Middle Fork Eel River

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 steep-walled 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 two to three days. And beware of Coal Mine Falls. This is the most severe rapid—it hits Class V or 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