Blissful solitude in a beautiful setting, but the trail kicked my butt. The North Fork Smith is a stronghold for Umpqua River salmon and steelhead, with coho, sea-run and resident cutthroat trout, fall Chinook and winter steelhead. I am a 62 with an average level of fitness this trail kicked my butt, with a 40lb pack on my back, but would have been perfectly enjoyable as a day hike. After about 0.3 miles the road will become overgrown and hard to find. The 43.3-mile-long (69.7 km) [2] fork rises on the eastern edge of the Smith River National Recreation Area , approximately 30 miles (48 km) east . Even though the Smith is protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, it's headwaters in Oregon remain unprotected. The North Fork of the Smith River begins in Oregon's Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the put-in for this classic section of river is just south of the Oregon-California border. Instead of a straight shot it was switchbacks for quite a while. Alternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM. North Fork Red River Aquifer Study | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov Not a single person on the trail other than myself. [11], Named tributaries of the North Fork Smith River from source to mouth are Horse, Chrome, and Hardrock creeks. Directions to Trail head: From HWY 199 take Little Jones Creek Road (FS 16 and 17N05), just north of Patrick's Creek Lodge. The North Fork Smith's cold water and complex habitat provide a refuge for fish in summer months.In 2003, WRC conserved a unique 320-acre property on the North Fork Smith, which is now part of the Siuslaw National Forest. . North Fork Smith River - Western Rivers Conservancy North Fork Smith River at the confluence with Stony Creek. Best Fishing Times near North Fork Smith River. Our goals were to keep the areas unbroken old-growth forests intact, conserve over a mile of the North Fork Smith River, and ensure permanent public trail access to this special place. 2023 Smith River Alliance. The river lies entirely within the Siuslaw National Forest, including seven pristine miles within the Kentucky Falls Special Interest Area, which WRC expanded in 2003. Fishing North Fork Smith River, OR on 7/21/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM. Download Our New Official Recreation App! The constant ups and downs destroyed me by the end. [5], Hiking trails near the North Fork include North Fork Trail, which follows a ridge along the southeast edge of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness in the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon. North Fork Smith River (NFSR) Dam is a 93-foot-high zoned earth fill dam providing recreational opportunities and irrigation water in central Montana. Mile 0: There are a few places to put-in based on how you get from the end of NF-290 to the river. To use your mobile device's GPS to track your location on the map: Download the geospatial PDF (geoPDF), download and install an app, such as TheAvenza Mapsapp, that reads geoPDFs. Affiliate Links: We receive a commission when you click some of the links on this page and purchase items through Amazon. Long..clocked in around 15 miles. Merkley, Wyden Push to Expand Smith River National Recreation Area to A magical 175 acre haven on the Wild and Scenic Smith River. Kayaks on the Upper North Fork of the Smith River, Typical Rapids on the Upper North Fork of the Smith River, Length:10.3 miles + 0.5 mile hike Gradient:83.5 fpm Difficulty: Class IV+ Season: Winter/Spring Rec. Located in the Siuslaw National Forest near Florence, Oregon, the North Fork Smith makes an easy daytrip from Eugene and a long day trip from Portland. Few people use this trail & its absolutely beautiful with lots of ups and downs , views of the creek, small falls that look best in winter when theres been recent rains. There were hot and cold pockets of air. You're a lucky one if you get a chance to paddle the North Fork of the Smith. [3], The North Fork's water is of outstanding quality, with low turbidity and almost no pollution. Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center Expansion, Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility Electrical Projects, City of Reno Sewer and Street Rehabilitation, Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center GID Effluent System, Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center GID Effluent Water Pipeline and Reservoir, West Fork Upper Battle Creek Diversion Project, Northern California Youth Regional Treatment Center. Travel 15.9 miles then turn left onto Forest Road #48A (North Fork Smith River Road). As someone else said, it's on the more difficult side of moderate. Continue on this road for 7.0 miles to a "T" shaped junction at the end of the pavement. All rights reserved. All of the companies mining claims are located in the Inventoried South Kalmiopsis Roadless Area. The feasibility study also included an environmental review of the impacts associated with the alternatives and an economic analysis of funding alternatives. Mile 3.1: Scout Rapid (IV+) is the most difficult rapid at most flows and should be scouted from the right. make sure to get directions to the trailhead loaded in advance because most of the roads are unmarked and there is no service. There are Jeffrey pine woodlands on gently sloping terrain with common juniper ( Juniperus communis ), pinemat manzanita ( Arctostaphylos . North Fork of the Smith River Rafting & Kayaking - Whitewater Guidebook Stony Creek Trail | Smith River Alliance It is an excellent trail alongside the North Fork. The North Fork Smith River is 28-mile (45km) tributary of the Smith River that begins in the U.S. state of Oregon and ends in the U.S. state of California. Located east of White Sulphur Springs, the creek is set in the bottomland surrounded by open fields in the middle of a large ranch. Corvallis, OR 97331 Check regulations carefully. The 4.5-mile (7.2km) stretch between Horse and Baldface creeks was classified "scenic". . Did you know this page comes in a PDF format? This trail needs lots of work, so if you end up trying it as an adventure try to clear some branches off the trail as you go (thats what my friend and I tried to do!) Siuslaw National Forest Supervisor's Office Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Hiked the whole trail 4/27/21. North Fork Campground is a quiet, semi-shaded, remote campground bordered by the North Fork of the Smith River. Last update on Dec 13, 2017. Mile 7.1: North Fork Falls (IV+) is a long, complicated rapid that should be scouted. * No toilets (there is a vault toilet @ Kentucky Falls TH up the road). Check out this 11.8-mile out-and-back trail near Reedsport, Oregon. Mile 9.25: The Grotto is a beautiful waterfall you can paddle behind. This is a perfect place to "get away from it all" and to stay before rafting the Wild North Fork. This is a deep forest trail. Lots of nice pools that would be great for kids on a hot daymy labs loved them today. North Fork Smith River Fishing near Reedsport, Oregon This section of the North Fork of the Smith River in Oregon is very remote and wild. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The combined streams form the Smith River. The Upper North Fork Smith River watershed is located entirely on public land managed by the Gold Beach Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Which requires climbing and tree hugging to avoid sliding down the landslide and being in dark give yourself extra time with all the slowing down. Mile 8.9: The Oregon/California border is just downstream of Cedar Creek. Six Rivers National Forest - North Fork Campground Official websites use .gov A .gov United States. Lots of downed trees but beautiful waterfalls. Definitely easier to start at Kentucky Falls trail. Saw snakes, newts, salamanders, birds and chipmunks. The North Fork Smith is a cold-water refuge for Umpqua River coho, cutthroat trout (pictured) , fall chinook and winter steelhead. Wildlife Turn left onto Forest Road #23 and travel for 5.5 miles to the North Fork Smith Trailhead on the right. North Fork is situated between three of . Also don't dress in too heavy of layers as you will get hot but also if you sit for a long period of time you'll notice the wind more and cool off pretty fast in about 30 mins I went from a tank top and leggings to my two coats I brought and zipped em up all the way. North Fork Smith Trail #1351 Area Status: Open This trail takes you on a journey through a temperate rainforest, winding through stands of majestic old growth trees along the North Fork Smith River. California White Water by Jim Cassady and Fryar Calhoun. The rest of the run is scattered with Class III and IV rapids. Mile 1.75: After a sizeable creek enters from the right look for an eddy above Mossy Wall (IV). LockA locked padlock Turn left onto Road #18-8-9 (Knowles Creek Road). Bring lots of water we took two 16 oz one 28oz and two body armours plus some 16 oz and 32 oz smoothies cheese veggie chips Luna bars Belvita bars boiled eggs some trail mix. I would say definitely on the more difficult side of moderate, considering the trail conditions after around mile 3. Suitable for hikers and horseback riders, the 12.4-mile (20.0km) trail passes through the area of the Biscuit Fire. The unquestionable highlight of the North Fork Smith is the 2.2-mile Kentucky Falls Trail, which first passes Upper Kentucky Falls, and then reaches the show-stopping, side-by-side cascades of Lower Kentucky Falls and North Fork Falls, at the confluence of Kentucky Creek and the NF Smith. Low turbidity and lack of pollutants contribute to the river's excellent habitat and high fisheries value. It wore me out, even thought about sitting down for a break. Elevation ranges from 800 to 3,500 feet. Mile 10: Waterfall Alley is a beautiful section of river with many waterfalls that enter from the right side. * No Parking fee. This trip is normally done during or soon February or March rainstorms. North Fork Smith Overview | Smith River Alliance An official website of the Absolutely gorgeous forest, but there are hundreds of trees and limbs down starting ~2 miles in. I love this trail & its one of my favs for a nice half day hike. At this point head down hill through thick overgrown brush until you reach the North Fork of the Smith. North Fork Visitors Check out recent trips in the watershed. Travel for 1.6 miles veering to the right onto Forest Road #919. The campground is also popular with four-wheel-drive groups who enjoy driving the jeep trails and back . "California White Water by Jim Cassady and Fryar Calhoun. United States government. Need to have a ride to make it a one way hike. The Redwall Gorge starts around mile four with a number of great Class III and IV rapids. Off grid Cabin on 9 private riverfront acres Listen to the north fork of the Smith River roar Most pristine un-dammed river in the country Limited fishing because of it being spawning grounds Watch the salmon swim at the old bridge abutment on the property Completely secluded Great swimming hole nearby 16 miles to nearest neighbors New modern bu. North Fork Smith Restoration This is a landscape-scale terrestrial restoration project in the North Fork Smith River watershed area. Youll have very little company if you venture out to chase cutthroat or steelhead on the North Fork, but you may find fish, and youll surely find great scenery. Travel 10.6 miles, turning right onto Forest Road #23. Its a beautiful hike through old growth Douglas Fir (including one with an 11 foot diameter!). This trail is now definitely one of my favorite hikes in Oregon. October 28, 1988. A great view driving in to start. The North Fork provides seven miles of near-pristine steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and is a significant source of the high-quality water on which the anadromous fishery of the Smith River depends. we did a short two day one night backpacking trip on this trail. You can portage the entrance drop on the right side. American Whitewater The 6.8-mile (10.9km) trail, which also passes through the Biscuit Fire area, is suitable for day hiking but not for horse riding. Location of the mouth of the North Fork Smith River in California, "Nickel Mining Company May Mine Oregon Creek That Feeds Scenic California River", "Oregon Nickel Mining Proposal Runs Into Stiff Opposition", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_Fork_Smith_River_(California)&oldid=934537612, Wild and Scenic Rivers of the United States, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 7 January 2020, at 02:29. The North Fork Smith River is a relatively low-gradient river, dropping approximately 1,800 feet from an elevation of 2,900 feet in its headwaters in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness to 1,100 feet at the Oregon/California border. not much for views but beautiful forests and streams. The snacks were enough for two people (we had a third but he whined the whole time because he forgot his portion of the snacks and was upset there wasn't enough for all of us) I'd bring more water next time as well. Didnt have time to make it the full 7 miles to Kentucky Fallswill make it on another day. There are 13 miles of the North Fork Smith River in Oregon. Arising near Chetco Peak in the Klamath Mountains, it flows generally south to meet the Middle Fork Smith River at Gasquet, California. After that there are a lot of fallen tree and limbs that require climbing and crawling to get past. North Fork Falls on the North Fork of the Smith River. Putting in at Major Moore's on the North Fork of the Smith River. Definitely watch the footing. Smith River Mile-By-Mile Map - California Whitewater The North Fork Smith Botanical Area is approximately 28,000 acres in size. View into the South Fork Smith River drainage. Travel for 4.3 miles to the North Fork Smith Trailhead on the left. Water Quality: The North Fork Smith River is known for its outstanding water quality and for its ability to clear quickly following storms. Salmon, Native American culture, history, whitewater boating, unmatched beauty, world-renowned fishing, solitude, what don't Northwest rivers offer in abundance? Either way, its worth the effort.
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