Big Trees Day Use Area
A year-round Humboldt Redwoods picnic area on Mattole Road with wading access to Bull Creek and connections to park trails.
Also known as: Big Trees Area
Selected place
Can I swim now?
Big Trees Day Use AreaBull Creek
This is not an all-clear. Check the current statewide reports map and signs at the site.
Site-specific result not listed in the current FHABS exportCalifornia HAB reports map ↗Practical algae information
Harmful algal mats can occur in clear water and reports are not comprehensive. Avoid visible mats or discolored, stagnant water; keep children and pets away from affected water. Only testing can determine whether toxins are present.
California toxic algal mat guidance ↗Weather
Loading forecast…National Weather ServiceRiver reading
Loading gauge…U.S. Geological SurveyMeasurement details
Loading measurements…
Flow measures how much water passes the gauge. Gauge height is measured from a fixed reference; it is not the depth at your swimming spot.
Access
Public location documentedUse the signed Big Trees day-use area on Mattole Road, about four miles west of Avenue of the Giants. No separate navigation pin is published until the vehicle entrance is confirmed.- Parking
- Use the signed Big Trees day-use area on Mattole Road, about four miles west of Avenue of the Giants. No separate navigation pin is published until the vehicle entrance is confirmed.
- Access
- The park partner documents Bull Creek wading here. This is creek access, not a South Fork Eel swimming report.
Facilities
- Picnic tables
- Chemical toilets
- Hiking trail access
Listed facilities come from the cited manager record. Check current restrictions and posted signs before use.
Sources and verification
Manager: California State Parks. Parking directions are shown only where the public entrance is documented.
- Humboldt Redwoods day-use areas ↗ checked 2026-09-08
- OpenStreetMap Big Trees feature (ODbL) ↗ checked 2026-09-08
