Kayaking and Rafting

Southern Humboldt waterways offer outstanding opportunities for rafting, boating and kayaking adventures, from the emerald-green Eel River — which offers long wilderness stretches ranging from expert-level whitewater to mellow flow, depending on season and conditions — to the magical Lost Coast, with its spectacular views of dramatic cliffs and ocean wildlife.

The Eel River

More of the Eel, a designated Wild & Scenic River, is protected than any other river system in California. Within its three forks, the Eel River illustrates a diverse range of river types, originating in mountain pine forests and flowing through steep canyons and coastal redwoods, before emptying into the Pacific in a gently sloping valley with virgin redwood stands.

Winter and early spring bring heavy rainfall that contributes to high water levels, swift currents and underwater debris hazards that put the river above its Class III rating, limiting the cool season to advanced paddlers and making recreation unsafe immediately following a storm. The Eel has a reputation for dramatically changing conditions week by week, and even year or over, making it both unpredictable and exciting. Fortunately, flow decreases quickly following storms and — as the water lowers throughout spring — it often becomes ideal for kayaks and canoes. A few Class III pool drop rapids remain, interspersed with Class II and flat stretches. This is a spectacular time for a run down the river, as hillsides cascade with springs and waterfalls.

By summer, the silt settles and turns the river a brilliant green and the water level lowers significantly, slowing flow and revealing interesting rock formations. Anglers head out in fishing boats, and canoes and kayaks are joined by rafters as the river winds down to Class 1 on the 30-mile stretch between Alderpoint and Dyerville along Avenue of the Giants. This is section is an excellent opportunity for boaters to break for a hike in the redwoods.

River access points are located throughout Humboldt Redwoods State Park along the Avenue of the Giants. There are no boat rentals or shuttle services within the park. As river conditions are unpredictable, it's best to call before planning a boating trip to the area. Contact the Visitor Center in Weott for more information.

The Lost Coast

The Lost Coast in Southern Humboldt is an experienced sea kayaker’s dream, encompassing miles of coastal wilderness where steep cliffs plunge to the Pacific Ocean amid majestic rock formations and remote black sand beaches. For intermediate paddlers, the town of Shelter Cove — California’s only open-ocean boat launching facility — offers somewhat more protection than the rest of the coastline, and an ideal place to fish for rock cod, ling cod, halibut or even salmon when waters are calm.