The Guide to Natural Swimming Holes Changes Hands
The “Guide to Natural Swimming Holes” by author Albert Miller has a new publisher, Elizabeth A. Whitley, owner of Catalyst Graphics in Eureka.
“A baton has been passed and I am very happy to run with it.” The opportunity to build on the Third edition is the challenge in front of me. With more than 20 new swimming holes to research and document, I am in for a very busy summer. If you see me out there with my pawpies, Rhody and Jasper, a camera ‘round my neck and GPS in hand, say “Hi!”
This Guide contains directions to many of the finest swimming holes in Humboldt County. Local hikers of all ages and families can experience the cleanest rock-bottom rivers within an hour drive. You can set yourself on a pristine sandy beach next to tranquil gently rushing waters. Then get wet and “mellow” and shed the worries of the world for just a while.
The 2009 edition will include 5-8 new swimming holes as well as new information such as GPS coordinates, a hiking-difficulty scale and whether or not you can bring the family dog.
The “Guide to Natural Swimming Holes” is available for purchase at Eureka Natural Foods, Arcata/Eureka CO-OP, BORDERS, Woodley Island Ship Shop, Sport & Cycle, Pro Sport Center, Booklegger, The Outdoor Store, Adventure’s Edge, Riverwalk RV Park, Rainy Day Books, Hoby’s Market, Redcrest Resort & Gift Shop and Dean Creek Resort.
Here are some sample swimming holes:
Van Duzen River
…South on 101 and East on 36
From Eureka, head south on the Redwood Highway (U.S. 101) fo 20 miles. Turn left on Highway 36 going east for 17 miles..
Enter Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park and pay the day use fee of $5 per car (Overnight camping is available.) Parking areas are to the left and right in front of the park office. Walk 50 yards down to the access trail to the dry wash. To your right is a foot-bridge that will take you to the other side of the river. Once over the bridge, turn to your left going upstream–and head to the rocks that jut out into the river. This is the deepest part, the swimming hole. Get wet or not-your choice. I suggest jumpin’ in.
Mad River
… North on 101 and East on 299
Fish Hatchery—From Eureka, head north on the Redwood Highway (U.S. 101) eight miles to the Highway 299 turnoff. Drive east on 299 five miles to the Blue Lake turnoff. Drive ahead one block to Chartin Road.
Go right on Chartin one block then left on South Railroad 4/10 of a mile to the end of the road. Bear right to Hatchery Road and drive two miles to the Mad River Fish Hatchery at the end of the road.
Enter the parking lot, drive to the end and park. You will see a small park with picnic tables, and restrooms at the end of the parking lot. There is a California Fish and Games graphic in front of the restrooms that illustrates the cycle of salmon and steelhead reproduction at the hatchery when it is operating.
Go behind the graphic and walk to your right parallel to the hatchery’s concrete waterway to the end of the pavement (150 yards). There, a narrow trail begins. Continue in the same direction to the end of the trail (50 yards). Climb down the rock embankment to the river and wade across the stream to the dry wash on the far side.
Walk upstream past the first bend in the river to clothing-optional swimming holes and frequent small beaches in the Mad River wilderness.
Leave only footprints.
South Fork Eel River
….South on 101
Dyerville Bar—Exactly 3.9 miles south of Redcrest is the Dyerville Bar Road sign on the left. This gravel road goes directly down to the bar and to swimming hole access from several locations along the near side of the Eel River. Other swimming holes can usually be found along the river from this location.
Dyerville Overlook—Immediately south of Dyerville Bar is Dyerville Overlook, above the confluence of the Eel and South Fork Eel Rivers. (That’s 4.0 miles south of Redcrest.) Ample parking space, restrooms, picnic tables and four natural history graphics are featured at this overlook facility above the two rivers, where there are expansive views in three directions.
Leatherwood Bar—From Dyerville Overlook drive south briefly on the Avenue of the Giants to the Freeway South sign on your right. Go right toward the on-ramp. Turn right immediately at the first gravel road.
Drive 1/2 mile down this road to a popular swimming hole in the South Fork Eel River; it is a good stretch of open water with a long sandy beach.
Continue to the end of the same gravel road to gain access to a second swimming hole that is wide and long amid sylvan splendor.
By Elizabeth Whitley Publisher of “Guide to Natural Swimming Holes”
Owner of Catalyst Graphics
Resident of Humboldt since 1990 | 
