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ForestMatters, LLC

Eel River Trail

Mendocino National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
3.5 mi
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Upper Eel River Wild and Scenic River corridor
  • Swimming holes in the Eel River pools accessible from the trail
  • Native steelhead and wild rainbow trout fishing
  • Valley oak woodland and riparian corridor
  • One of the cooler summer hiking options in the northern Mendocino forest

Overview

The Eel River Trail provides easy access to one of California's historically significant wild rivers in the northern portion of Mendocino National Forest. The 3.5-mile out-and-back follows the upper Eel through valley oak woodland and riparian forest, with swimming holes and fishing access throughout. The river character here is intimate and quiet, far from the lower Eel's development issues in the coastal valleys.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: River corridor. The trail begins at the Eel River Campground and follows the west bank upstream. Valley oak and alder shade the trail in the lower section. The river runs over cobblestones and bedrock with occasional deeper pools. Mergansers and great blue herons are common.

Miles 1.5 to 1.75: Upper section and turnaround. The trail enters denser conifer forest above a gravel bar with good swimming access. The trail ends at a point where the river enters a gorge section. Retrace the route back.

When to Hike

April through June for high water and wildflowers. July through September for swimming in the summer pools.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. River water is available but requires treatment. Sandals or water shoes for swimming stops.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 1 north of Covelo, Mendocino County. About 20 miles from Covelo on gravel road.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Vault restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water sources are present along the trail but require treatment before drinking. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is April through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Mendocino National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Mill Creek Trail is a similar riparian option farther south. The Anthony Peak Lookout Trail provides the high-country counterpart. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Trailhead Parking

Eel River Campground parking area on Forest Road 1, north of Covelo. Gravel road, passable with 2WD. No fee for trail; campground fee for overnight use.

← Back to Mendocino National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim in the Eel River near Covelo?
Yes. The upper Eel River has clear swimming holes accessible from the trail in summer when river levels drop to safe levels. The water is cold (mountain snowmelt-fed) and clear. There are no lifeguards; swimmers should assess current conditions and exercise judgment, particularly in spring when the river can still be running fast and high. The USFS recommends checking river conditions before swimming.
Is the upper Eel River a Wild and Scenic River?
Yes. The upper Eel River through Mendocino National Forest has Wild and Scenic River designation on portions of its length. This designation protects the river from development and maintains its free-flowing character. The trail follows the protected corridor.
Are there steelhead in the Eel River?
The Eel River was historically one of California's most productive steelhead rivers. Steelhead populations have declined significantly due to habitat degradation outside the national forest, but the upper river within Mendocino National Forest retains some of the best habitat in the watershed. Check California DFW regulations for current steelhead fishing rules before visiting (as of 2026); special regulations typically apply.