Swimming holes
Discover crystal-clear swimming holes tucked beneath redwood canopies. From Devil's Elbow to Loraine's Hole, each offers a unique experience.
ExploreHumboldt County, California
Van DuzenRiver Explorations
Discover the hidden gem of Humboldt County. Journey through ancient redwood forests, pristine swimming holes, and wild rapids along the magnificent Van Duzen River.
Discover the river
A River That Tells
Ancient Stories
The Van Duzen River winds through the heart of Humboldt County, carving its way through some of California's most spectacular landscapes. Named after early settler James Van Duzen, this pristine waterway flows 60 miles from its headwaters in the Coast Range to its confluence with the Eel River.
Surrounded by towering ancient redwoods, lush fern-lined banks, and dramatic canyon walls, the Van Duzen offers a wilderness experience unlike any other. From tranquil swimming holes to exhilarating rapids, every stretch of river holds a new adventure.
60Miles of river
12Swimming holes
200Wildlife species
The river, your way
Find your next stretch of wild
Whether you seek thrilling rapids or peaceful swimming holes, the Van Duzen has something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Explore activitiesRiver adventures
Explore your adventure
From quiet water to wild country, every stretch of the Van Duzen offers a different way to explore.
Kayaking
Navigate thrilling rapids through stunning canyon walls. Winter and spring bring the best water levels for an unforgettable paddling experience.
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Hiking trails
Trek through ancient redwood groves and along scenic riverbanks. Trails range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes.
ExploreAncient redwoods
Walk beneath towering ancient redwoods and fern-lined banks while the river winds through dramatic canyon walls.
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River rapids
From tranquil swimming holes to exhilarating rapids, every stretch of river holds a new adventure.
ExploreRiparian wildlife
The Van Duzen River corridor is a biodiversity hotspot, home to remarkable species from ancient forests to pristine waters.
ExploreKnow the Van Duzen
River highlights
The details that make this stretch of Humboldt County worth exploring.
60 miles of river
From Coast Range headwaters to the Eel River.
12 swimming holes
Crystal-clear spots beneath redwood canopies.
Class II–IV rapids
Featured in the river's kayaking stretches.
25+ miles of trails
Nature walks to challenging backcountry routes.
350 acres of redwoods
Ancient groves, fern-lined banks and canyon walls.
Riparian wildlife
Salmon, eagles, elk and Western pond turtles.
A wild north coast
Every bend holds a new adventure.
From tranquil swimming holes to exhilarating rapids, every stretch of river holds a new adventure.
Start your adventurePlan your exploration
Discover the Van Duzen
Your way
Whether you seek thrilling rapids or peaceful swimming holes, the Van Duzen has something for every outdoor enthusiast.
- ✓Crystal-clear swimming holes beneath redwood canopies
- ✓Class II–IV rapids through canyon walls
- ✓25+ miles of trails along scenic riverbanks
- ✓Wildlife including Chinook salmon, bald eagles, Roosevelt elk and Western pond turtles
Ecosystem
Riparian wildlife
The Van Duzen River corridor is a biodiversity hotspot, home to remarkable species from ancient forests to pristine waters.
Chinook salmon
A remarkable species of the river ecosystem.
Bald eagle
A thrilling sight along the river corridor.
Roosevelt elk
Wildlife of the forest and river landscape.
Western pond turtle
Part of the river's remarkable biodiversity.
Ancient redwoods
Towering forests and lush fern-lined banks.
Dramatic canyon walls
Landscapes carved by the river through Humboldt County.
Along the riverbanks
Trek through ancient redwood groves.
Trails range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes.
Explore hiking trailsAbout the Van Duzen
River notes
“Surrounded by towering ancient redwoods, lush fern-lined banks, and dramatic canyon walls, the Van Duzen offers a wilderness experience unlike any other.”
Van Duzen River Explorations
Good to know
Most popular questions
A quick guide to the river, its activities and the landscape around it.
The Van Duzen River flows 60 miles from its headwaters in the Coast Range to its confluence with the Eel River.
Swimming holes, kayaking and hiking trails.
The river's kayaking section describes Class II–IV rapids.
Winter and spring bring the best water levels.
The page features 12 pristine swimming spots.
There are 25+ miles of trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes.
Chinook salmon, bald eagle, Roosevelt elk and Western pond turtle.
Ancient redwoods, fern-lined banks and dramatic canyon walls.