Frequently Asked Questions

Know Before You Go — Visiting the Mattole Valley

Roads: Many Valley roads are narrow, unpaved, and seasonal — some become impassable in wet weather. Check current conditions before you drive in, and fill up on gas before you leave HWY 101 — services are limited once you're in.

Is the land I'm on public?
Much of the Valley is private property, often unmarked. Respect posted boundaries, and remember many residents live remotely by choice — please be mindful of their privacy.

How do I help protect the Valley while I'm here?
There are no waste services out here — what you bring in, you bring out. Pack out all trash, protect water sources from contamination, and leave no trace.

  • Our Kitchen and Bathhouse is connected to on the grid power. Dome sites have their own individual battery pack or solar battery that provide lights, kettle, electric blanket, and charging for portible devices.

    There is wonderful fresh Spring Water available through out our property for drinking and any and all other needs.

  • Don't count on it. Cell service is limited and unreliable throughout most of the Valley. Download offline maps before you arrive.

    Wifi (Starlink) is available here at our property.

  • The nearest hospital is St. Josephs in Eureka, CA (almost 2 hours away) 911 response in the Valley can take significantly longer than visitors expect — come prepared to be self-sufficient.

  • Extra water, food, a full tank of gas, and a paper or offline map. Treat a Valley trip like a wilderness trip — weather and conditions can change fast.

  • Black Bears, mountain lions, bobcats, black tail deer, wild turkeys, wild pigs, and the occasional rattlesnake are present in our area.

    Store food properly in a bear container and keep food out of your tent and put away in the kitchen area.

    Give wildlife space. Do not feed or try to touch the wild animals we share our land with as this is their home too.