The Smith River makes a fine boating destination in the rainy season, offering paddlers a wide variety of runs. As water levels rise, boaters can move upstream or try some of the side creeks. The Smith is the largest undammed river in California, so its flow fluctuates freely. You may run the same section many times and encounter different rapids on each trip. With headwaters in well-managed national forest, the Smith is generally crystal-clear on all its forks, even after heavy rain. Located in a seldom-logged pygmy forest, the North Fork Smith is exceptionally clear; at times you get the feeling of being suspended in air as you float swiftly over its gravel bars.

Typical Class of Water: Class III

Winter and Spring