About
Smith River, California — 1982 Wild and Scenic, 6th Generation Working River. Wild & Scenic since 1981, the Smith River cuts 70 miles through Del Norte County's Six Rivers National Forest before reaching the Pacific — California's last major undammed river system. At 3,200 CFS average flow, the Smith runs big water through old-growth redwood canyons, with optimal levels between 1,000 and 5,000 CFS on gauge 11532500. The South Fork offers the most popular runs at Class II-III through towering redwood corridors. The Middle Fork pushes harder through wilderness gorge country at Class III-IV, while the main stem below the forks mellows to Class I-II steelhead water approaching the ocean. The Smith River National Recreation Area protects the entire watershed, maintaining some of the cleanest water in California. Winter storms can spike flows well above the 5,000 CFS ceiling, making this a seasonal river that demands careful gauge reading before launch.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.