The United States Congress designated the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness Area as part of the original Wilderness Act of 1964 and it now has a total of 153,841 acres. For a complete listing of public laws and further information on district offices, click here. Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness ranges in elevation from about 2,700 feet to 8,000 feet. The river crashes wildly through the Wilderness in a deep canyon for approximately six miles, and, combined with sections of the 48 miles of river outside the Wilderness, forms what is arguably California's finest long white-water run. Chamise and manzanita in the lower elevations give way to dense arrays of pine and fir cloaking numerous ridges.
Vast grasslands open many of the steep hillsides.
Summer wildflowers dramatically color large mountain meadows. Bear and deer populate the area in relative abundance, and September's hunting season brings the most human visitors. Water, unlike solitude, may be hard to find after midsummer. An extensive and often strenuous trail system provides access in short loops and extended routes deep into the Wilderness. Light human use and suitable pathways make this an ideal destination for horsepackers.