A RIVER RUNS through it – Green and deep and sparkling! The Tolowa call her by her first name “Xaa-wvn’-taa-ghii~-li~” The rest of us know her as The Smith. Named after the first non-native to walk her banks, explorer & outdoorsman Jed Smith.Most of us are familiar with the Middle Fork, adjacent Hwy. 199. Several campgrounds and swimming holes are along this stretch of river and highway.Did you know, there are actually 3 forks: north, middle and south. Each as uniquely diverse as the rocks they tumble over and the plants they nourish. I took an outing to the South and North Forks. I feel as though I spent my outing in the presence of a stunningly beautiful feminine being.”Take me to the River, Drop me in the water”…The South Fork glides out of the Siskiyou Wilderness through dense diverse forest. Undoubtedly the land of Bigfoot! Swim at Sand Camp or Steven Bridge, pitch a tent at the sweet easy CG – Big Flat.The North Fork rolls cold & clear out of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness through barren tumbled rock canyons; red, & silver blue. You will be treated to epic 360 degree views on the incredible trek over 20 miles of dirt. Two miles from the Oregon border, 15 inland from the Ocean, sits North Fork CG – quiet, wild & dark!!Worth celebrating -The Smith River National Recreation Area, so exceptional and unique, in 1990Congress designated the Smith protected as a National Recreation Area (almost as special as a National Park). Yay, Congress!
Wild Escape Guides 