Smith River National Recreation Area

River Access Trails

Discover and enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the lucid jade-green waters of the Smith River as you walk the numerous trails to its banks. A short walk will take you to great fishing holes, inviting swimming and sunbathing beaches, awesome rock canyons, or "put-in" points for rafters and kayakers. Explore seven spots along South Fork Road and ten off Highway 199 on the Middle or South Forks of the Wild and Scenic Smith River in the Smith River National Recreation Area.

South Fork Road River Trails

South Fork
Road Access Mile
Marker
S.Fork Rd. Trail
LengthFishSwimBoatPaddleToilets

Slant Bridge
Boat Ramp 0.25 220' x x x x x

Second Bridge 0.25 668' x x x x x

Forks 0.25 994' x x x x x

Scale Shack 2.1 400' x x S*

Redwood Flat 12.3 530' x x x x

Steven Bridge 13.0 700' x x x x

Goose Creek13.6 400' x x x x

South of
Myrtle Creek 7.2 586' x x x x

Scratcher Mine 9.1 805' x x

Hardscrabble
Creek11.1 135' x x x x

Mary Adams
Peacock Bridge 11.9 280' x x x x S*

Panther Flat
Picnic Area 16.75 90' x x x x x

Madrone Camp 19.2 x xx x S*

Sand Hole 20.9 255' x x x x S*

Patrick Creek
Picnic Area 22.0 350' x x x x x

Eagle Eye Mine 23.1 170' S* x

Cedar Rustic 23.5 290' S* x

Slant Bridge
Boat Ramp mile marker 0.25 South Fork Road
220' trail
Parking for vehicles
Launch your boat or enjoy the fishing, swimming, and sunbathing opportunities at this Middle Fork river access.
Restroom facilities available at boat-trailer parking lot.

Second Bridge/Forks
mile marker 0.25 South Fork Road
668' and 994' trails
Parking for 12 boat trailers and 10 vehicles
Men's/Women's vault toilets

A trail leads south from the restroom/parking area and splits, with the left trail taking you to a great beach on the South Fork and swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and rafting/tubing opportunities. Take the trail to the right and arrive at the picturesque confluence of the Middle and South Forks of the Smith River. Stretch out on the rock cliffs and admire the scenery.

Scale Shack
Turn mile marker 2.1 South Fork Road
400' trail
Parking for 20 vehicles
Portable toilet in summer

Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at this turn on the South Fork and awe-inspiring views from the upper banks of Class 5 rapids and a beautiful rock canyon. Downstream from this point is a challenging kayaking route, recommended only for the most experienced kayakers. Fishing is not allowed between Craig's Creek and Tryon Bridge.

Redwood Flat
mile marker 12.3 South Fork Road
530' trail
Parking for 5 vehicles

This very steep trail leads you to a spectacular place on the South Fork where fishing, swimming, sunbathing, tubing, and rafting opportunities await.

Steven Bridge
mile marker 13.0 on South Fork Road
700' trail
Parking for 5 vehicles


Follow this very rocky trail to fishing holes and sunbathing spots as well as tubing and rafting opportunities.


Goose Creek
mile marker 13.6 on South Fork Road
400' trail
Parking for 6 vehicles

Gorgeous pools of crystal green water beckon swimmers, fishermen, and rafters while sunbathers may admire the scene from the rocks above.

Highway 199 River Trails

Mouth ofMyrtle Creek
mile marker 7.2 on Hwy 199
586' trail;
Parking for 20 vehicles


Swimmers and sunbathers will enjoy this wide, sandy beach at the Myrtle Creek/Middle Fork confluence. Opportunities for fishing and tubing as well.

Scratcher Mine
mile marker 9.1 on Hwy 199
805' trail
Parking for 7 vehicles


A rocky gorge and Class 5 rapids downstream from this beach make this a take-out point for kayakers. Fish, swim, sunbathe, and look at the sights along this lovely stretch of river.

Hardscrabble Creek
mile marker 11.1 on Hwy 199
135' trail
Parking for 10 vehicles
With only a short walk you'll find a place to fish, swim, or sunbathe or float downstream in a tube or raft.

Mary Adams Peacock Bridge
mile marker 11.9 on Hwy 199 on west side of bridge
280' trail
Parking for 20 vehicles
Portable toilet in summer


Visit the sandy beaches near MAP bridge to fish, swim, and sunbathe, or float downstream in a tube or raft.

Panther Flat Picnic Area
mile marker 16.75 on Hwy 199
90' trail
Parking for 21 vehicles
men's/women's vault toilets


Picnickers will appreciate the tables right next to the Middle Fork Smith River and the many water spigots available close by. An impressive wall of rock provides a backdrop to a beautiful beach and spots to swim, fish, or sunbathe. Visitors may also camp in the Panther Flat Campground and explore the river via kayak, raft, or inner tube.

Madrone Camp
mile marker 19.2 on Hwy 199
Parking for 10 vehicles
portable toilet in summer


Visitors may drive right to this picnic spot on the Middle Fork Smith, where you'll find 3 picnic tables. Grassy Flat Campground is across the river. Try fishing from the shore or float downstream in kayak, raft, or innertube.

Sand Hole
mile marker 20.9 on Hwy 199
255' trail
Parking for 10 vehicles
portable toilet in summer


A very nice sandy beach invites sunbathers and swimmers and the Middle Fork Smith River provides a water trail for kayak, raft, or inner tube.

Patrick Creek Picnic Area
mile marker 22.0 on Hwy 199
350' trail
Parking for 7 vehicles
men's/women's flush toilets


In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps created walls and walkways, firepits and buildings from rocks and mortar in a creative design on the banks of the Middle Fork where the river is joined by Patrick Creek. Much of the original rock work remains, making this river access and picnic spot especially wonderful. Picnickers will find 7 tables and water available plus many sandy beach niches perfect for enjoying the sun and water. Visitors may also fish, raft, or kayak in the river.

Eagle Eye Mine
mile marker 23.1 on Hwy 199
170' trail
Parking for 6 vehicles


The rocky canyon walls along this stretch of the Middle Fork make this a beautiful setting for swimming and sunbathing. Fishing is allowed only in certain seasons, but the views are terrific year round.


Cedar Rustic
mile marker 23.5 on Hwy 199
290' trail
Parking for 3 vehicles
One more gorgeous spot to experience the beautiful Smith River! Bask in the sun and swim the waters of the Middle Fork. Check California fishing regulations for the fishing season at this spot.


S* = Summer only