Yolla - Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness Area
Map SatelliteForests occupy approximately two-thirds of this Wilderness Area. Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, white fir, Abies concolor, and ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, are the dominants in the lower elevations. Higher, red fir, Abies magnifica, and Jeffrey pine, Pinus jeffreyi, become the dominants. There are also scattered disjunct stands of Western white pine, Pinus monticola.
In the highest reaches there are subalpine elements, including mountain hemlock, Tsuga mertensiana, and foxtail pine, Pinus balfouriana. These, as well as the quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides, which is found in wet meadows and seeps, are at the southern limit of their distribution in the Coastal Ranges.
In the drier areas, and particularly in the eastern section, chaparral, with chamise, Adenostoma fasciculatum, Arctostaphylos spp. and Ceanothus spp., comprises the main ground cover.
Noteworthy among the numerous and varied species of animals found in the area are black bear, Ursus americanus, mountain lion, Felis concolor, mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus, and bobcat, Lynx rufus. Rainbow trout, Salmo gairdnerii, are present in some numbers.
Integrity: There are some campsites and trails, and some grazing occurs; however, the area is virtually undisturbed. The Wilderness was established in 1956.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
June 1981
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman