Press release from the City of Rio Dell:

The City of Rio Dell, in partnership with Caltrans and the Clean California program has connected multiple communities with a new trail path along the bank of the Eel River. A ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted today at the Edwards trailhead celebrated the natural beauty of the waterway and unveiled a transformed portion of the riverfront.

This $2.3 million Clean California grant project installed a new quarter-mile paved nonmotorized path that runs along the west bank of the Eel River, linking previously unconnected city streets and providing the first designated public access point to the river. Interpretive monuments placed along the trail highlight the river’s ecological and cultural importance, offering an educational experience for residents and visitors. The City of Rio Dell was also awarded nearly $198,000 in Clean California grant funding for landscaping and recreation upgrades along Wildwood Avenue.

“This trail is more than just a path — it’s a way for our community to connect with the river, with nature, and with one another,” said Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes. “It transforms what was once an overgrown dumping site into a vibrant and educational corridor.”

“Clean California is about more than cleaning up trash—it restores pride and purpose in our shared public spaces,” said Caltrans District 1 Director Matthew Brady. “The Eel River Trail is a shining example of what is possible when state and local partners come together to invest in the health and vitality of our communities.”

Adding a special community touch, students and faculty from Eagle Prairie Elementary School played a key role throughout the project, serving as trail stewards and advocates for its success.

The ribbon-cutting event included representatives from the City of Rio Dell, Caltrans, Redwood Community Action Agency, the County of Humboldt, and local environmental and trails organizations.

The Eel River Trail is a testament to the power of partnerships and the potential for state investment to create safer, cleaner, and more accessible public spaces in communities like Rio Dell.