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Map showing the location of Smith River National Recreation Area
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Smith River National Recreation Area

Del Norte County, California

Overview

Recreational activities abound in the Smith River NRA. The beautiful Smith River offers fishing for steelhead, trout, and salmon. During the summer months, the pure, clean waters of the Smith River are perfect for swimming, rafting, or fishing and the forested mountainsides present occasions for hiking, bird watching, wildflower walks, or perhaps just lounging in the sun. Winter temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s, with an occasional snow storm. The rainy season normally runs from October through April with an average annual rainfall of 92.55 inches. Summers are dry with highs in the 80-100 degree range. Contact the National Recreation Area Headquarters at the Gasquet Ranger Station for current weather conditions. Camping Guide - Smith River NRA, rev. 4/2015 - PDF Campsite Spur Dimensions - Smith River NRA, rev. 1-2015 - PDF Trail Guide - Smith River NRA, rev. 2-2002 - PDF River Access Trails - Smith River NRA, rev. 8-2014 - PDF River Access Trails - Smith River NRA, rev. 8-2014 - Word Lakes - Smith River NRA, rev. 3-2003 - PDF Things to Do in an Hour or Two - Smith River NRA, rev. 2-2003 - PDF Darlingtonia Trail - Smith River NRA, rev. 3-2003 - PDF Myrtle Creek Trail - Smith River NRA, rev. 2-2000 - PDF Bear Basin Lookout and Pierson Cabin Brochure, rev. 2-2015 - PDF Fish of the Smith River, rev. 12/2002 - PDF

Amenities

  • WaterNo
  • ElectricNo
  • PetsNo
  • ReservableNo

Conditions

Live conditions for this spot aren't wired up yet. Until they are: check the forecast for Del Norte County, California, pack layers, and leave word with someone before you head out.

Reviews

When accounts launch, this is where trip reports, ratings, and field notes for Smith River National Recreation Area will live — real notes from people who actually went, not star averages from nowhere.