Known simply as “the river” to locals, the Eel River is where most of Willits heads when summer temperatures climb. Numerous swimming holes can be found along Hearst Road in the valley and along Covelo Road about 30 minutes north of downtown Willits. So pack a picnic, grab your swimsuit, and head to the river where you’ll likely have a beach entirely to yourself and an unparalleled view of some of the most gorgeous scenery in all of Northern California.