Benbow Lake State Recreation Area, State recreation area near Garberville, California, US.
Benbow Lake State Recreation Area is a 1,142-acre protected area along the South Fork Eel River in California. The site features trails, camping facilities, and picnic areas set among native oak and redwood forests.
The area began in the 1950s through conservation efforts by the Benbow family, who purchased 207 acres in 1958. The river was restored to natural conditions after dam removal in 2017.
The removal of Benbow Dam in 2017 restored natural salmon migration patterns in the South Fork Eel River, supporting local ecological values.
The park sits about 2 miles south of Garberville on Route 101 and is easy to access. Visitors can find camping spots, picnic grounds, and fishing opportunities, especially during warmer months.
Where a dam once generated power, the river now flows freely again for fish migration. This shift shows how a place can transform from producing electricity to restoring natural ecosystems.
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