Willits Chamber of Commerce, welcomes you to Willits, California! "Gateway to the Redwoods Heart of Mendocino County". Willits is a small rural community located on U.S. Highway 101 approximately 140 miles north of San Francisco. A town rich in history with beautiful scenery, from rolling hills to picturesque ranches dotting the landscape. Named after Hiram Willits, it was settled by pioneering ranchers in the 1850's.