Humboldt Redwoods Swimming Holes

There are few places in the American West where a swim feels as genuinely otherworldly as it does along the Eel River inside Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The trees alone would be enough — coast redwoods so tall they seem to belong to another era — but the river sliding through their roots adds something cool, unhurried, and alive. This is swimming in the shadow of giants, and it earns that description every time.

The Setting: Ancient Forest Meets Moving Water

The swimming holes here sit within the world's largest remaining old-growth coastal redwood forest, where the Eel River and its South Fork cut through groves that have stood for centuries. Sunlight filters down in long shafts between the trunks, dappling the water's surface in patterns that shift with the breeze overhead. The air carries that distinctive redwood smell — damp bark, forest floor, cold water — and the riverbanks are quiet in the way that only deep forests can be. Along the shore, you'll find smooth stones, a canopy that keeps the summer heat at bay, and the gentle sound of current moving over rocks. One of the more unusual features is a concrete jetty that juts into the river, offering adventurous swimmers a spot for careful jumps into the water below.

The Water Experience

The Eel River runs clear and refreshing through the warmer months, and its natural pools invite both swimmers and tubers who want to let the current do the work. The water is cold — this is a snowmelt-fed Northern California river — and that chill is half the pleasure after a warm afternoon walk among the redwoods. By late spring, when flows ease and temperatures climb, the conditions settle into what most visitors would call ideal: manageable currents, good visibility into the riverbed, and enough depth in the pools to swim freely. Keep in mind this is a semi-official swimming area with no lifeguards on duty, so awareness of conditions and your own comfort in moving water matters.

Planning Your Visit

Access is straightforward and suitable for most visitors. You'll drive through the historic mill town of Scotia and follow a short path down to the river — the kind of easy approach that makes this a realistic outing for families and casual adventurers alike. All facilities are available along the Avenue of the Giants corridor and at the State Park campgrounds. Swimming is free, and if you're planning to stay overnight, three campgrounds — Hidden Springs, Burlington, and Albee Creek — are available within the park. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in summer. The best window for a visit runs from May through September, with summer mornings and evenings offering cooler air and lighter crowds. The nearby Avenue of the Giants makes this an easy add-on to a longer road trip through the region.

Plan Your Visit: The swimming holes are most easily reached from the towns of Scotia, Miranda, Weott, and Redcrest along the Avenue of the Giants corridor. Eureka to the north and Garberville to the south serve as the main regional hubs for fuel, lodging, and supplies before you head into the park.

The area reflects California’s lumber industry heritage, with the town of Scotia serving as a historic mill town. The redwoods and Eel River have inspired generations of conservation efforts.

Help protect the delicate ecosystem by following Leave No Trace principles. Avoid littering, respect wildlife, and minimize impact on the natural environment.