Comptche Spring, Comptche, CA 95427

## Overview Comptche Spring is a roadside public drinking spring nestled between two large redwood trees along Comptche-Ukiah Road in the rural community of Comptche, Mendocino County, California. Water flows from a one-inch white PVC pipe emerging from the ground and pours into a rustic wooden basin, offering a simple but charming stop for travelers passing through this quiet stretch of the Mendocino backcountry. Comptche itself is a tiny, unincorporated community set in the coastal hills east of the town of Mendocino, surrounded by redwood forests and rolling ranchland. The spring sits along one of the area's main corridors — Comptche-Ukiah Road — which connects the Pacific Coast (Highway 1) to the inland valleys. Historically, roadside springs like this one have served as important water stops for locals and travelers in this sparsely populated region. Visitors have reported that the water flows steadily and tastes clean, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with season and conditions. ## Directions The spring is located at approximately 39010 Comptche-Ukiah Road, on the south side of the road between two large redwood trees. **Coming from the coast (heading east):** 1. From Highway 1 near the town of Mendocino, turn east onto Comptche-Ukiah Road. 2. Drive approximately 6.2 miles east along Comptche-Ukiah Road. 3. Watch for mile marker 6.06 — the spring is just past this marker on the right (south) side of the road. 4. The spring is located before you reach the small downtown area of Comptche. **Coming from the inland side (heading west):** 1. Head west on Comptche-Ukiah Road toward the coast. 2. Pass through the small community of Comptche. 3. Shortly after leaving Comptche, look for the spring on your left (south side of the road), near mile marker 6.22. **GPS Coordinates:** 39.273887, -123.698518 ## What to Expect Comptche Spring is a modest, no-frills roadside spring. A white PVC pipe protrudes from the ground and channels water into a wooden catch basin positioned between two towering redwood trees. The setting is shaded and peaceful, with the surrounding redwood forest providing a cool canopy even on warm days. The spring is directly alongside Comptche-Ukiah Road, so access is easy — simply pull off to the side of the road near the basin. There are no formal parking areas, restrooms, or signage, so keep a sharp eye out for the pipe and basin as you approach the mile markers noted above. The spring is most visible when traveling eastbound, as it sits on the right-hand side of the road. Comptche-Ukiah Road is a winding, two-lane rural road that can be narrow in places, so drive carefully and pull well off the pavement when stopping. The area is quiet and lightly trafficked, making it a pleasant stop on a drive through Mendocino County's redwood country.