Things to Do in Smith River National Recreation Area

Smith River National Recreation Area primarily offers routes for Hiking. The area also provides opportunities for backpacking, picnicking, swimming, rafting, and fishing. It contains more than 100 miles of trails across its diverse landscapes.

Smith River National Recreation Area features 8 hiking routes. These routes have an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars from more than 150 visitors. The area offers trails for various skill levels.

Yes, Smith River National Recreation Area includes easy hiking trails. The Myrtle Creek Trail is an easy 2.0 to 2.1-mile (3.2-3.4 km) path suitable for most skill levels. For more options, refer to the guide Easy hikes in Smith River National Recreation Area.

Popular hiking trails include Myrtle Creek Trail, Doe Flat Trail to Devil's Punchbowl, and French Hill Trail. Other notable trails are Elk Camp Ridge, Hiouchi Trail, and South Kelsey National Recreation Trail. These trails offer diverse experiences through redwoods, along the river, and to mountain viewpoints.

The area is characterized by densely forested mountains and the emerald-green Smith River, California's only major undammed river. Visitors can find unique botanical resources, including redwood forests and serpentine meadows. Remote wilderness, high-mountain lakes, and steep canyons are also present.

Yes, challenging trails are available. The Doe Flat Trail to Devil's Punchbowl is an 8.9-mile (14.3 km) trail with an elevation gain of more than 1,500 feet (457 m). Elk Camp Ridge (#2E04) is another historic pack train trail offering panoramic views of high mountain peaks.

The Smith River is California's only major undammed, naturally flowing river system. It is known for its pristine, emerald-green waters, which support excellent anadromous fish populations like steelhead, trout, and salmon. Over 300 miles (483 km) of its drainage are designated wild and scenic.

Yes, komoot offers guides for the area. These include Hiking in Smith River National Recreation Area and Easy hikes in Smith River National Recreation Area. These guides provide curated information and route suggestions.

Most hiking trails in Smith River National Recreation Area are accessible year-round. However, heavy rainfall during the wet season, from October through April, can affect river and creek levels. Summer months are ideal for water-based activities like swimming and rafting.

Official information for Smith River National Recreation Area is available on the USDA Forest Service website. The Gasquet Ranger Station serves as the NRA Headquarters. The phone number for the headquarters is (707) 457-3131.

Routes in Smith River National Recreation Area have an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 150 visitors who have explored the area's trails.

Yes, Smith River National Recreation Area meets the northern border of Redwood National and State Parks. This proximity allows for experiences through old-growth redwood forests and along clear riverbanks within the NRA.