| Description: 325.4 miles of the Smith River System are designated wild & scenic, more than any other river in the country. The emerald-green Smith River flows freely & naturally, without a single dam, for its entire length -- the only major system in California to do so.
The Wild & Scenic Smith River is seasonal with highlights in each season. When winter rains arrive, the three forks & countless creeks drain a beautiful, rugged terrain of steep, rocky canyons, & torrential rains may bring the almost immediate whitewater conditions so avidly sought by kayakers. The Smith River abounds with Class IV & V rapids on all three forks, & has many miles of steep creeking waters. Its 145 miles of navigable whitewater require a fairly high degree of technical skills by the boater. Once the three forks join to form the mainstem, the land levels out & the last 16 miles to the ocean present less demanding conditions (level I-II in medium flows). Just past the confluence of the Middle Fork & South Fork, the river leaves the NRA & flows through the Redwood National & State Parks, with stunning views of the giant redwoods & great summer floating in Class I & II waters.
Other recreational highlights along the Smith River include fish watching, steelhead & salmon fishing, waterfalls, swimming or snorkeling in deep natural pools of clear & emerald H2O, tubing & rafting, hiking along back-country & wilderness trails, & mountain biking. Wildlife & beautiful flowers are abundant --- Pacific dogwoods, azaleas, rhododendrons, ladyslipper orchids, lilies; & in the fall, stunning fall colors & berry picking.
Location: The designation covers the North, Middle, & South Forks of the river, their tributary streams, & the main Smith River to its mouth in the Pacific Ocean.
Season: year round.
Fee: for some areas in the Smith River NRA.
Reservations: for some campgrounds.
Available: Fishing Picnicking
Boating (WW) Hiking/Backpacking Scenic Driving Camping Wildlife Viewing Drinking Water Dump Station
RV Sites Restrooms Boat Ramp. |
Campground: Smith River National Recreation Area, Smith River in Gasquet California *