California whitewater - Smith River - South Fork, Coast Ranges, Del Norte County

Del Norte county, Big Flat Campground to confluence with Middle Fork section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.

 

CLASS III-V     13 miles
  The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often tougher than in other states, so better not forget that many of the sections here are not safe for beginners. The put-in is not too far from Crescent City North, as you can see on the road map further down. The nature scenery of California and the cool fresh water are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. There are a few other sections in this river system that can be paddled as well. A good workout and spending some quality time in nature will make you glad you came.
    The Big Flat Campground to confluence with Middle Fork section of Smith River - South Fork in Del Norte County is 13 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class III-V section. There aren’t any hotels right nearby but if you're willing to drive a short
distance then no problem but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. If you hurry you can run this section in a day but why not make it an overnighter, so pack your sleeping bag. Since you're on this site you are probably into whitewater rafting or kayaking, either way around here you won't find a large number of other places. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground. The river winds through the Coast Ranges and you get great scenery.

Briefly about the general area:
Throughout the summertime
 
highs here at Smith River - South Fork reach the 60's, and through summer nights temperatures are in the 50's. During the winter highs are in the 50's while the cold winter nights at Smith River - South Fork are in the 30's. Now, you may feel that's loads but there's even more fun things to do here in the Coast Ranges.
Take a hike on the Paradise Trail, and you can have a wonderful hiking adventure along the French Hill Trail. The high level of rainfall makes Smith River - South Fork a quite wet place; through the month of December you get the most rain around here while July is the month with the least amount of precipitation.

Smith River - South Fork, Big Flat Campground to confluence with Middle Fork road map
Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.

QUICK STATS
AW Class: III-V
Length: 13 miles
  
Putin Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 41.69166
Longitude: -123.92871

Takeout Location Coordinates:
Latitude: 41.79533
Longitude: -124.05465

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Current weather conditions at Smith River - South Fork, Coast Ranges, California
WXPort

Local climate location: CRESCENT CITY 17 miles away


RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS

There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river.

Super 8 Motel - Crescent City, Crescent City
13 miles away
Located at the south end of Crescent City on Redwood Highway 101 across from Crescent City Harbor. 49 spacious rooms in a quiet, relaxed setting, some with harbor views. Walk across the street to expl...

Anchor Beach Inn, Crescent City
13 miles away
Anchor Beach Inn offers amenities to suit all travelers needs. Whether you are here on business, pleasure, or a little of both. We offer a complimentary continental breakfast, indoor jacuzzi, g...

Best Western Northwoods Inn, Crescent City
13 miles away
Experience a unique escape at this Crescent City hotel located in the heart of the area's redwood forests and across from the Pacific Ocean. The Best Western Northwoods Inn is located near some of th...



OTHER_INFO
  Coast Ranges Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater kayaking and rafting spots in the Coast Ranges.

Coast Ranges Outdoors Info
Complete outdoors info for the Coast Ranges.

All California Whitewater
Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in California.
Books about whitewater paddling on Smith River - South Fork, California
List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Smith River - South Fork, California.
Find a whitewater outfitter in California

Whitewater Basics
If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.
Outdoors Recreation Near Crescent City North, California
Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Crescent City North, California, the metro area neareast to Smith River - South Fork. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
 

   

OUTDOORS
These outdoors activities are available near Smith River - South Fork.
 Whitewater Near Smith River - South Fork:
Goose Creek, Del Norte County , 6 miles away, Class V - 5.6 miles long (Saddle Road to South Fork Smith confluence)
Smith River - Middle Fork, Del Norte County , 8 miles away, Class II-V - 22 miles long (6 Miles Above Patrick Creek to South Fork Road)
Hurdygurdy Creek, Del Norte County , 9 miles away, Class V - 7.7 miles long (Bear Basin Road to Big Flat Road)
Smith River - North Fork, Del Norte County , 9 miles away, Class III-V - 13 miles long (Low Divide Road to Gasquet)
Klamath River, Humboldt County , 23 miles away, Class II - 36 miles long (Weitchpec to Klamath Glen)
Redwood Creek, Humboldt County , 29 miles away, Class III - 25 miles long (Lacks Creek to Orick)
 Ski Areas Near Smith River - South Fork:
Mt. Ashland, Oregon , 90 miles away, 1150 vertical feet
Mount Shasta, California , 125 miles away, 1390 vertical feet
Willamette Pass, Oregon , 166 miles away, 1563 vertical feet
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon , 198 miles away, 3365 vertical feet
 Hotels Near Smith River - South Fork:
Super 8 Motel - Crescent City, Crescent City , 13 miles away
Anchor Beach Inn, Crescent City , 13 miles away
Best Western Northwoods Inn, Crescent City , 13 miles away
Comfort Inn & Suites Redwood Coast, Crescent City , 13 miles away
Best Value Inn - Crescent City, Crescent City , 13 miles away
 Camp Grounds Near Smith River - South Fork:
Hiouchi Hamlet RV Resort, Crescent City, 6 miles away
Big Flat Campground, Del Norte County, 6 miles away
Red Alder Campground, Del Norte County, 8 miles away
 Trails Near Smith River - South Fork:
Paradise Trail, Del Norte County , 0 miles away, 7.6 hiking miles, 1561 feet elevation difference
French Hill Trail, Del Norte County , 5 miles away, 2.2 hiking miles, 2021 feet elevation difference
Elk Camp Ridge Trail, Del Norte County , 12 miles away, 8.7 hiking miles, 2616 feet elevation difference
Summit Valley Trail, Del Norte County , 13 miles away,  14.8 hiking miles, 3955 feet elevation difference
Hope Creek Trail, Humboldt County , 16 miles away, 2.6 hiking miles, 500 feet elevation difference
Crea Trail, Humboldt County , 18 miles away, 3.1 hiking miles, 688 feet elevation difference
Zigzag Trail, Humboldt County , 18 miles away,  1 hiking miles, 521 feet elevation difference
 National Parks Near Smith River - South Fork:
Redwood National and State Parks, Crescent City - CA , 12 miles away
Oregon Caves National Monument, Cave Junction - OR , 33 miles away
 Lakes Near Smith River - South Fork

Outdoors related information copyright © Stratus-Pikpuk, Inc. - Detailed hotel information copyright © Interactive Hotel Solutions
Some content, including Reach Name, Class, and Length, comes from American Whitewater