South Fork Eel River · near Garberville

Richardson Grove day-use river area

The riverside day-use area south of the visitor center reaches a shallower section of the South Fork used for picnicking and summer water visits.

Also known as: Richardson Grove shallow swimming area

Parking: Park in the signed state-park day-use area near the visitor center.
From parking: The river area is south of the visitor center; follow current park signs rather than roadside approaches.
Restrictions: No lifeguard is on duty. River speed and depth change with the season.
Facilities: Day-use picnic area, Visitor center nearby

Current information for this part of the river

Weather

National Weather Service

River reading

U.S. Geological Survey

Current park notices

California State Parks

A gauge reports flow at one station. It does not measure swimming safety or conditions at every river spot. Check California's current harmful-algal-bloom reports map ↗

Sources and verification

Manager: California State Parks. Geographic coordinates use the OpenStreetMap snapshot described on the Sources page.