Our Mission Jedediah Smith The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and emaining coast redwood education of the people of California by helping R Redwoods to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological forests grow naturally only diversity, protecting its most valued natural and State Park cultural resources, and creating opportunities in a narrow strip along for high-quality outdoor recreation. the Pacific coastline from central California into southern Oregon. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who Jedediah Smith Redwoods need assistance should contact the park at (707) 465-7335. This publication can be State Park protects 10,000 made available in alternate formats. Contact [email protected] or call (916) 654-2249. acres of these first-growth, CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 primeval treasures. Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Discover the many states of California.™

SaveTheRedwoods.org/csp Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Redwood National 1440 Highway 199 and State Parks Crescent City, CA 95531 (707) 465-7335 or 458-3496 (Information) Cover Photo by Stephen Corley. © Save The Redwoods League.

© 2003 California State Parks (Rev. 2014) J edediah Smith Redwoods State Park, named for an American explorer of extraordinary courage, is a feast for the eye. The park protects 10,000 acres of primeval redwood groves, a lush undergrowth of rhododendrons and azaleas, and banks of Photo courtesy of jeffbright.com ferns against giant fallen trees. Here at the confluence of the Smith River The scenic Smith River and Mill Creek, summer temperatures range from 45 to 85 degrees, in contrast to the cool, Nevada to the Pacific coast. In 1821, at age 22, killed in a Comanche ambush along the fog-bound coast. Winter can bring 100 inches he came west and joined the fur-trapping party Cimarron River. of rain and temperatures between 30 and 65 of General William Ashley. By late 1826, Smith Jedediah Smith’s wish was to be “the first to degrees; snow is rare. and two partners had bought out General view a country on which the eyes of a white Ashley. Smith led his trappers across southern man had never gazed and to follow the PARK HISTORY Utah, Nevada, Arizona, the Mojave Desert and course of rivers that run through a new land.” Before European contact, the lives of the Cajon Pass to Mission San Gabriel, where they His reports on the geology and geography Tolowa people, along with their neighbors rested for two months. of the western territories appeared in the Yurok, Hupa, Karuk and Chilula, were When Mexican Governor José María Echeandía newspapers of the day, and proved that the secure and well-ordered. New settlers ordered them to leave, Smith headed north Sierra Nevada could be safely crossed to depleted natural resources, causing radical into the San Joaquin Valley. reach California. In a remarkably few years, environmental changes and cultural conflict. In May 1827 Smith went to Utah to recruit more his travels, observations and notes filled in European diseases to which the Tolowa had trappers, but as they re-crossed many blank spaces on the country’s map. no immunity decreased their numbers, and the Colorado River, the formerly friendly many were sent to the reservation at what Coast Redwood Country Mojave Indians attacked, killing ten is now the Smith River. Part of the California’s coast redwoods follow the fog men. When Smith and his surviving site of Camp Lincoln, built in and thrive in continuous belts at elevations men reached Mission San José, 1862 as a buffer between below 2,000 feet, where heavy winter rains Smith was arrested and sent the native people and the and moderate year-round temperatures to Governor Echeandía in settlers, is located in the occur. Trees can grow to 350 feet or more, Monterey. Again ordered out of park. Tolowa descendants with a base diameter of about 20 feet. Their the province, the party went are still present in northern root systems are broad and shallow, from north through the redwoods, California, and many continue only a few inches to six feet underground. reaching what is now called the to practice their traditions. The oldest coast redwoods are about Smith River in June 1828. Two years 2,000 years old and show no signs of dying later Smith and his partners sold their business Who was Jedediah Smith? out. They resist insects, fire and rot to and returned to St. Louis. But in 1831, Smith Jedediah Strong Smith was the first non- a remarkable degree, and their vigor in felt the lure of the Santa Fe Trail. While seeking native known to have traveled overland sprouting back when cut or badly burned is water during his last wagon train west, he was from the Mississippi River, across the Sierra an important factor in their longevity. Plant Communities lumbermen who donated them or preserved Interpretive Activities—Summer interpretive Feathery ferns, redwood sorrel, them until the League could purchase them. programs include guided walks, hikes and salal, trillium, Douglas iris and When the park was established in 1929, the evening campfires on nature and historical tiger lily grow in splendor Frank D. Stout Memorial Grove became its first subjects. Check the park bulletin board for a beneath redwoods. dedicated grove. The 5,000-acre National Tribute schedule of activities. Salmonberry, thimbleberry Grove, dedicated to those who fought during Accessible Features and huckleberry provide World War II, was purchased with League funds. Some restrooms and campsites, the campfire wildlife forage, and acres of In May 1994, Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast center and the picnic areas are accessible, as rhododendrons and azaleas and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Parks joined are paths from the parking lot to the campfire bloom from April to June. The Spotted owl with Redwood National Park in a cooperative and visitor centers. The center has large-print area’s warm climate encourages management effort. Their combined 105,516 exhibit panels and offers assistance in the many other tree species — including western acres — representing 36 percent of California’s sales area. Visit http://access.parks.ca.gov hemlock, Douglas-fir, big-leaf maple, red alder, old-growth redwood forest — were designated for accessibility updates. California laurel, tan oak, madrone and Port Redwood National and State Parks. Orford cedar — to share the redwood habitat. Nearby State Parks Recreational Activities • Tolowa Dunes State Park, five miles north Wildlife A picnic area near the Smith River offers tables of Crescent City on Old Mill Road Deer, gray and Douglas squirrels, raccoons and and stoves. The swimming beach is popular, • Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park redwood chipmunks are common among park but the river can be treacherous; there is no Seven miles south of Crescent City on Hwy. mammals, and bears and mountain lions are lifeguard service. Popular redwood hiking trails 101. For parks information: Crescent City sometimes seen. A rare treat is the sight of an are the Stout Grove Trail loop, the Simpson Information Center, 1111-2nd St., Crescent otter playing in the river or a beaver working in Reed Grove Trail, and the Boy Scout Tree Trail. City 95531 (707) 465-7335 a deep pool. The noisy Steller’s jay steals food Fishing—Depending on weather, fishing is best from picnic tables. Other local birds include from October to February. Large salmon and American dippers, varied thrushes and several Please Remember steelhead have been caught during seasonal • Stay on established trails to avoid species of woodpecker, with an occasional runs. Summertime brings cutthroat trout fishing. compacting the soil near tree roots. ruffed grouse, belted kingfisher, osprey, spotted Anglers 16 and over must carry a valid California • All natural and cultural park owl or marbled murrelet. fishing license. For current fishing information, features are protected by law and Saving the Redwoods visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife may not be disturbed. California’s redwood parks are monuments to website at www.dfg.ca.gov. • Purchase firewood at the park to those whose vision preserved their beauty. In Camping—Each of 89 sites has a table, fire ring avoid spreading tree diseases. • Do not feed wildlife; secure all 1900 concerned citizens helped to save the and cupboard, with restrooms nearby. Some food items. coast redwood groves of Big Basin near Santa sites can accommodate trailers or motorhomes • Dogs must be on a leash no more up to 36 feet (no hookups). Reservations are Cruz, and in 1918 the Save the Redwoods than six feet long and must be recommended between Memorial Day and League was formed. confined to a tent or vehicle at Labor Day. For reservations, call (800) 444- The names of several memorial groves night. Except for service animals, 7275 or visit www.parks.ca.gov. Hike and bike at Jedediah Smith reflect the generosity of pets are not allowed on trails. campsites may not be reserved. Brookings O R E G O N 200 0 500 ft 400 Pelican SB Six Jedediah Smith Redwoods 0 800 m Smith River Rivers 199 200 State Park NF Happy Tolowa Dunes SB d Point St George Gasquet Camp e id u g Crescent City - Jedediah Smith lf Del Norte Coast 400 e P S A Redwoods SP Redwoods SP Smith River C

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Humboldt Rd © 2010 California State Parks (Rev. 2014) Map by Eureka Cartography, Berkeley, CA