Standish-Hickey river area
State park day-use access to the South Fork, with a deep swimming area near rocky outcrops and seasonal access on the west bank.
Also known as: Standish-Hickey swimming hole
Selected place
Can I swim now?
Standish-Hickey river areaSouth Fork Eel River
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: 93°F · Mostly SunnyNational Weather Service · Sep 9, 2026, 2:10 PM PDTRiver reading
River level is steadySouth Fork at Leggett · observed Sep 9, 2026, 3:30 PM PDTMeasurement details
23.9 ft³/s flow · 5.12 ft gauge height
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 access documentedUse signed State Parks day-use parking. The east-bank day-use area is available year-round; west-bank areas and bridges are seasonal.- Parking
- Use signed State Parks day-use parking. The east-bank day-use area is available year-round; west-bank areas and bridges are seasonal.
- From parking
- The park describes river access from its day-use and campground areas; use the current park map for the open route.
- Restrictions
- Check at the park entrance for current river and algae information. Seasonal bridges affect west-bank access.
Facilities
- Picnic tables
- Park trails
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.
- Standish-Hickey: Things to Do ↗ checked 2026-09-08
- Standish-Hickey park map and brochure ↗ checked 2026-09-08