Eel River, Rice Fork
Bear Creek to Lake Pillsbury(Rice Fork)
| Difficulty | II-III(V) |
| Length | 9.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 2, 2025 |
River Description
The Rice Fork is a lesser-known fork of the mighty Eel River (others include the much larger the South, North, and Middle forks). It runs on rain and some early season snowmelt, but its boating season is typically over sometime in the spring or very early summer in a wet year.
Most of the rapids are Class II, but there is a steeper section in the middle of this run that includes a IV+/V- rapid plus some Class III drops.
To reach the take-out, paddle across Lake Pillsbury to reach an informal boat ramp take-out on PG&E land on the left after 1.5 to two miles (depending on lake level).
Following the planned removal of PG&E's Scott Dam as early as 2028, this run will likely be extended to take out on the river downstream of the site of Scott Dam.
Additional Info
River Features
Bear Creek Confluence
Put in near the confluence of Bear Creek, using Road M10 to access the Rice Fork.
PG&E Informal Boat Ramp
Take out at the boat docks and ramp on the left on PG&E-owned land. Access is via Gravelly Valley Road.
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