Eel River State Wildlife Area

Located along the coastline of Loleta, Eel River Wildlife Area is a protected area managed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife that has a long and unnamed beach with light brown sand. This four-mile long beach is situated between the mouth of Eel River and the south end of Humboldt Bay. 

This beach does not have lifeguards but offers many amenities including barbecue, restrooms, dunes, and picnic tables. Dogs are allowed on leash on the beach except during hunting season. 

Eel River Wildlife Area offers many activities including birdwatching, beachcombing, beach-driving, fishing, and hunting.  Water activities like surfing and swimming are highly unsafe in the water here because the water near this beach has extremely dangerous currents. If you plan to drive on the beach, make sure that you drive a four-wheeler vehicle and stay on the wave slope present along the beach. You can also view many kinds of aquatic mammals in the water near this beach including seals, sea lions, and sea otters. If you like birdwatching, you can also view many kinds of birds near this beach including snipe, waterfowl, and many kinds of upland game birds. If you are planning to fish in the water near Eel River Wildlife Area, please make sure to follow the local fishing regulations. 

Eel River Wildlife Area is a great hunting spot – you can hunt the snipe and waterfowl present in this wildlife area during hunting season from October to January. If you are planning to hunt here, keep in mind that entry permits can be required for hunting in certain Type-C wildlife areas of Eel River Wildlife Area. You can also see many kinds of mammals in this wildlife area including foxes, deer, and river otters

In order to access the beach in Eel River State Wildlife Area, take the Hookton Road exit from United States Highway 101 and follow Hookton Road towards the west. Hookton Road will merge into Table Bluff Road, which will eventually lead to South Jetty Road. Just near the point where South Jetty Road takes a slight right turn before continuing north along Humboldt Bay, you will find a free parking lot for a recreational park named Table Bluff County Park. You need to park at this parking lot and from here you can easily walk west to the beach in Eel River Wildlife Area.

There are many attractions near Eel River Wildlife Area. Table Bluff County Park is a park that offers many fun activities including fishing, paragliding, and hiking. The downtown area of the nearby city of Ferndale has many exciting stores including old-fashioned mercantile stores, antique shops, and art galleries. If you are looking for another attraction near Eel River Wildlife Area, Humboldt Botanical Garden has a wide and interesting variety of flowering plants including sunset gold, candy flower, pink crevice alumroot, rose glow, and Japanese barberry.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Eel River Wildlife Area. Ridgetop Cafe & Coffee Barn is a popular restaurant that has an outdoor dining area. In addition, it offers amazing breakfast dishes and delicious American cuisine. River’s Edge offers amazing sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and fresh local seafood. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Eel River Wildlife Area, the modestly priced Kome Restaurant offers amazing Japanese dishes including sushi and sashimi.

If you are looking for a hotel near Eel River Wildlife Area, there are many great nearby options. The 4-Star Gingerbread Mansion Inn is 20 minutes away by car and offers fantastic Instagram-worthy views of the Eel River and also offers many amenities including a hot tub, a spa, a sauna, a garden with a sitting area, and complimentary breakfast & afternoon tea. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Best Western Plus Humboldt Bay Inn which offers many amenities including complimentary breakfast, a hot tub, a casino, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Eel River Wildlife Area, the 2-Star The Redwood Riverwalk Hotel offers many amenities including complimentary breakfast, a bar, and an indoor pool.