The approximately 2,600 acre Eel River Wildlife Area contains salt marsh, pasture, wet meadow, brackish marsh, and coastal scrub. It also includes one of the largest riparian forests remaining on California's north coast. The area is regularly used by raptors, and tundra swans, waterfowl, and shorebirds also occur on the area. Mammals include fox, deer, river otter, and a variety of marine mammals.

The area’s historic primary use has been dairy farming and cattle ranching. The property was acquired to protect and enhance coastal wetland habitat, and was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1968.