Near Ojai in Ventura County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Matilija Hot Springs

Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017

1. Matilija Hot Springs Marker

Inscription. Matilija Hot Springs was developed as a health spa and vacation resort by J.W.Wilcox in 1871. In 1873 cabins were added and a hotel built. The resort was destroyed by the floods of 1884, but rebuilt in 1885 with a bath house and other accommodations. It has been a favorite county mountain resort since the days the grizzly bear enticed the big game hunter, and native trout returning from the sea to spawn in the headwaters of the Ventura River lured fishermen from far and near.

Ventura County Landmark No. 25

Erected by Ventura County. (Marker Number 14.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Ventura County Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 34° 29′ N, 119° 18.242′ W. Marker is near Ojai, California, in Ventura County. It is on Matilija Hot Springs Road west of California Route 33, on the left when traveling west. Located four miles north of Ojai. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 788 S Matilija Hot Springs Rd, Ojai CA 93023, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles,

on Central Coast,

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Weinberger Memorial Garden (approx. 3.8 miles away); Matilija Junction RR Station

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(approx. 3.8 miles away); Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (approx. 4 miles away); Nordhoff School (approx. 4.1 miles away); Ojai Post Office Tower and Portico (approx. 4.1 miles away); Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (approx. 4.2 miles away); The Ojai Arcade (approx. 4.2 miles away); The History of Libbey Bowl (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ojai.

Regarding Matilija Hot Springs. The popular resort was destroyed by the Thomas Fire in 2017. The ruins were removed and nothing remains except for the marker. The property is not open to the public.

Formerly Ventura County Landmark No. 25, Matilija Hot Springs is now Ventura County Point of Interest No. 14.

Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017

2. Matilija Hot Springs Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,101 times since then and 102 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.