Benbow Lake was formed in 1928 when a concrete dam was constructed across the south fork of the Eel River. Today, Benbow Lake State Recreation Area consists of about 1,200 acres with 75 campsites and a large day-use picnic area. Hiking, swimming, picnicking and camping are popular summer time activities, while salmon and steelhead fishing are popular in the winter. The lake itself is a narrow, 26-acre long resevoir that is formed in May, with the dam, and reverted to a river in September. Hikers may discover the beauty of California's majestic redwoods on a three-mile hike through the forest.