A message from the publisher of the Guide to Natural Swimming Holes-please read this warning.
A guide to adventure amidst the ancient Redwoods of Humboldt County. But all treks in nature carry a warning.
Just recently a professional acquaintance of mine lost her life paddle boarding on the Chetco River. In Humboldt County there have been other deaths and rescues this Spring of 2012. The short movie below shows the Van Duzen River in the Spring of 2011. Imagine the force of the water in the rivers of Humboldt County. Having lived on the banks of the South Fork of the Eel River for 4.5 years, I saw the waters of the South Fork of the Eel River move large redwoods like they were toothpicks.
I cannot impress upon you enough, how important it is to judge the water you want to enter.
DO NOT go into water that is rapidly flowing. Not all rivers are the same. Some rivers have a freezing cold snow melt that lasts for the Spring.Other rivers are further south and have had less rain. If you cannot see to the bottom, chances are tree roots and submerged limbs can be in the waters from winter that were not there your last visit.
Please use this link to get USGS provided Flow Rates for local rivers and other American Rivers.
Enjoy yourself in nature but be aware. Mother Nature can be very harsh. Use common sense. Know your limitations.
When the waters recede, the rivers will be ready for swimming and Summer will be here.
The GUIDE gives complete directions to more than 30 swimming holes in the crystal clear rock bottom
rivers of the Mad River Wilderness and Eel River system. From Highway 101 in Humboldt County, you can find places for you and your family to spend the day enjoying the same refreshing waters that nourish the Redwoods.The water is clear and absolutely refreshing. Get your GUIDE, grab friends (never swim alone) and family, pack a lunch, river shoes and beach blankets and head for the river.
From the Avenue of the Giants in Southern Humboldt to Blue Lake in Northern Humboldt you can enjoy vistas which include beautiful rivers, quaint towns with fresh food markets and novelties or long stretches of solitary beaches.
A Natural Swimming Hole to Enjoy
Grizzly Creek State Park. During the summer, a bridge is strung across the river to reach this hole and other beach spots. This is a good spot for the whole family to enjoy.
From the Guide, I am including directions to a swimming hole on the Van Duzen River (the photo above). Easy access to the river is within Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park about 17 miles east of Highway 101 on Highway 36. Enter the park and pay the day use fee of $5 per car (Overnight camping is available.) Parking areas are to the left and right in front of the park office. Walk 50 yards down to the access trail to the dry wash. Scope out the situation because to the right is a foot-bridge (see photo) that will take you to the other side. Once over the bridge, turn to your left going upstream–and head to the rocks that jut out into the river (Inset photo). This is the deepest part, the swimming hole. Get wet or not. But I suggest jumpin’ in.
The 4th Edition
The 4th edition of the Guide to Natural Swimming Holes features directions to 30 swimming holes, GPS coordinates to newly listed holes, where the family dog can go and more...
Here is an excerpt from the book. "Walk upstream past the first bend in the river to clothing-optional swimming holes and frequent small beaches in the Mad River wilderness. Leave only footprints..."
Take the GUIDE with you for a summer of fun in the cool, clean waters of Humboldt County.
And sunscreen, an umbrella and light colored t-shirt to protect yourself from too much sun on your adventure.
