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Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness Area

About the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness Area

In the Wintun Indian language, "Yo-la" meant "snow covered", and "Bo-li" meant "high peak." The second part of this Wilderness' name refers to the headwaters of the Middle Fork Eel River, which originates in this remote and rugged land.

This area was first protected in 1931 when it was classified as a primitive area. Further protection was given when this area became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, created by the passage of the Wilderness Act of 1964. The Wilderness Act of 1984 added another 2,000 acres to the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness, for a total of about 151,626 acres.

The Wilderness is roughly oval in shape, being about 19 miles long in the north-south direction and 24 miles wide in the east-west direction. The majority of the Wilderness lies in two districts of the Mendocino National Forest (Covelo and Grindstone Ranger Districts). The far northern portion of the Wilderness is in the Yolla Bolla Ranger District of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. To the far west, a part of the Wilderness is in the Mad River Ranger District of the Six Rivers National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management has a small portion of the Wilderness (also on the western edge).

The lowest point of the Wilderness is along Cottonwood Creek (2600' elevation). This is just four and a half miles from the highest point, Mount Linn, at an elevation of 8092 feet. Several other peaks push their way above 7000 feet and provide fine views (weather and smoke permitting) of Mount Lassen, Mount Shasta, the Trinity Alps, the Kings Range and sometimes the Pacific Ocean.

Geologically, the area began to form 150 million years ago from ocean bottom sediments. Forces deep with the earth pushed the oceanic plate against the continental plate. This pressure changed the sediments into schists. Continued pressure pushed the land far above the sea and erosive forces started carving landforms. Evidence of past glaciations can still be seen on both North and South Yolla Bolly Mountains. Today the most evident geologic process is that of landslides which naturally occur on many creeks, rivers, and steep mountain slopes.

The forests in this Wilderness are extensive. The principle species are red fir, white fir, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, sugar pine, and incense cedar. Less common species are juniper, foxtail pine, hemlock, Jeffrey pine, western white pine, black cottonwood, and a rare yew. Other cover types include grasslands - locally known as "glades", wet and dry meadows, oak woodlands and brush lands.

The Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness, like the rest of the North Coast Range, provides quite a wealth of wildlife. The more abundant game species are: the Columbia black tail deer, black bear, wild turkey, gray squirrel, grouse, and quail. Other animals that live in the Wilderness are mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, ring-tailed cats, raccoons, marten, otters, weasels, chipmunks, and numerous other small species. Eagles, hawks, turkey vultures, and multitude of other bird life find summer homes in this Wilderness (including the Northern Spotted Owl).

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Permits and Access

Wilderness permits are not required for day-use or overnight trips into the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness Area. Campfire permits are required in the Wilderness if you plan to have a campfire or use a stove of any kind. Campfire permits are available from any Ranger Station. Fire restrictions can come into effect during the summer, limiting the use of open fires and stoves - check with any Ranger Station before entering the wilderness.

There is road access to or near the Wilderness boundary on every side. From the west side, via Highways 101 and 162, you will travel through Longvale, Covelo, Eel River Work Center, and then north to the Indian Dick area -- a total distance from Highway 101 of about 75 miles (three hours travel time.) Access from the west is also possible by the way of Ruth and the Jones Ridge Road through Six Rivers National Forest.

From the Sacramento Valley, you may reach the Wilderness by turning west at Willows, Corning, or Red Bluff. Distances to the Wilderness trail heads from the east side vary between 50 to 90 miles from Interstate 5.

Visitors to this Wilderness must expect, on every route, considerable miles of travel over rough and dusty dirt roads. These roads may be quite dusty and are often in use by logging trucks. Be sure to keep to the right side of the road at all times, especially around blind corners.

Access to the Wilderness is possible from early May to late October most years. Only those persons trained and experienced in travel and survival under adverse weather conditions should contemplate wintertime use of the Wilderness. Access to the Wilderness boundaries can be severely hampered in winter by muddy roads and by snow conditions. Many roads are closed during winter. Please check with the closest Ranger Station.

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Water

The availability of drinking water is one of the most limiting factors for hiking and riding in the Yolla Bolly. By August, river and stream levels drop considerably, some disappear, and some springs stop flowing. Water levels do not pick back up until October. Years of successive droughts can decrease water supplies even more. A water availability map is kept up to date at the Covelo Ranger Station for the Covelo portion of the Wilderness.

All water should be treated (by boiling, filtering and/or adding chemicals) against possible contamination by Giardia and other water-born diseases.

There are several "lakes" in the Wilderness (rarely do they exceed an acre in size). Some do have fish, and several creeks and rivers have a native rainbow trout population. The Yolla Bolly are the headquarters of three major streams: the Middle Fork of the Eel River, the South Fork of the Trinity River, and the South Fork of Cottonwood Creek. There is a fishing closure on the majority of the Middle Fork Eel and the North Fork of Middle Fork Eel Rivers, and on the Balm of Gilead Creek to protect steelhead-spawning grounds. Please consult the California Fish and Game Regulations before fishing these waters.

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Trails

The trail system in the Wilderness is quite extensive and loop trips are possible from most trail heads, minimizing the need to double-back on your trip. A topographic map of the Wilderness is available for seven dollars from the Offices listed at the top of the page.

Trails in the Yolla Bolly tend to gain and lose elevation frequently, making the estimation of hiking times difficult. Trail conditions will vary from those trails, which are easy to follow, to trail that require map and terrain reading skills. Descriptions of Covelo District trails are available through the Covelo Ranger Station.

Campsites are usually found where the trails pass by a water source with some flat ground. Please keep pets and pack animals away from drinking water sources. Grazing for stock is not always available at each camp and by late August whatever grass is available is very low in nutrient content. When taking supplemental feed, avoid taking hay and raw grains, which can introduce non-native grasses and weeds into the wilderness.

The trails and camps you may wish to use will depend on the type of landscape you want to explore and the amount of time you have. From the Covelo side, the Soldier Ridge and the Green Springs Trail Heads offer quick access to the high country around Solomon Peak. The Rock Cabin and the Georges Valley Trail Heads offer access to rivers and streams. There are several opportunities for extended loop hikes of four days to a week or more, which offer a variety of experiences.

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(Page Modified 6/11/07)

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