This part of the middle Eel is commonly split into three sections:
- _Van Arsdale to Hearst_(11.4mi)
- Class II or II+, but be careful with novice boaters as hazardous brush starts immediately and continues for first few miles.
- _Hearst to Outlet Creek_ (19mi)
- Class II with one class III soon after the putin. Gorgeous geology, lots of wildlife. Lives up to Menten's 'classic' designation. There's a couple of spots of BLM land where you can camp. The class III is ok if in a swim if you stay in the main channel, scout it if you are taking class II boaters.
- _Outlet Creek to Dos Rios_ (6mi)
- Changes a lot depending on flows, from a placid Class II (600-2,000cfs) to a Class III/IV (5,000-15,000cfs) 'reminiscent of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon' according to Menten's book
Some of these sections will likely change when the Potter Valley dams come down in 2028 or later.