South Fork Eel River Wilderness

South Fork Eel River Wilderness is a nature reserve in Mendocino County featuring rolling terrain with river valleys and mountain ridges. The landscape is dominated by forests that descend toward the waterway cutting through the area.

This protected area was established in 2006 through federal legislation as part of the national wilderness system. The designation reflected efforts to preserve these California coastal landscapes for the long term.

The wilderness contains research areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management, supporting scientific studies of natural ecosystems and endangered species.

Access is mainly through hiking trails and rough forest roads reached from nearby communities. Visitors should be prepared for unpaved paths and varying terrain conditions.

The soil in the reserve has an unusual reddish color that supports rare plant species like Sargent cypress trees. These special conditions allow plants to thrive that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Location: Mendocino County

Operator: Bureau of Land Management

GPS coordinates: 39.89464,-123.65064

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04