Eel River Multi-Day Rafting Trip
GuidedDuration: 4 days
Features
Description
Eel River Multi-Day Rafting Trip
If you’re craving a true wilderness escape, the Eel River delivers. This seldom-run stretch offers a rare chance to paddle through one of California’s most remote and scenic river canyons. With 46 miles of river winding through rugged terrain, this expedition takes you deep into a landscape few ever get to see, where stunning natural beauty, rich history, and a profound sense of solitude come together for an unforgettable experience.
The Eel River follows the route of the now-abandoned Northwestern Pacific Railway Line. You'll see remnants throughout the trip, such as old trestle bridges, tunnels, and tracks, which add a unique historical element to your trip. Your guides will share their knowledge of this deep history.
You’ll encounter a mix of exciting yet approachable Class II-III rapids and long, peaceful stretches of calm water perfect for floating, swimming, and relaxing. The river winds through towering canyon walls, lush forests, and dramatic rock formations—prime habitat for bald eagles, river otters, black bears, and other wildlife. Campsites along the way are spacious, scenic, and wonderfully remote, often with sandy beaches or grassy riverbanks ideal for star-gazing and campfires.
Because this is a spring-run river, the best window to experience it is typically April through May, when water levels are optimal and the surrounding hillsides are vibrant with springtime greenery. Be prepared for variable weather—sunny days can quickly turn to rain—but that’s part of what makes this adventure feel so wild and special.
Launching from Dos Rios and taking out at Alderpoint, this journey is not just a river trip—it’s a chance to unplug, explore, and reconnect with nature on a deeper level. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or an adventurous first-timer, this expedition is for those who truly want to get off the beaten path and paddle somewhere extraordinary.
Duration
Location / Where to Meet
- 2 hours, 45 minutes from Arcata, CA
- 50 minutes from Willits, CA
Ages
What’s Included
- All meals and drinks. This includes breakfasts, lunches, appetizers, dinners, and beverages. Our menu is custom and organic and can be modified for any diet!
- All rafting gear, including life jacket, helmet, paddle, and water bottle; splash jacket, wetsuit, and booties will be provided as needed.
- All camping gear, including tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Although, you can bring your own camping gear if you’d like to.
- Experienced, professional river guides to navigate you safely down the river
- Inflatable kayaks and SUPs
- Private and secure parking for the duration of your trip
- Air-conditioned office to place heat- or cold-sensitive valuables
- Dry bags for your personal items
- Wi-fi and cell service, to check in with loved ones before and after your wilderness excursion
Not Included
What to Bring / Wear
- River-appropriate clothing and footwear, including a long-sleeve shirt for sun protection
- River sandals, water shoes, or old tennis shoes with rubber bottoms. No flip flops, please! Flip flops can be dangerous on rafting trips and do not protect your feet.
- Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses, with a strap to secure them
- Reusable water bottle. We have a unique no-single-use-plastic-on-the-river policy and ask that guests not bring plastic disposable water bottles. If you don’t have a reusable water bottle, we’ll provide one for your use.
- See FAQ for your detailed multi-day packing list!
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Six Rivers Rafting Inc.
FAQs
Can I bring my camera or other personal belongings on the trip?
The river has a way of taking items from us, so if it’s not tied down or secured, you could lose it. General rule: don’t bring anything you’d hate to lose. Don’t wear expensive jewelry, don’t bring your only pair of prescription glasses, don’t bring electronics, and we don’t recommend bringing your phone (it doesn’t work in our area anyways). There is a professional photographer on the run, but if you’d like to document the trip and have a GoPro, consider using one of our helmets with a GoPro mount. If you’d like to bring your phone or camera, we’ll supply you with a dry bag.
What is the guide-to-guest ratio?
Our guide-to-guest ratio is typically 1:6.
What is your weather policy?
The only reason a trip would be outright canceled is for wildfires and air quality/safety issues. Rain is normal, and we have all the gear needed to keep people warm and cozy. We have canceled trips due to snow but always check in with guests to see how they’d like to proceed. Some folks are happy rafting in the snow, so it really depends on the guest!
What should I pack for a multi-day rafting trip on the Trinity River?
On the River:
Spring:
When wearing a wetsuit: Fleece layers to go on top of wetsuit and under drytop.
When wearing a drysuit: Long johns and Fleece Pants on bottom, Wool and Fleece for your top, Wool Socks(medium thickness), 1 Pair of Shoes with drainage and with Grippy Tread and for wet rocks- for drysuit, please size up a half of full size to fit over the sock on the drysuit, as well as the sock under the drysuit. For example, put on a pair of lightweight socks, and a pair of mid weight wool socks, then try on your shoes. If you can’t wiggle your toes, they are too small, keep sizing up.
Summer:
Temperates can range wildly during the summer months. Nights are usually in the mid 60s to low 70s, be sure to check the current forecast for daytime temps at least 1 week prior to your trip.
For Camp:
- Pants and Shorts
- Casual Shirts
- Socks
- Hats (Depending on season)
- Appropriate Shoes: River Shoes, Camp Shoes, Hiking Shoes. Your feet are the most harmed body part during river trips, protect them by being mindful of the shoes your wear, especially those toes!
Cozy Wear!
- ***Spring: Fleece Jacket/Down Jacket, Hoodie or Long Sleeves. Wool Socks(2 Thick, 3 Medium and 1 Light thickness for all activities) Fleece Pants, Long Johns, and other Quick dry material. Wool and Synthetic material are always best for cooler temp adventuring.
- ***Summer: Sundresses, Shorts, Light pants, UPF Material clothing, light pajamas, Quick dry material for clothing is always your best bet for any month.
- Rain Jacket (Optional in Summer Months)
- Sleeping bag (Can be provided, must be reserved in advance)
- Pillow – Regular sized pillows recommended, must be able to be packed into a dry bag
- Towel
- Headlamp/Flashlight
- Beanie for the Spring Months, Hat for Summer
- Book, Journal, Cards, etc for downtime
- Personal hygiene items (Lotion,Toothbrush, Sunscreen, Bug Spray, etc)
****Pro Tip: For small items such as personal hygiene of book, instead of having them loose in your large drybag with all your clothing, we recommend placing them in a small soft pack bag that is easy to reach in, grab, and go when you get to camp at the end of the day. This can also be done to clothing.
All of these will go into a provided drybag just for you. They are large drybags, but be mindful about how much you bring. When sealed properly, they don’t leak. But as a precaution, don’t bring anything that is susceptable to water damage.
When should I reserve?
All reservations must be made at least one week in advance to allow for preparation. Availability of specific trips depends on the flow conditions and other reservations. Most overnight trips run from April through September.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! There's a space at checkout for you to let us know your dietary restrictions.
Do I have to reserve camping gear in advance?
Sleeping Bag & Tent must be reserved in advance if needed. After booking, just email us to let us know.
Cancellation Policy
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
Willow Creek, CA,
US
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