Salt River (California)

Salt River
The Salt River restoration reopened the lower portion of the river to flow on October 9, 2013.
Map of the Salt River
Location
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyHumboldt
CityFerndale
Physical characteristics
SourceWildcat Mountains
  locationHumboldt County, California
  coordinates40°32′32.08″N 124°16′58.21″W / 40.5422444°N 124.2828361°W / 40.5422444; -124.2828361
  elevation3 ft (0.91 m)
MouthPacific Ocean
  location
Humboldt County, California
  coordinates
40°38′16.46″N 124°18′47.21″W / 40.6379056°N 124.3131139°W / 40.6379056; -124.3131139
  elevation
0 ft (0 m)
Length7 mi (11 km)
Basin size17.03 sq mi (44.1 km2)
Discharge 
  locationPacific Ocean
Basin features
River systemEel River (California)

The Salt River is a formerly navigable hanging channel of the Eel River which flowed about 9 miles (14 km) from near Fortuna and Waddington, California, to the estuary at the Pacific Ocean, until siltation from logging and agricultural practices essentially closed the channel. It was historically an important navigation route until the early 20th century. It now intercepts and drains tributaries from the Wildcat Hills along the south side of the Eel River floodplain. Efforts to restore the river began in 1987, permits and construction began in 2012, and water first flowed in the restored channel in October 2013.