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Ruth Lake Site # 179 | |||
| This slender lake bordered by ponderosa pine and Douglas fir is off the beaten path and a birding hot spot. | |||
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| Background: | |||
| An abundant fishery draws ospreys and bald eagles. Quiet bays shelter common mergansers, wood ducks, and other waterfowl. Warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers hide and nest in the conifers. Look for resident herons and river otters at the marshy end of the lake. Nearby oaks attract many birds, also large herds of black-tailed deer. | |||
| The Habitat: | |||
| The reservoir lies in calm, beautiful surroundings of hills covered by ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. The reservoir sits at an elevation of 2,654 feet, which affords cool winters, warm summers, and amazing springs and falls. | |||
| The Experience: | |||
| Ruth Lake is a seven-mile long reservoir located in the southern portion of Trinity County. The reservoir was formed by the damming of the Mad River in 1962, and has served both as a functional supplier of water to Humboldt County and a recreational area for fisherman, boaters, water skiers and swimmers alike. Off the beaten path, approximately 70 miles from Eureka, Ruth Lake can be especially appreciated for its rainbow trout, sunfish and crappie, catfish and bass fishing, offering a marina and two boat ramps for your convenience. | |||
| Viewing Tips: | |||
| More than 200 bird species. Waterfowl viewing is excellent in spring and fall. Songbirds are abundant in spring. Ospreys nest in spring and remain through fall. Resident nesting bald eagles can also be seen. Viewing by car, boat, in campgrounds; some land around the lake is privately owned. | |||
| Site Notes: | |||
| Prior to launching at Ruth Lake all watercraft must be registered, inspected & have a valid sticker. These Registration and Inspection Requirements are being implemented in an effort to protect Ruth Lake from Invasive Species. | |||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | |||
| Mattole Recreation Site Shelter Cove Lost Coast Wilderness Sinkyone Wilderness State Park Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Lewiston Lake Redwood National and State Parks. | |||
| Festivals & Events: | |||
| Ruth Lake Summer Festival Ruth Lake Bass Tournament Kid's Free Fishing Derby | |||
| Visitor Information: | |||
| Trinity County Chamber of Commerce (530) 623-6101 Visit website | |||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Everday | ||
| Hours: | |||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Road Information: | |||
 Paved. | |||
| Road Hazards: Highway 36 is winding and scenic; allow 1.5 hours for drive. | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 0 | |||
| Parking Fee: | |||
| Proximity to viewing area: | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: | |||
| Parking Notes: | |||
| Special Tips: | |||
| All facilities are located on Mad River Road off of Highway 36. | |||
| How to Get There: | |||
| South of Eureka, from the junction of highways 101 and 36, take Highway 36 east for 54 miles. Beyond town of Mad River, turn on County Road 501 (Ruth Lake Road). | |||
