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California
Middle Fork Eel River
Conditions: Blocked
for canoeing, todayAn agency closure order is in effect for this area; weather is good
2 factors · 2 sources
Newest 8 h ago · oldest 8 h
problem: Agency alerts
17 active alerts in Mendocino National Forest; most severe: Lucas Fire Area Closure in Effect
USFSPosted Sep 15 · checked 8 h ago
clear: Weather
Clouds, high 82°F / low 48°F, 0% precip — 95/100 for canoeing
OpenWeather8 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Why you'll love it
River facts
- Water
- Seasonal — can run dry
- Average flow
- 1,257 cfs
- Average current
- 1.6 ft/s
- Gradient
- 115.5 ft/mi
- Drainage area
- 527 sq mi
Long-term averages modeled by USGS (NHDPlus HR), not today's conditions. Check a gauge before you go.
Here's your day on the water, mapped
Middle Fork Eel River
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
Photos
Directions & GPX
Permits & access
- Managing agency
- Forest Service
About this water
Middle Fork Eel River is a 36-mile paddling stretch near Zenia, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 1,257 cfs and a gradient of about 115.5 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
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Keep exploring — more water worth the drive
Balm of Gilead Creek
~5 min drive
Balm of Gilead Creek is an 8.9-mile paddling stretch near Zenia, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 80 cfs and a gradient of about 242.7 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Beaver Creek
~12 min drive
Beaver Creek is a 6.7-mile paddling stretch near Covelo, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 57 cfs and a gradient of about 538.3 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
North Fork Middle Fork Eel River
~12 min drive
North Fork Middle Fork Eel River is a 12-mile paddling stretch near Zenia, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 99 cfs and a gradient of about 112.5 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Casoose Creek
~15 min drive
Casoose Creek is a 7-mile paddling stretch near Zenia, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 70 cfs and a gradient of about 331.9 feet per mile.
Buck Creek
~17 min drive
Buck Creek is a 7-mile paddling stretch near Red Bluff, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 65 cfs and a gradient of about 259.9 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Williams Creek
~17 min drive
Williams Creek is a 9.6-mile paddling stretch near Covelo, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 76 cfs and a gradient of about 360.8 feet per mile.
Hulls Creek
~17 min drive
Hulls Creek is a 18-mile paddling stretch near Covelo, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 200 cfs and a gradient of about 178.2 feet per mile.
Red Mountain Creek
~21 min drive
Red Mountain Creek is a 7.1-mile paddling stretch near Zenia, California. It is intermittent and may run dry in some seasons. USGS models an average flow of about 49 cfs and a gradient of about 301.1 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Fish Creek
~21 min drive
Fish Creek is a 7.6-mile paddling stretch near Red Bluff, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 66 cfs and a gradient of about 326.2 feet per mile.
Shell Mountain Creek
~21 min drive
Shell Mountain Creek is a 3.9-mile paddling stretch near Mad River, California. It flows year-round. USGS models an average flow of about 43 cfs and a gradient of about 249.0 feet per mile. Land along it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
