Running along the Avenue of the Giants is the Eel River.  Its lovely waters snaking in and out of the cover of the forest seduced us to find access to its shores. We found an off road access point right next to the Dyerville picnic spot. (Dyerville was named for the town that once existed here. The beginning of it’s demise was due to the protection of the local redwood forests from logging in the 1920’s. The rest of the small town was wiped out later by a flood.)

Thankful for our 4×4 vehicle, we were able to drive our picnic gear straight to the water’s edge and enjoy this section of the river bank all to ourselves. It was a bit windy at times but the day was warm and the water low enough that the kids enjoyed river boarding and the adults appreciated the downtime in lovely surroundings.  How fun for us to discover these hidden little paths!