River Access Trails Njk Smith River Six Rivers National Forest

iscover 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 swim Dming and sunbathing beaches, awesome rock canyons, or “put-in” points for rafters and kayakers. Ex- plore 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 Redwood mile post 12.3 South Fork Road Flat 530' trail Slant Bridge mile post .25 South Fork Road Parking for 5 vehicles Boat Ramp 220' trail This very steep trail leads you to a spectacular place Parking for 6 vehicles on the South Fork where fishing, swimming, sunbath- Launch your boat or enjoy the fishing, swimming, and ing, tubing, and rafting opportunities await. sunbathing opportunities at this Middle Fork river access. Restroom facilities available at boat-trailer parking lot. Steven mile post 13.0 on South Fork Road Bridge 700' trail Second mile post .25 South Fork Road Parking for 5 vehicles Bridge/ 668' and 994' trails Follow this very rocky trail to fishing holes and sunbath- ing spots as well as tubing and rafting opportunities. Forks Parking for 12 boat trailers and 10 vehicles Vault toilets A trail leads south from the restroom/parking area and Goose mile post 13.6 on South Fork Road splits, with the left trail taking you to a great beach on Creek 400' trail the South Fork and swimming, sunbathing, fishing, Parking for 6 vehicles and rafting/tubing opportunities. Take the trail to the Gorgeous pools of crystal green water beckon swim- right and arrive at the picturesque confluence of the mers, fishermen, and rafters while sunbathers may Middle and South Forks of the Smith River. Stretch admire the scene from the rocks above. out on the rock cliffs and admire the scenery. elcome to the Smith River National mile post 2.1 South Fork Road Craig’s Recreation Area, located within the Six 400' trail Beach Rivers National Forest and managed by Parking for 20 vehicles W the Forest Service, Department of Portable toilet in summer Agriculture. This 305,337 acre National Recreation Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at this turn on the Area (NRA) was designated by Congress in Novem- South Fork and views from the upper banks of a ber 1990 to protect the area’s special scenic value, beautiful rock canyon. Downstream from this point is natural diversity, cultural and historical attributes, a challenging kayaking route (Class 5 rapids), recom- wilderness, wildlife, fisheries, and the Smith River mended only for the most experienced kayakers. watershed’s clean waters. The Forest Service has been Fishing is not allowed between Craig’s Creek and designated as the steward of the NRA to provide Tryon Bridge (Second Bridge). recreational opportunities and to manage this diverse area for all of its valuable resources.

United States Department of Forest Service Six Rivers National Forest Agriculture Pacific Southwest Region Smith River National Recreation Area Highway 199 River Trails Madrona mile post 19.2 on Hwy 199 Parking for 10 vehicles Myrtle mile post 7.2 on Hwy 199 portable toilet in summer Beach 586' trail Visitors may drive right to this picnic spot on the Parking for 20 vehicles Middle Fork Smith. Grassy Flat Campground is across Portable toilet in summer the river. Try fishing from the shore or float down- Swimmers and sunbathers will enjoy this wide, sandy stream in kayak, raft, or inner tube. beach at the Myrtle Creek/Middle Fork confluence. Opportunities for fishing and tubing as well. Sandy mile post 20.9 on Hwy 199 Middle Fork mile post 9.1 on Hwy 199 Beach 255' trail Gorge 55' trail Parking for 10 vehicles Parking for 7 vehicles portable toilet in summer A rocky gorge and Class 5 rapids downstream from this A very nice sandy beach invites sunbathers and beach make this a takeout point for kayakers. Fish, swimmers and the Middle Fork Smith River provides a swim, sunbathe, and look at the sights along this lovely water trail for kayak, raft, or inner tube. stretch of river. Patrick mile post 22.0 on Hwy 199 Hardscrabble mile post 11.1 on Hwy 199 Creek 350' trail Parking for 7 vehicles Creek 135’ trail Picnic Area Parking for 10 vehicles Flush toilets With only a short walk you’ll find a place to fish, In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps created swim, or sunbathe or float downstream in a tube or walls and walkways, firepits and buildings from rocks raft. 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 Mary mile post 11.9 on Hwy 199 work remains, making this river access and on west side of bridge picnic spot especially wonderful. Many Adams 280' trail sandy beach niches provide perfect spots for enjoying Parking for 20 vehicles the sun and water. A barrier-free trail under the bridge Portable toilet in summer connects the Campground and Lodge and also leads to a Visit the sandy beaches near MAP bridge to fish, swim, universal access fishing platform. and sunbathe, or float downstream in a tube or raft. Eagle mile post 23.1 on Hwy 199 Eye 170' trail Panther Flat mile post 16.75 on Hwy 199 Mine Parking for 6 vehicles Picnic Area 90' trail Parking for 21 vehicles The rocky canyon walls along this stretch of the Vault toilets Middle Fork make this a beautiful setting for Picnickers will appreciate the tables just above Middle swimming and sunbathing. Fishing is allowed only Fork Smith River and the many water spigots available in certain seasons, but the views are terrific year close by. An impressive round. wall of rock provides a backdrop to a beautiful Cedar mile post 23.5 on Hwy 199 beach and spots to swim, Rustic 290' trail fish, or sunbathe. Visitors Parking for 3 vehicles may also camp in the One more gorgeous spot to experience the beautiful Panther Flat Campground Smith River! Bask in the sun and swim the waters of and explore the river via the Middle Fork. Check fishing regulations kayak, raft, or inner tube. for the fishing season at this spot. Protect Yourself: US Highway Mile Trail Post j m N g 199 Access Hwy 199 length ♦ Always swim with a buddy, never alone. There are no lifeguards on the Myrtle Creek 7'.2 586 yses yke kraya summe river. Beach ♦ Be especially watchful of children. Middle Fork kayak Fast currents can quickly overwhelm 9'.1 55 yses ye no Gorge takeout a child and carry them downstream. Hardscrabble ♦ Rocks may be extremely slippery 1'1.1 135 yses yke koaya n Creek when wet. Be careful! ♦ Never dive without verifying water Mary Adams 1'1.9 280 yses yke kraya summe depth. River levels can change dramatically in a short time. Panther Flat ♦ Drink lots of water. (Water from the 1'6.75 90 yses yke ksaya ye Picnic Area river must be boiled five minutes Madrona 1'9.2 40 yses yke kraya summe before drinking.) Avoid alcoholic drinks—they alter your judgment, Sandy Beach 2'0.9 255 yses yke kraya summe your reaction time and dehydrate you. Patrick ♦ Wear a hat; use sunscreen often and Creek Picnic 2'2.0 350 yses yke ksaya ye insect repellent as needed. Area ♦ Learn to recognize and avoid poison Eagle Eye oak. It is common along river banks. 2'3.1 170 ssummer yoe non Mine ♦ Follow federal and state laws requiring canoes, kayaks, and Cedar Rustic 2'3.5 290 ssummer yoe non inflatable rafts to carry a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation Mile device. South Fork Post Trail j m N g ♦ Wear footgear to protect yourself Road Access S. Fork Length from fish hooks or glass which could Rd. hide on the banks or bottom of the Slant Bridge river. .'25 220 yses ye yes Boat Ramp k ♦ Overexposure to cold, especially cold water, causes hypothermia—the Second .'25 668 yses yoe nsye lowering of body temperature levels. Bridge Symptoms are loss of coordination, uncontrollable shivering, and Forks .'25 994 yses yoe nsye listlessness. If any of these symptoms occur, get out of the water, dry off, Craig's 2'.1 400 nso yke kraya summe and get medical attention. Beach ♦ Water depth and swiftness can Redwood 1'2.3 530 yses yoe non increase quickly to dangerous levels. Flat Always exercise caution and good Steven sense. 1'3.0 700 yses yke koaya n Bridge ♦ Kayakers and rafters: contact the Smith River NRA Visitor Center for Goose Creek 1'3.6 400 yses yke koaya n complete information on river classifications, water levels, put-in and takeout points on the Smith River. j Consult current California Fishing Regulations Protect Your River Environment: ♦ Permits are required for campfires, camp stoves, lanterns, and barbecue grills. Campfire permits are ♦ Pick up and pack out all trash, including gum, orange free and available at any Forest Service office. and banana peels, cans, bottles, cigarette butts, and foil ♦ Tread lightly on river trails and access areas, to preserve the beauty of the Smith River. leaving no permanent imprint of your visit. Please ♦ Where no toilet facilities exist, select a spot at least stay on trails. 100' away from the river, dig a 6-8" hole, and cover waste with soil or rocks. Keep our river clean!

Smith River NRA Crescent City Eureka No Redding rth Fo P To Grant’s Pass r at k S m ric i Patrick Creek

t k h Cr Road R California i e v e e k r Cedar Rustic San Francisco Eagle Eye Patrick Creek Campground Panther Flat Sandy Beach Los Angeles Campground Madrona Mary Adams Grassy Flat Campground Gasquet M Hardscrabble y r t l e C r Middle Fork Gorge e e e g k or G Smith River k or F le d d National Recreation Area i Myrtle M ge Beach So rk Gor uth Fo Craig's Beach Hiouchi Rivers Jedediah Smith The Forks To Crescent City Redwoods State Park S Creeks ou th F Forest Service roads or k County roads 16 S

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i U.S. Highway 405 t h R NRA iv er boundary y FS Ranger Station N River Access Redwood k Boat Launch Flat Big Flat Steven Bridge Campground Goose Creek G For More Information please visit, call, or write one of the o

o s Forest Service offices below. Office hours at Smith River e

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National Recreation Area are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 e p.m. All Forest Service offices are wheelchair accessible. k Smith River National Recreation Area Six Rivers National Forest 10600 Highway 199 Supervisor’s Office P.O. Box 228 1330 Bayshore Way Gasquet CA 95543 Eureka CA 95501 707-457-3131 (also TTY#) 707-442-1721 (also TTY#)

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