The United States Congress designated the South Fork Eel River Wilderness (map
) in 2006 and it now has a total of 12,868 acres
All of this wilderness is located in California
and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The South Fork Eel River Wilderness is composed of two separate units: Red Mountain in the north and Cahto Peak in the south.
The Red Mountain unit is centered on Red Mountain and the Cedar Creek drainage. Elevations range from 1,100 feet on Cedar Creek to the 4,083 foot top of Red Mountain; separated by less than three miles. The terrain is generally steep and rugged drainages dropping abruptly into Cedar Creek canyon. A small area of gentle slopes is found around the summit of Red Mountain. A zone of reddish soil occupies the central part of the area and contrasts sharply with the surrounding landscape. These unusual soils support a unique vegetation cover of pine species and cypress intermixed with a low brush understory. Rare and endangered plant species also occupy this soil type.
The Cahto Peak unit is forested with Douglas fir forest. One of the watersheds in the unit is so pristine it has been designated a Biosphere Reserve, a National Natural Landmark, and a Hydrologic Benchmark.