Redwood National Park

Photos: Top Ten U.S. Rivers for Rafting

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Redwood National Park is essentially a thin strip of protected land along the coast. It shelters the mouth of the Klamath River, which is perhaps the most important paddling destination hereabouts. Five other superlative paddling rivers flow in the vicinity of the park.

Klamath River — The Klamath River is a Jekyll and Hyde River; it has two distinct personalities. Though there are more than 200 rapids all along its 187 miles, the upper portion is definitely the wildest. The lower portion, nearest Redwood National Park, tends toward tamer whitewater and the focus is on wildlife and scenery.

More on the Klamath River

The Six Rivers National Forest touches Redwood National Park in the north. Besides the Klamath, the five rivers out of which comes its name are the Smith, Trinity, Mad, Van Duzen, and Eel. Here's a rundown of some paddling possibilities near Redwood:

Smith River — This river has its own national recreation area named after it. All three of its forks are designated Wild and Scenic. Imagine wild gorges among dense redwood forests. None of the forks are for first-timers. All three forks come in at a hard-rocking Class IV+.

Trinity — This is another designated Wild and Scenic river. The runs are generally longer than those along the Smith. Burnt Ranch Gorge, a seven-mile long, 2,000-foot rift, is for many the highlight of the Trinity.

More on the Trinity River