Anyone in NorCal around Easter weekend and want to do a trip down the Middle Fork of the Eel River? I’m going with two buddies, leaving the Bay Area Friday early afternoon, returning late Sunday night.
Here’s the stretch: http://www.cacreeks.com/eel-mf.htm 30-33 river miles, remote, far away from roads or services, totally self-supported trip. backcountry camping, carrying all our stuff with us. rapids that make your heart skip just enough. There will be at least two portages around unrunnable stretches of river (at least at my ability level: Coal Mine Falls is one of them).
I did it last year and saw 0 people and 3 bald eagles. This year the river will be running about 2-3x the cfs of last year (500 -> 1500 or so). should be wild.
Planning on sleeping at the ranch in black butte friday night, then up and at 'em early Saturday. big river days sat. and sun. The folks at the ranch will drive your car to the take out at Dos Rios for $60 so no shuttle needed. http://www.blackbutteriverranch.com/
interested in coming along? send me an email - taus.david (at) gmail.
cheers,
david