South Fork of the Smith River

The South Fork of the Smith River features just over a dozen miles of Class 3 white water rafting. Much of the journey is pool and drop white water, and an additional mile passes through the South Fork Gorge, which is rated as Class 5. The put-in area is the fourth bridge near Goose Creek and the recovery point is a trail that leads up hill to a weigh station on South Fork Road, two miles from California State Highway 199.

Along the way, rafters and kayakers should look for wildlife on the river banks, including black-tailed deer, otters, and black bear. Occasionally a bald-eagle may circle overhead, too. Vegetation in the area ranges from fir, cedar, and maple trees to redwoods. There is also plenty of moss and ferns covering the canyon walls.

Plan to spend a full day making the passage. It is recommended that the take-out area be scouted before embarking, so as not to miss it and end up heading down into the gorge, unless intended. The best seasons for the rafting South Fork of the Smith River are winter and spring, either during or after a good rain. Camping is allowed among the redwoods in Jedediah Smith State Park or at designated Forest Service campgrounds east of Gasquet.