Visiting Little River Inn – Beautiful, Healing and Uplifting

For many years, I have wanted to visit Little River Inn, having passed it many years ago on a visit to Mendocino. I was thrilled when an opportunity came my way.  My friend and colleague, Jessica Levant, Splash Magazines Worldwide photographer, agreed to drive me there for a two-day visit.  Those two days felt much longer as time slowed and the ocean took over, beautiful, healing and uplifting.

After what felt like a harrowing drive through the rain and along 50 miles of winding roads through redwood forests, the arrival at the coast was a joy. Arriving early, we had an opportunity to explore the grounds- the tennis court and the golf course.  It is a large compound with 65 rooms, mostly facing the ocean and a remarkable view of the Pacific.

Before long, our rooms were ready.  Each of the rooms had an ocean view and each was charming. Jessica’s room was in the original building that houses the office, the bar and the restaurant and dates back to the late 1850’s.  My room had a fire place and a deck with rocking chairs.  Just in front of the deck was a large wooden structure which we learned was Ole sitting on a bench and welcoming visitors.  The story of Little River Inn takes off with Ole, entrepreneur, host, family man and mover and shaker.

A book called, “The Finn, The Twin and the Inn” written by Mel McKinney, son-in-law of Ole and Cora Hervilla, tells the history of the inn and the various family members and their role in developing the inn and the community in which it is located.

Many movies were made in this area including: Frenchmen’s Creek-1943, Johnny Belinda-1947, East of Eden-1954, The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming-1965, The Dunwich Horror-1969 and Pontiac Moon-1993. Many members of the casts and crews stayed at the inn and ate and drank there, making for fascinating stories.  Ronald Reagan stayed here when he accompanied his actress wife, Jane Wyman-before he was Governor.  Earl Warren stayed here as Governor.

Mel McKinney, Ole and Cora’s son-in-law recognized that the family he became a part of was quite remarkable and tells the story that begins with Silas Coombs Sr. building the original home in 1856 and two generations down, the opening of the Little River Inn in May of 1939.  This story ends in 1993.

Ole and Cora’s granddaughter Cally Dym now owns Little River Inn.  She generously shared her story, telling us about her interest in the inn going back to 2003, of special dishes she has prepared including honey roasted huckleberry, and her delight in greeting guests who come for Thanksgiving.  Some families have been coming each year since 1940.

The pandemic found Little River Inn closed for 100 days.  The area wide innkeepers met together weekly to support one another through this very difficult time, and continue to meet monthly.  Ultimately, tourism increased to levels even higher than before the pandemic. 

There is a twinkle in her eye as she describes her very resourceful grandfather.  He had the vision to turn a pasture into a golf course and to build the local airport which is the closest airport to Hawaii in the US mainland.

Our visit to Little River Inn was refreshing and renewing.  The incredibly beautiful views of the Pacific, the quality of the air, being surrounded by natural beauty and no pressure was just what we needed.  The proximity to the beach, just across the road and the openness of the grounds, the charming and busy bar and the restaurant that serves delicious breakfasts and dinners, as well as the golf course and tennis courts are standout features of this spot.  There is no shortage of things to see and do nearby.

Just up the road is Stanford Inn by the Sea, which emphasizes health and wellness.  I found their vegan restaurant, Ravens, so appealing that we dined there on our second night. More information

Take 101 to Fort Bragg to catch the skunk train.  On the way back there is the Coast Botanical Gardens. There are many hiking trails: Noyo Headlands, Russian Gulch, or Big River Trail or check this guide

Passing the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, we took a turn and found our experience delightful.  While this is open 365 days a year, one need to walk a half mile to reach the lighthouse.  This was perfect for us – a beautiful walk to a destination.  The most interesting surprise was the home that was occupied by the lighthouse keeper and his family which is a kind of museum and a very worthwhile visit. More about the park Information about Kayaking and canoeing is available and, should you need a ride, two reliable drivers in the area are available. And,don’t forget to make a stop in downtown Mendocino. We loved the charm of the general store and the look of the bank building.

Watch for special events at Little River Inn: Included are holiday events -25% reduction in rooms booked between Dec 1-23, 2024 with bookings made by Nov 15, 2024 using CODE: WINTER24 – – Nov 23 offers- DIY cocktail workshop, Nov 16 & 23 makes a 4-course Friendship dinner (25% off rooms, CODE:FRIENDS24) available, Dec 22-29 brings a cozy LRI Christmas. 

In addition, November offers a Harvest Festival, December-A Mushroom Symposium, January-Crabbing Adventure, February-Puppy Love and March-Whale Festival (“Whale of a sale”, CODE:WHALE25)

All photos by Jessica Levant

Check this to stay at Little River Inn.