This fork of the Eel is hands-down one of the best runs in the state. A wild, rugged country of dense forests, meadows, rolling hills, and steepwalled gorges also furnishes paddlers a range of heart-thumping excitement. The float from Eel River Station, just east of where the Black Butte River enters the Eel, to Dos Rios serves up a heady blend of Class II-IV+ rapids and views of the Yolly Bolly Wilderness. It is a 30-mile run, plan on 2 to 3 days. And beware of Coal Mine Falls. This is the most severe rapid - it hits Class Vor VI. You may want to portage.

When to go:

Winter-spring.

Getting there:

From US 101, exit at Hwy. 162 to Eel River Ranger Station.

Put-in:

Eel River Ranger Station

Take-out:

Dos Rios.

River Class:

Mostly II-IV+; Coal Mine Falls is Class V or VI - consider portaging.

Local BLM Office:

Arcata Resource Area
P.O. Box 1112
1125 16th St.
Arcata, CA 95521