Benbow Lake State Recreation Area

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area is a state park unit of California in the United States. It is located in Humboldt County 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Garberville on U.S. Route 101 on the South Fork Eel River.

Benbow Lake State Recreation Area
LocationHumboldt County, California, USA
Nearest cityGarberville, California
Coordinates40°3′43″N 123°47′36″W
Area1,142 acres (4.62 km2)
Established1958
Governing bodyCalifornia Department of Parks and Recreation

Benbox dam was constructed across the South Fork Eel River in 1928 to provide hydroelectric power for development in Garberville, impounding a reservoir.[1] The Benbow family, interested in preserving the natural scene along the river, made efforts to place the land under state protection. In 1956 funds were approved for the Benbow Project and the first 207 acres (84 ha) were purchased in 1958.[2] The seasonal dam was removed in 2016 due to the negative impact on the fish.[1]

The park has grown to 1,142 acres (462 ha).[3] There are campsites and a large day-use picnic area. Hiking, picnicking and camping are popular summer time activities, while salmon and steelhead fishing are popular in the winter.[2]

Foliage at Benbow State Recreation Area

See also

References
  1. Estrada, Natalya; Benz, Kellie Ann (September 5, 2016). "Benbow Dam demolition on schedule". Eureka Times-Standard. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  2. Benbow Lake State Recreation Area. California Department of Parks and Recreation.
  3. "California State Park System Statistical Report: Fiscal Year 2009/10" (PDF). California State Parks: 26. Retrieved 2011-09-24. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
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