Eel River NowRiver reports · places

Eel River Estuary · near Loleta

Ocean Ranch Unit

A CDFW wetland unit with public parking, an interpretive trail, picnic facilities, wildlife viewing, and a non-motorized boat launch.

Also known as: Eel River Wildlife Area Ocean Ranch

Selected place

Can I swim now?

Ocean Ranch UnitEel River Estuary

No recent algae test listed for this spot

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

Today’s high: 89°F · Mostly SunnyNational Weather Service · Sep 9, 2026, 2:10 PM PDT

River reading

Latest river reading unavailableUSGS station data unavailable
Measurement details

Measurements not reported in the current cache.

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 documentedFrom US 101, follow Hookton Road west as it becomes Table Bluff Road; the signed Ocean Ranch gate is on the left after the route described by CDFW.
Parking
From US 101, follow Hookton Road west as it becomes Table Bluff Road; the signed Ocean Ranch gate is on the left after the route described by CDFW.
Launch
CDFW identifies a non-motorized boat launch. No trailer-boat ramp is represented.
Restrictions
No camping. Dogs must be controlled and leashed when not actively hunting. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the wave-slope March 1 through September 15.
Facilities
  • Parking
  • Picnic area
  • Non-motorized boat launch
  • Interpretive trail
  • Accessible parking and picnic table

Listed facilities come from the cited manager record. Check current restrictions and posted signs before use.

Directions to parking ↗Open name in Google Maps ↗
Sources and verification

Manager: California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Parking directions are shown only where the public entrance is documented.