California whitewater, Mattole River Humboldt county, Shelter Cove Road to Honeydew section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III     27.2 miles   Whitewater rafting and kayaking in California is often tougher than elsewhere, so you'd better keep in mind that lots of rivers here are not for beginners. The put-in location is a short drive from Eureka-Arcata-Fortuna, please print out a copy of the road map further down the page so you won’t get lost. The scenic beauty of California and the water flowing gracefully down Mattole River attract people from near and far. The nearby hotels     are a bit away from the river, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. If you have the time you can make this a two day trip, so why not pack your camp stove too. The Shelter Cove Road to Honeydew stretch of Mattole River in Humboldt County is 27.2 miles long and is a class II-III section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. The wild scenery of the Coast Ranges is great. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this is an area with not too many other spots for that. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground. A bit of exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors have people coming from   far and near. This river system has a few good paddling stretches and the Shelter Cove Road to Honeydew section is one of them. Briefly about the general area: Hiking is a popular thing to do around Mattole River; Lightning Trail is a glorious local trail. While you're here at Mattole River you will meet lots of folks from nearby Whitethorn; why not take a refreshing hike along the King Crest Trail. Coming to this river is always a good idea. A short tour to Fox Spring is always worthwhile, and don't leave without dropping by Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The warmest time of the year at Mattole River comes with high temperatures in the 70's with nighttime lows in the 50's. Mattole River, Shelter Cove Road to Honeydew 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 Mattole River.   Whitewater Near Mattole River: Mattole River, Humboldt County, 5 miles away       Class II-III - 27.2 miles long (Shelter Cove Road to Honeydew) Eel River, Humboldt County, 14 miles away       Class II - 22.1 miles long (South Fork Eel to Rio Dell) Van Duzen River, Humboldt County, 20 miles away       Class II-III - 5.2 miles long (Grizzly Creek to Highway 36 bridge) Mad River, Humboldt County, 30 miles away       Class III-V - 10 miles long (Jackshaw Road to Butler Valley-Maple Creek Road)   Hotels Near Mattole River: Best Western Plus Humboldt House Inn, Garberville , 19 miles away Motel Garberville, Garberville , 19 miles away Humboldt Redwoods Inn, Garberville , 19 miles away Benbow Inn, Garberville , 20 miles away Best Western Country Inn, Fortuna , 22 miles away   Campgrounds Near Mattole River: Horse Mountain Campground, Humboldt County, 4 miles away King Range National Conservation Area - Horse Mountain, Whitethorn, 4 miles away King Range National Conservation Area - Honeydew Creek, Honeydew, 5 miles away   Trails Near Mattole River: Lightning Trail, Humboldt , 3 miles away,  2.2 hiking miles, 1399 feet elevation difference King Crest Trail, Humboldt , 5 miles away, 7.4 hiking miles, 1099 feet elevation difference   Public Lands Near Mattole River: Humboldt Redwoods State Park, California , 13 miles away Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, California , 18 miles away Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, California , 19 miles away   Golf Courses Near Mattole River: Shelter Cove, Whitethorn , 8 miles away