California whitewater, Eel River Mendocino county, Van Arsdale Dam to Dos Rios section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III     35 miles   This section of Eel River in Mendocino County is 35 miles long and has been rated as a class II-III section by American Whitewater. The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Ukiah, as you can see on the road map further down. Getting some good exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors have people coming from far and near. Now this is a pretty long section, so it looks like you will be camping out. There aren’t any hotels right nearby     but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. The beautiful scenery of Mendocino County and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. The beautiful Coast Ranges scenery is an added bonus. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often tougher than in other states, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that a lot of the rivers here are not suitable for beginners. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way there are lots of good rivers for   that around here. There are plenty of other sections in this river system that can be paddled as well. And of course, there are campgrounds nearby. Briefly about the general area: Near Eel River you discover Old Woman Canyon which is a wonderful place to go to; don't leave Eel River without first paying a visit to Buckhorn Spring. Having a delightful time in the Coast Ranges is trouble-free. If you're visiting Eel River from Willits, you won't be the only one. Eel River is a reasonably wet place frequently with a great deal of rain. The wettest month of the year is usually January, that's the one that rains the most while July is generally the driest month. Eel River, Van Arsdale Dam to Dos Rios road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Eel River.   Whitewater Near Eel River: Tomki Creek, Mendocino County, 5 miles away       Class III - 9.3 miles long (Hearst Road to Eel River) Outlet Creek, Mendocino County, 9 miles away       Class II-III - 12.2 miles long (Highway 101 bridge to Highway 162) Eel River, Mendocino County, 12 miles away       Class II-III - 35 miles long (Van Arsdale Dam to Dos Rios) Eel River, Mendocino/ Trinity/ Humboldt County, 12 miles away       Class II-IV - 47 miles long (Dos Rios to Alderpoint) Russian River, Mendocino County, 17 miles away       Class II - 8.8 miles long (Calpella to Ukiah) Eel River - Middle Fork, Mendocino County, 18 miles away       Class II-V - 32 miles long (Black Butte River to Dos Rios) Russian River - East Fork, Mendocino County, 18 miles away       Class II+(III) - 2.6 miles long (Falls to Lake Mendocino) Eel River, Lake County, 20 miles away       Class III-IV - 5.7 miles long (Lake Pillsbury to Bucknell Creek) Noyo River, Mendocino County, 23 miles away       Class II-III - 20 miles long (Northspur to Fort Bragg) Tenmile Creek, Mendocino County, 24 miles away       Class III-IV - 6 miles long (Gauge on Highway 101 to South Fork Eel)   Marinas Near Eel River: Lake Mendocino Marina, Ukiah , 17 miles away   Hotels Near Eel River: Super 8 Willits, Willits , 11 miles away Lark Motel, Willits , 11 miles away Baechtel Creek Inn, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member, Willits , 12 miles away Best Western Willits Inn, Willits , 12 miles away Travelodge Ukiah, Ukiah , 20 miles away   Campgrounds Near Eel River: Creekside Cabins and RV Resort, Willits, 10 miles away Quail Meadows RV Campground, Willits, 12 miles away Golden Rule RV Park, Willits, 13 miles away   Public Lands Near Eel River: Montgomery Woods State Park, California , 20 miles away Mendocino National Forest, California , 28 miles away Hendy Woods State Park, California , 30 miles away   Golf Courses Near Eel River: Brooktrails Golf Course, Willits , 12 miles away   Lakes Near Eel River Lake Mendocino, Mendocino , 19 miles away