Benbow Lake - Humboldt County, California

Visited on 4/1/2018, Jeff and I loaded up our two pups, Summer and Skye and went on a weekend camping trip in Northern California.  We stopped at Benbow Lake which is located at 364 feet above sea level in Humboldt County within the giant redwood tree country, just 2 miles south of Garberville on U.S. Route 101.  This 230 acre Lake is created every summer by damming the Eel River.  A concrete dam was constructed across the South Fork Eel River in 1928 to provide hydroelectric power for development in Garberville, impounding a reservoir. 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 were purchased in 1958. 

The Lake is also home to a beautiful historic "Hotel Benbow" opened to the public in July of 1926 and soon became a popular destination resort for motoring tourists traveling up the newly completed Redwood Highway.  Set above the banks of the Eel River, this North Coast Inn's beautiful location and distinctive Tudor design has earned the resort the reputation as a National Treasure and Northern California getaway — intriguing travelers for nine decades.  Benbow Historic Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places and a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.

In the winter months the dam is opened and allows the River to flow freely, so the water in the lake is minimal.

Jeff and I stopped and took a break with the dogs at the rest area across from the Benbow Historic Hotel.