Class IV Middle Fork Smith River, CA

The Smith River was added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981 with an additional portion added in 1990. More than 300 miles of the Smith River drainage are designated wild and scenic, making it one of the most complete river systems in the National System. The emerald-green Smith River flows freely and naturally, without a single dam for its entire length. It is the only major system in California to do so.

The Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA) is located in the northwest corner of California and is managed by the Six Rivers National Forest. The Forest Service has been designated as the steward of the NRA to provide recreational opportunities and to manage this diverse area for all of its valuable resources. Below the National Forest, the Smith River and designated tributaries flow through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Redwoods National Park and on to the Pacific Ocean.

The NRA encompasses more than 450-square-miles of densely forested mountains, pristine botanical areas, remote wilderness landscapes, high-mountain lakes, and steep, rocky canyons. The river is an important stream for fish, with towering trees along its banks providing the shaded conditions necessary for cold-water species.

The Smith River is California’s only undammed river system. It is a jewel of whitewater, with three major forks and countless side creeks. It is also an attraction to swimmers and waders seeking the clear clean water.

Winter rains provide the whitewater conditions so avidly sought by kayakers. The Smith River abounds with Class IV and V rapids on all three forks and has many miles of steep creeking waters. Its miles of 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, and the last 16 miles to the ocean present less demanding conditions (Class I-II in medium flows).

Just past the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork, the river leaves the NRA and flows through the Redwood National and State Parks, with stunning views of the giant redwoods and great summer floating in Class I and II waters. The Smith River offers surprises for even the most seasoned boater—some rapids may change little for many years, others are different every year, and each season offers something new.

Other recreational opportunities include fish watching, steelhead and salmon fishing, swimming or snorkeling in deep natural pools of clear and emerald water, tubing and rafting, hiking along backcountry and wilderness trails, and mountain biking.

There are four distinct rapids in this section and conditions change drastically depending on water levels.

 

For More Information Visit:

Smith River - rivers.gov