Eel River Wildlife Area

Eel River Wildlife Area includes a long expanse of beach between the Eel River and the south end of Humboldt Bay near Eureka. The California State Department of Fish and Game manages this remote land for fishing, hunting, birding, and wildlife watching. The beach and dunes at Eel River Wildlife Area stretch from this parking lot all the way south to the mouth of the Eel River, a distance of four miles. Horseback riders are common at this scenic shoreline. Access to this beach is through the parking lot at Table Bluff County Park. To get here from Highway 101, turn onto Hookton Road and follow it west to Table Bluff Road and continue west to the parking lot at the ocean. Before you reach the ocean there is a gated entrance signed for Mike Thompson Wildlife Area, South Spit Humboldt Bay. Just drive through the gate and note the time it closes at the end of the day. From the parking area it is possible to drive south onto the beach or follow an old dirt road behind the dunes. If you drive on the beach, you must stay on the wave slope only and have four-wheel drive. From Table Bluff Park the South Spit Road continues north into South Spit Wildlife Area.

Address

Table Bluff Rd and South Spit Rd
Loleta, CA 95551

Park Name

Eel River Wildlife Area, Mike Thompson Wildlife Area

Owner

Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash. During hunting season dogs can be off-leash when hunting.

Fees

No fees required

Activities

Birdwatching, Fishing, Wildlife Watching, Hunting, Beachcombing, Beach Driving, Beach Walking

Amenities

Picnic Tables, BBQs, Restrooms, Dunes

Links

Tide Chart
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps