The Smith River, known for its trophy-size fish, is a major route for migrating fish to their native spawning grounds. When a 1964 flood destroyed much of the spawning population, a need for a fish hatchery arose. In 1968, the Kiwanis Club in the town of Smith River raised enough money to sponsor the construction and operation of the first privately owned fish hatchery in … [Read more...]
#21 – The Wild & Scenic Smith River
The Smith River waterway is the northernmost of California’s major rivers. Its mouth is about 5 miles south of the Oregon border and 10 miles north of Crescent City. It is the largest free-flowing river in the state, producing the largest steelhead and Chinook salmon. The untamed nature of this river, without a single dam along its entire length, makes it especially prized … [Read more...]
#22 – Stout Grove, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
In an region where scenic attractions are difficult to describe without an excess of superlatives, Stout Grove pulls out all the stops. Located on a flood plain between the Smith River and Mill Creek, the periodic flooding prevents the growth of an understory of tanoak, madrone, red alder and other small trees that obscures the view in other stands of redwood. As a result, you … [Read more...]
#54 – Grayback Campground
Escape the hustle of modern life with a stay at Grayback Campground. Located 12 miles east of Cave Junction on Hwy 46 (Caves Hwy), Grayback offers 39 campsites (tent-sites) with picnic tables and fire pits, available on a first come, first served basis. Drinking water, vault toilets, garbage disposal and a campground host are available. There is a one-mile interpretive loop … [Read more...]