest contact the Covelo Ranger Station. Mendocino National Forest Maps are available for a nominal charge. It is recommended to contact the ranger station and check on current weather and road conditions before making a trip to the Mendocino National Forest. |
Ocean Fishing |
| Charter boats are available for fishing off the Mendocino Coast. For more information contact the Fort Bragg-Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce at [800] 726-2780 or visit their web site at www.mendocinocoast.com. |
| Golf |
| Willits offers, just minutes from downtown, a 9-hole golf course that is challenging to play and breathtakingly beautiful. There are other quality courses in the county; however, none that have such spectacular scenery. Willits also offers miniature golf as well as a driving range near downtown. |
| Brooktrails Golf Course (Public) 24860 Birch St., Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-6761 Located approximately 2-1/2 miles from downtown, this 9-hole course is open year round. The green fees are nominal. Situated among the giant redwood trees, the course is beautiful and relaxing. Expect to see a deer or two lingering nearby. Food, beverages and golf supplies are available at the Pro Shop. Contact the Pro Shop for pricing and hours of operation. |
| KOA Kampground Miniature Golf 1600 Hwy. 20, Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-6179 . (707) 459-1489 fax Call for pricing, hours and other information. |
| Hiking |
| The Willits area offers many options for hiking. The Brooktrails area has several developed trails just minutes from town. Whether you are an avid hiker or a novice, Willits and the surrounding areas have trails that will accommodate you. |
| Brooktrails Community Services District Office 24860 Birch St., Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-2494 There are several hiking trails in the Brooktrails area. Contact the Brooktrails Community Services District Office for more detailed information. |
| Willits/Ukiah KOA Kampground 1600 Hwy. 20, Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-6179 . (707) 459-1489 fax Hike trails and see the natural growth of the forest with species identified by the California Department of Forestry. Day use fee. Contact the KOA office for current information. |
| Little Darby Nature Trail Located 7 miles east of Willits on Canyon Road. A wildlife habitat and trail that loops through Douglas Fir and brush land that includes a picnic area. The trail can be walked in less than an hour. |
| Jackson Demonstration State Forest Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection 802 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 (707) 964-5674 There are several developed trail systems within the Jackson Demonstration State Forest offering a great hiking experience as well as some of the most beautiful scenery in the North Coast of California. |
| Mendocino National Forest - Covelo Ranger Station 78150 Covelo Rd., Covelo, CA 95428 (707) 983-6118 For information about hiking in the Mendocino National Forest contact the Covelo Ranger Station. Mendocino National Forest Maps are available for a nominal charge. It is recommended to contact the ranger station and check on current weather and road conditions before making a trip to the Mendocino National Forest. |
| Horseback Riding - Trails & Rentals |
| There are several areas to ride horses in Mendocino County. |
| Willits/Ukiah KOA Kampground 1600 Hwy. 20, Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-6179 . (707) 459-1489 fax For information on horseback riding, rates and hours of operation contact the KOA office. |
| Jackson Demonstration State Forest Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection 802 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 (707) 964-5674 The forest offers several horseback riding trails as well as equestrian camping. Contact the JDSF office for information. |
| Cow Mountain Recreation Area-Bureau of Land Management 2550 N. State St., Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 468-4000 Cow Mountain Recreation area offers many back-country recreational experiences. A hiking/horseback trail system is under development, and existing roads and firebreak trails are available for non-motorized activities. |
| Mendocino National Forest - Covelo Ranger Station 78150 Covelo Rd., Covelo, CA 95428 (707) 983-6118 For information about horseback riding and activities in the Mendocino National Forest contact the Covelo Ranger Station. Mendocino National Forest Maps are available for a nominal charge. It is recommended to contact the ranger station and check on current weather and road conditions before making a trip to the Mendocino National Forest. |
| Hunting |
| The surrounding area offers several options for wild game enthusiasts. |
| Cow Mountain Recreation Area-Bureau of Land Management 2550 N. State St., Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 468-4000 Big game species that can be hunted during the State's hunting season include black-tailed deer and black bear. Upland game species include quail, dove, squirrel and rabbit. Feral pig hunting is also available year-round. Contact the BLM office in Ukiah for regulations and maps of the Cow Mountain Recreation Area. |
| Lake Mendocino US Army Corps of Engineers 1160 Lake Mendocino Dr., Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 462-7581 Hunting for waterfowl and upland game is allowed on most of the east shore land and waters. Hunting is permitted from the third Saturday in October through the last Sunday in February using shotguns only. For more information contact the Lake Mendocino-US Army Corps of Engineers Office. |
| Mendocino National Forest - Covelo Ranger Station 78150 Covelo Rd., Covelo, CA 95428 (707) 983-6118 For information about hunting in the Mendocino National Forest contact the Covelo Ranger Station. Mendocino National Forest Maps are available for a nominal charge. It is recommended to contact the ranger station and check on current weather and road conditions before making a trip to the Mendocino National Forest. |
| Parks |
| The City of Willits is fortunate to have three city parks for our residents and visitors to enjoy. For information on rental or use of the parks for weddings, family reunions, and community events contact the City of Willits, 111 E. Commercial St., Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-4601. |
| Recreation Grove Park - Largest of the city parks is located on the corner of Commercial & So. Lenore Streets. This park is used for major community events. It is equipped with a stage, covered picnic table area, restrooms, barbecue pits, food service building and children's play equipment. |
| City Park - Located in downtown Willits across the street from Willits City Hall. Huge trees that provide a welcome canopy of shade surround this park. In the center of the park is the Willits Centennial Monument, dedicated in 1988 in celebration of Willits' 100 years as an incorporated city. The park has a children's play area and is the location for the weekly Willits Farmers Market. |
| Babcock Park - Located on Hwy 101 below Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital, this is the smallest park in the community. Named after Dr. Raymond Babcock, a beloved country doctor and active community booster, who practiced in Willits for many years. The fountain was refurbished through donations from the community and now graces the southern end of the park. Many travelers stop at this park to take a quick rest and stretch their legs. Picnicking is allowed, however, there are no public restrooms on site. |
| Swimming |
| City of Willits - Municipal Pool 429 N. Main St., Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-5778 The pool is open to the public during the summer. A nominal fee is charged. |
| KOA Kampground 1600 Hwy. 20, Willits, CA 95490 (707) 459-6179 - [707] 459-1489 fax Pool open in the summer. Day use fee if you are not a guest. Contact KOA for information. |
| Tennis |
| Willits High School Tennis Courts 299 N. Main St., Willits, CA 95490 The tennis courts are available to the general public during the following times: Mar. - May., 8:30am - 6pm (weekends only); June - Aug., 8:30am - 6pm (available 7 days a week); Sept. - Feb., 8:30am - 3pm (weekends only) |
| Train Rides |
| The Skunk Train 299 E. Commercial St., Willits, CA 95490 (866) 457-5865 Willits is the eastern terminus of this popular train ride between Willits and Fort Bragg. The train travels through Redwood Forests, mountains, and meadows. |
| Walking |
| If you prefer a more urban walking experience the Willits Healthy Action Team (W.H.A.T.) has created a 10,000 Step Walk (which is about 5 miles) that takes you throughout town. There are usually 3 or 4 community walks per year (Spring, Summer & Fall). |
| W.H.A.T. Walks Contact: Jed Diamond, Coordinator (707) 459-5505 |
| Water Skiing |
| Lake Mendocino US Army Corps of Engineers 1160 Lake Mendocino Dr., Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 462-7581 Located approximately 20 miles south of Willits, Lake Mendocino offers many recreational activities. For information about water skiing contact the Army Corps of Engineers office. |