Road-trippers, who are always on the lookout for roadside attractions, this one is for you. If you’re near Willits, CA, the Gabriel Madrigal Bench is a sweet little spot to stop and take in the greenery of California’s Northern Coast Range.
Stop here for views of forested hillsides, some birdsong, and fresh air. If there’s light fog, or it’s close to the end of the day, you might be in for a bigger treat! It must be beautiful to see fog settle in the valley, or watch the sun sink behind these mountains. It’s a lovely, calm, and quiet place to pause and take in the scenery, take a break from a long drive, or have a quick snack.
This quick stop is on *Highway 20, just a few miles west of the city of Willits. If you’re on the way to the Fort Bragg area and are driving in via 101 from the San Francisco Bay Area or Southern California, this place will most probably be on your route.
The Gabriel Madrigal Bench
I tried to do some research on the place, and my understanding of this place is that the plaque placed here at the spot honors a Willits motorcyclist who lost his life during an accident. A review on Google Maps talks of a ‘late’ person who put up a bench here before he proposed to his wife here. If one were to piece the two references together, we might have the story of this place and the bench here.
If you have more to add to this, please feel free to do so.
If you’d like to make a quick stop at this roadside attraction:
- The Gabriel Madrigal Bench is on California State Route 20 near Willits, CA
- It is around 6 miles west of the city of Willits.
- There are no signs on the road, but if you look for it, you’ll see a turnout that can accommodate a few cars.
- There’s a parking space, a bench, and some lovely views.
If you live on the US West Coast or are planning a visit, here are some quick stops road trippers might want to take note of:
Stone Giants of Stanislaus Forest
Valley Views from I-5 between the Bay Area and So Cal
Mt. Shasta photo spot on I-5 in Northern California
Rim of the World (on the way to Yosemite)
Stop for some Elk, here (Oregon Coast)
Benches like these always feel more than just a resting spot –they carry stories, memories, and a quiet invitation to pause. The idea of fog rolling into the valley or the sun slipping behind the ridges sounds magical.
Beautiful photos as always, Dee!
True that, Veronica.
This was a lovely find.
Thank you so much, Veronica. 🙂
So beautiful place. Awesome pics. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for visiting, Rupam. 🙂
Another beautiful corner of this great state. I want to see more of it someday.
Oh yeah! The North Coast is gorgeous! <3
I will keep this in mind next time we are travelling up north. Thanks so much!
-Soma
Please do. It’s a quiet, little, unassuming spot.
I hope you get to catch some fog there. 🙂
Thank you for coming this way, Soma. 🙂