Eel River

The Eel River meanders for 100 milea long through some of the most pristine redwood groves in the state. The mouth of the mighty river opens up 15 miles south of Eureka after weaving its path through both Mendocino and Humboldt counties.

It is amazing to think that at the turn of the century, the Chinook salmon was over a half million strong in this river. Though the present numbers are only a fraction of their former glory, one can still enjoy salmon, some trout fishing and the largest steelhead run in California.

Very limited on the Six Rivers National Forest portion of the Eel River. The river can be accessed via two trail systems. Easy access exists downstream of Forest Service boundaries.

Packwood Flat - Take Mad River Road to Hwy 504 to Forest Service Road 3S13 to 2S05 to 3S34. You will find the Packwood Trail head on 3S34. An approximately three-mile hike will lead you to the North Fork Eel.

Bradburn Trail - From Hwy 36 take Hwy 511 to Hwy 515 to Forest Service Road 2S16 to 7E04. Go north on 7E04 to Bradburn Trail Head. The trail accesses the East Fork of the Eel.