History
Big Bend Lodge was built on 14 acres at the bottom of a lovely canyon on the Eel River in 1947-50 by a man named Ace Anthony. There was nothing on the land at the time but meadows and trees - some of which Ace hand felled and milled to build the main lodge and 9 cabins. The power for his mill came from the Eel River, as did the abundant fish that he caught to feed his wife and daughter. Soon a favorite of Bay Area families, many of whom became lifelong friends of the Anthony's, some of our guests have been going to the lodge every summer for over fifty years. Sold in 1963 and then approximately once every twelve years since, the lodge was recently purchased by a group of 6 Bay Area families who have been going up as a group every July 4th for over ten years. We changed the name back to Big Bend Lodge to honor Ace.
Specialties
Summer like it used to be. Slow. Friendly. Relaxed. We have private access to an incredible stretch of the Eel River in Mendocino County near Leggett. With 14 acres to roam and the river wrapping around us in a lazy bend, there is always something to do. For those who like sports we have horseshoes, volleyball, basketball and pingpong and of course swimming in our extra deep swimming hole and gentle rafting on the river. A campfire every night brings our guest together for songs and stories. For those who seek privacy, there is a huge open stone field perfect for star gazing. We are a very short distance from the famous Drive-Thru Tree and other giant redwood attractions and parks. We are open from Memorial Day - Labor Day and by special arrangement.