Trail Reports : Eel River, CA

By: Mike Serpe

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The Eel River provides endless banking which you can tour through many canyons, valleys, and redwood forests. Easiest access is just off Route 1 at the Intersection of the Avenue of the Giants (Big Trees) in Northern CA. Dropping down off Ave. of the Giants into the River Bank area, one can find, depending on water depth/river height that you can actually drive much of this great river and follow it into lands otherwise quite inaccessible. The off-road terrain is a sandy gravel mix that provides rather decent tractability, even under the water. We had no problem with normal 4WD and street tires on our exploration of this grand river valley. Don’t expect anything intense, although you will need to ford the river several times, and it can get quite deep. We visited the area in the late Summer, at the end of the dry season when the river is low, thus offering the most exposure to the river banks on which you can travel. When one bank ends it seems that just across the water another begins. Some go for several miles, others just a few hundred yards. Nonetheless, if you find yourself touring the redwoods, you might as well stop by.

Directions:
Route 1 North or South to the intersection and exit for Avenue of the Giants (referring to the giant Redwood trees). Go under Route 1 and the dirt road down to the bank can be found to the east. Travel in the direction of the train tressle and make your first river crossing there. (see photos) You can then venture on up into the canyon which heads further East. Tread lightly when crossing the river as you may kick up soils and create unnecessary run-off.

Ratings:
Beauty Factor: 5
Difficulty: 1
Body Damage: n/a
4WD: yes
Lockers: no
Recommendations: 32” tires min. 35” best for higher river levels. Use care when crossing the river, there is little to winch from. Bring a pull-pall or boat anchor.
Accessible: Late summer to late Autumn (least flow)










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