The emerald-green Smith River flows freely and naturally, without a single dam for its entire length. Cooler temperatures and remote locations cut down on crowds. The river is an important stream for fish, with towering trees along its banks provide shaded conditions necessary for cold-water species.Winter rains provide the whitewater conditions so avidly sought by kayakers. They have some of the best beachfront property in the Golden State and thankfully it is protected from developers. Once the three forks join to form the mainstem, the land levels out, and the last 16 miles to the ocean present less demanding conditions (Class I-II in medium flows).Just past the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork, the river leaves the NRA and flows through the Redwood National and State Parks, with stunning views of the giant redwoods and great summer floating in Class I and II waters. Kayak the Smith River Redwood forests or coast with top-of-the-line sit-on Malibu Ocean kayaks. The North Fork from the California-Oregon border to its confluence with the Middle Fork of the Smith River, including Diamond Creek, Bear Creek, Still Creek, the North Fork of Diamond Creek, High Plateau Creek, Stony Creek, and Peridotite Creek.The Smith River was added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981 at the request of the Governor of California. The NRA encompasses more than 450-square-miles of densely forested mountains, pristine botanical areas, remote wilderness landscapes, high-mountain lakes and steep, rocky canyons. 72 Homes For Sale in Smith River, CA. Smith River has a moderate climate with typical temperatures in the 60’s in the summer and not too much colder in the winter. The median income in Smith River, CA is $46,694 and the median home value is $214,286. The actual Smith River flows right into the Pacific Ocean, and to the delight of fishermen, produces some of the largest Chinook Salmon and Steelhead around. The South Fork from its headwaters to its confluence with the main stem, including Williams Creek, Eightmile Creek, Harrington Creek, Prescott Fork, Quartz Creek, Jones Creek, Hurdygurdy Creek, Gordon Creek, Coon Creek, Craigs Creek, Goose Creek, the East Fork of Goose Creek, Buck Creek, Muzzleloader Creek, Canthook Creek, Rock Creek, and Blackhawk Creek. California State Beaches can be found up and down the coast. From Class-1 rapids, to calm flat waters in the lower river, and protected sections of the Del Norte coast, many tour options are available. It is the only major system in California to do so.Wild — 78.0 miles; Scenic — 31.0 miles; Recreational — 216.4 miles; Total — 325.4 miles. But less tourism also means fewer options for lodging. The Siskiyou Fork from its headwaters to its confluence with the Middle Fork, including the South Siskyou Fork of the Smith River. The Smith River offers surprises for even the most seasoned boater—some rapids may change little for many years, others are different every year and each season offers something new.January 19, 1981 and November 16, 1990. Its miles of whitewater require a fairly high degree of technical skills by the boater. We are part of the Banana Belt that covers this part of the California-Oregon Coast. In 1990, the portions of the Smith River on the Six Rivers National Forest were redesignated through the public law that created the Smith River National Recreation Area. Call for details on the right adventure for your party. The NRA was created to protect the area's special scenic value, natural diversity, cultural and historical attributes, wilderness, wildlife, fisheries and the Smith River watershed's clean waters. American River Bike Trail (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) is a 28 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Sacramento, California that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The Forest Service has been designated as the steward of the NRA to provide recreational opportunities and to manage this diverse area for all of its valuable resources. Below the National Forest, the Smith River and designated tributaries flow through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and Redwoods National Park and on to the Pacific Ocean.Other recreational opportunities include fish watching, steelhead and salmon fishing, swimming or snorkeling in deep natural pools of clear and emerald water, tubing and rafting, hiking along backcountry and wilderness trails, and mountain biking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Sightseeing is also popular; wildlife and beautiful flowers are abundant—Pacific dogwoods, azaleas, rhododendrons, ladyslipper orchids and lilies.