The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The middle and south forks of the Eel River are both major Eel River tributaries in northwest California. The middle fork of the river flows for about 70 miles while the south fork flows for 105 miles, and both divisions run through Mendocino County. The central and south forks drain the Yolla Bolly Mountains and other mountains of the California Coast Range and supply water to local industries, agricultural fields, and residential homes.
Part of the south fork of the Eel River is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. The entire middle fork and south fork Eel River area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a U.S. government organization that works to keep the river open for public recreation. Visitors to the Eel River can access the middle and south forks at the Red Mountain unit or Cahto Peak unit.
The Shakota Trail is a scenic hiking and mountain biking trail with views of rolling hills and Lake Mendocino. Hikers and bikers who take the northbound route of the course will find a picnic area at the end of the path.
Length: 5.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located within Mendocino Headlands State Park, the Mendocino Headlands Trail is an easy out-and-back trail with views of the rocky California coast.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Ka Kahleh Trail is a paved trail with few inclinations near Fort Bragg, California. This trail is especially popular with hikers who like bird-watching along the coastline.
Length: 4.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Perhaps the most popular activity in the middle and south forks of the Eel River is fishing, specifically for steelhead trout. Multiple surveys of the middle fork of the Eel River were conducted between 1966 and 1999 and found that this section of the river supports some of the best wild populations of steelhead trout in the U.S. As for the south fork of the river, it has been estimated that over half of California's coho salmon population is located in the waters.
If you would like to fish in the middle and south forks of the Eel River, be sure to access the river from the Red Mountain or Cahto Peak access areas only. Avoid fishing along other river areas as some sections, although they run along Highway 101, are private property.
Many picnic sites exist around the Eel River, such as the Glen Eden Day Use Area in Lakeport. This area includes picnic tables and public vault restrooms. Another picnic site is located within Lakeside County Park, a large park on Clear Lake. This park has multiple picnic tables, barbecue pits, a playground, and a boat launch ramp.
For RV camping near the Eel River, check out Casper Beach RV Park, which has full hookups and offers free Wi-Fi to guests. This RV park also features excellent coast views and has access to a large beach. Another camping option is the Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort, which features full hookups, a pool, a hot tub, a playground, and a location within a redwood forest.
Consider checking out the Red Mountain Campground when looking for a Bureau of Land Management free camping option near the Eel River. This BLM RV camping area allows visitors to stay for up to 14 nights at a time, and it has access to vault toilets. Buckhorn Campground down the road is a similar option that has four first-come, first-served campsites with fire pits and picnic tables. To find additional camping areas, search online for "BLM camping near me."
If you plan on staying at a BLM campground near the Eel River, know that you will likely not have access to any hookups, including hookups for electricity, water, and sewage. That being said, you should pack for your camping trip accordingly and bring plenty of containers with fresh water, battery or solar-operated equipment, and firewood and fire starters.
Although BLM camping does not come with many amenities, it does come with the experience of solitude. So, before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Any time you visit a Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or recreation areas, like the Middle Fork and South Fork Eel River access points, be sure to pick up after yourself to help keep the land clean and safe for others. If you're staying at a Bureau of Land Management campground, pack what you bring in and watch your campfires closely to avoid wildfire outbreaks.
To access the Middle Fork and South Fork Eel River via the Red Mountain access unit, take Highway 101 to Piercy and then exit onto CA-271. From there, turn onto Red Mountain Road and follow this road to the marked access point. To reach the Cahto Peak access unit, take Highway 101 to Laytonville. At the northern end of town, turn west onto Branscomb Road and travel for about 2.5 miles. From there, turn right onto Cahto Peak Road and travel to the end of the road, where the access point will be.
Ready to visit Middle Fork & South Fork Eel River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
