Smith River National Recreation Area

Smith River NRA Headquarters
Six Rivers National Forest
Gasquet Ranger Station
PO Box 228
Gasquet, CA 95543
TEL: (707) 457-3131
FAX: (707) 457-3794

The Smith River National Recreation Area is the newest of the twelve Congressionally-designated national recreation areas (NRAs) in the United States. The Smith River is located within the Six Rivers National Forest, and is quite near Redwood National Park. The 305,337 acre Smith River NRA was created to protect the area's special scenic value, natural diversity, cultural and historical attributes, wilderness, wildlife, fisheries, and the Smith River watershed with its clean waters.

RICH IN NATURAL DIVERSITY
The Smith River NRA is the heart of one of the largest wild and scenic river systems (315 miles) in the United States. The Smith River watershed exhibits a rich ecological diversity. Over 176 miles of anadromous fish habitat, over 300 species of wildlife, and 7 distinct plant communities contribute to the lush natural environment of the Smith River National Recreation Area.

RICH IN CULTURAL HISTORY
The namesake of the NRA, the river, and the scenic Byway, was Jedediah Smith, the famous mountain man who crossed this area in 1828. However, long before the arrival of early European explorers, the shores of the Smith River were home to the Tolowa Indians. In the 1930s the fine work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) resulted in many facilities being built which added even more to this area's cultural history. Mining and timber harvesting has played an important role in the development of Del Norte County over the last 100 years.

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Within the borders of the Smith River NRA, a variety of recreational opportunities exist. White water rafting, trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking, birdwatching, nature study, world-class steelhead fishing, hunting, camping, and touring the Smith River Scenic Byway are just a few of the many recreational adventures that await you.

LOCATION
The Smith River NRA is located in the northwestern corner of California, eight hours from San Francisco and six hours from Portland. U.S. Highway 199, a national scenic byway, heads northeast from Crescent City (and US Hwy. 101) to Grants Pass, Oregon (and Interstate 5). It passes through the heart of the Smith River NRA where the towns of Hiouchi and Gasquet provide food, lodging, R.V. sites, and supplies.

CLIMATE
Winter temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s, with an occasional snow storm. The rainy season normally runs from October through April with an average annual rainfall of 94 inches in Gasquet. Winter rains raise the undammed waters of the Smith River making it ideal for white-water rafting, kayaking, and steelhead and salmon fishing. Summer highs are a pleasant 75-85 degrees. The relatively dry months of May through September provides weather ideal for camping, hiking, swimming and sight seeing.

LOCAL EVENTS
Annual local events include the Crab Races, Teddy Bear Picnic, and 4th of July Celebration in Crescent City; the Salmon Festival in Klamath; the Easter in July Festival in Smith River; and the Azalea Festival in Brookings. Anglers watch for the annual steelhead and salmon runs upriver each Autumn. For more information about local happenings and services, contact: Crescent City-Del Norte Co. Chamber of Commerce at (707) 464-3174; or Brookings Chamber of Commerce at (503) 469-3181.

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

SCENIC BYWAY
Beginning at the junction of U.S. 101, the Smith River Scenic Byway on U.S. Hwy. 199 passes through the Redwood National Park and Jedediah Smith State Park before weaving the remainder of its 27 miles through the Smith River NRA. Just east of Hiouchi, the scenic byway meets the Smith River, providing inspiring views of the Middle Fork. Roadside stops are provided along the scenic byway. Headquarters for the NRA are located at the Gasquet Ranger Station along the Smith River Scenic Byway.

TRAILS
Ride a horse, mountain bike, or hike over 65 miles of the Smith River NRA's designated trails. Trail lengths vary from 0.8 - 16 miles. Doe Flat Trail, a challenging 5 miles to Devil's Punchbowl, will soon have new campsites and parking at the trailhead. The historic South Kelsey Trail crosses the pristine Siskiyou Wilderness, and the 0.8 mile High Dome Trail leads to a high mountain meadow.

NRA VEHICLE ACCESS
Get off the beaten path in your family car, four-wheel drive, or mountain bike and see more of the NRA by using the 124 miles of County and 142 miles of National Forest roads. These roads reveal forests, wildlife, streams and lakes not seen from the main road.

CAMPING
Toast marshmallows over a campfire, surrounded by giant trees while listening to the soothing music of the Smith River. Five campgrounds and two picnic areas rejuvenate the senses of many a weary traveler. Of historic interest, Patrick's Creek Campground, as well as the Gasquet Ranger Station, boast the fine craftsmanship of the Depression Era's Civilian Conservation Corps. Patrick's Creek and Panther Flat Campgrounds have barrier free campsites and restrooms. After a long day's travel, enjoy the warm inland breezes wafting down through sun-splashed branches at one of the Smith River NRA's Campgrounds.

WILD AND SCENIC RIVER
The Smith River's emerald waters course through forested slopes and rocky peaks on its way to the Pacific Ocean. Along this free-flowing river, many recreational opportunities abound including exciting rafting, steelhead fishing, and kayaking. River Access Points, clearly marked along the scenic byway, provide access to sandy beaches and river pools. Future plans include barrier-free river access points, a boat ramp, and river interpretive trails.

SISKIYOU WILDERNESS
A windswept slope, the cry of a hawk, and mountain ridges unfolding their way to the horizon reward the wilderness hiker. There are 59,000 acres of the Siskiyou Wilderness within NRA borders accessible to hikers, hunters, backpackers and solitude seekers. To maintain the wilderness ethic, vehicles, including mountain bikes, must remain outside of the wilderness boundaries. Information and guidelines for experiencing the Siskiyou Wilderness are available at the Gasquet Ranger Station.

WILDLIFE
Rare and Endangered species such as the bald eagle and Peregrine falcon make their homes within the boundaries of the NRA. Otters, ducks, osprey, and kingfishers can be seen along the Smith River. Other wildlife include the red-legged frog, mountain lion, coyote, and American kestrel. Bird watching is a rewarding pastime. Upland game abounds for big game hunters and archery enthusiasts alike.

FISHING
Salmon and steelhead fishing on the Smith River is nationally famous for trophy-size fish. The Smith River is unique in this area because it clears rapidly after a winter storm, increasing winter fishability. The salmon fishery begins in the fall and continues into winter. Steelhead are present from winter into late spring. Most of the river is easily accessible from paved state highways or county routes.

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