Wild places > Northwest CA: Regional Map

Mad River Buttes Potential Wilderness

Managing agency: Six Rivers National Forest.

Size: Approximately 6,391 acres.

Location: Western Humboldt County, approximately 15 miles southwest of Willow Creek.

Description:

• The closest wild land to the growing communities of northern Humboldt County.
• Amazing views and incredible wildflowers.

This small yet ecologically diverse proposed wilderness encompasses the headwaters of Redwood Creek, a critical salmon and steelhead trout stream that eventually flows into Redwood National Park to the north. The region is composed of a series of east-west ridges topped by several scenic prominences, including Mad River Buttes, Chaparral Mountain, Bug Creek Butte, Board Camp Mountain, and Board Camp Butte. Redwood Creek flows off ofthe north-face of this ridge, while Bug Creek (an important tributary of the Mad River to the south) flows west, then south through the area.

Large meadows grace the upper slopes of the ridge, offering breathtaking wildflower displays in early summer. Ancient forests of pine and fir cover much of the area, as do outstanding groves of black oaks. These diverse habitats provide homes for a large number of wildlife species, including the northern spotted owl, goshawk, Pacific fisher, pine marten, Pacific giant salamander, prairie falcon, pileated woodpecker, and Roosevelt elk among others. Unique plant communities are also formed by "serpentine barrens," places where soil conditions are so poor that only highly specialized plants can survive.

This is the closest potential wilderness to the Eureka-Arcata area, making it an excellent destination for day-visits.

For additional information, please contact info@calwild.org