Eel River NowRiver reports · places

Lower 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 UnitLower Eel 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

Loading forecast…National Weather Service

River reading

Loading gauge…U.S. Geological Survey
Measurement 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 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.