Smith River Rafting in Northwest California

The Smith consists of three forks (North, Middle, and South) as well as the Main River. Each section has its own character, but all promise remarkable scenery and a wide variety of whitewater experiences. The close proximity of the river access points allows us the flexibility to choose those sections best suited to the current water flows, weather conditions, paddler capabilities, and customer wishes. Plus, Rogue Klamath River Adventures' fleet of Inflatable Kayaks and custom river tubes allows us to extend the season when flows get too low for rafts.

Due to the distances most visitors travel to reach this secluded area, we help many of our Smith River customers plan a full vacation. Setting up a base camp allows day trips for rafting, hiking & sightseeing. Only 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean, a Rogue Klamath River Adventures vacation can provide trips to the seashore, the state and national parks, Lake Earl Wildlife Area, and the historic village of Gasquet. The Smith also provides world-class fishing for seasonal salmon and steelhead. Let Rogue Klamath River Adventures make your vacation a truly memorable one.

A classic wilderness whitewater adventure, the pure mountain waters of the North Fork flow out of Oregon through an old growth forest untouched by logger's blades. Wildlife abounds, as does solitude, since few visitors venture this deep into the Siskiyou Mountains. The North Fork is best experienced as a 2 day, 1 night downriver trip, or as a long one-day trip for our Southern Oregon guests.

As outdoor author Ann Dwyer states, "This is a fabulous run, on a fabulous river, with fabulous scenery." The pool and drop nature of the river makes this section full of fun rapids and relaxing floats, with plenty of time for sunning, swimming, and water fights. The close proximity of the Smith River Scenic Byway makes the Middle Fork perfect for day trips.

The crystal clear South Fork drains from the rugged Siskiyou Wilderness and then winds among the redwoods to its rendezvous with the Middle Fork. Another fine example of pool & drop rivers, this stretch of river is perfect for families with younger children. Multiple access points and wide sandy beaches make this waterway appropriate for day trips or a 2 day, 1 night downriver camping experience.

On its way to the ocean, the emerald river flows gently through Jedidiah Smith Redwood State Park, a watery highway through a tunnel of giant redwoods, some of the earth's largest creations. This easy, fun float is a perfect day trip for families of all ages and is a great chance to try our Inflatable Kayaks and river tubes.

RKRA offers two methods of overnight camping on multi-day trips. "Downriver" style is the more traditional raft trip; all of the camp gear and personal belongings are loaded on a gear boat that is traveling with your group. Once you put in on the river you don't get off until your trip is over. The downriver style allows for more flexibility of where you stop and camp, provides a more remote wilderness experience, and gives a sense of independence and self-reliance. You can expect tasty riverside meals with an emphasis on grilling and Dutch oven wizardry; quality backpack style tent, bag, and pad sleeping gear; using a basic "groover" rafting toilet in the woods; and feeling completely removed from civilization. The disadvantages of this style are the limitations on what and how much we can carry; despite our best efforts things do get wet; and that in hot dry summers there may be a ban on campfires in remote camps.

The second method of overnight camping is a RKRA exclusive we call "Pamper the Camper". "Pamper the Camper" utilizes river access points and campgrounds to provide a first class overnight experience. Each afternoon, we will end our day's travels at base camp, where our camp host has already unloaded the packed gear truck, set up your cabin tent with cot, arranged an outfitters kitchen to die for, and started a crackling fire in the USFS fire ring surrounded by a circle of super comfy chairs. You'll be greeted by your personal (and dry!) gear, creative appetizers, a variety of libations, and an enclosed campground toilet. The bigger kitchen allows our chefs to prepare and present meals you will talk about for years, food paired with the very best wines offered in California and Oregon. You can relax with horseshoes or other games, fish with your own tackle, break out your cameras, or maybe play your precious musical instrument. With a truck and trailer, there is almost nothing we can't bring in to make you more comfortable or happy.

If BIG whitewater is what you crave, RKRA can plan a Smith River vacation that includes rafting the Oregon Hole Gorge and the South Fork Gorge. Both are boulder-filled Class V screamers. You'll need to be physically fit and have some previous whitewater experience (Class III or above).

You have a mental picture of what you want your vacation and raft trip to be. Just tell us here at Rogue Klamath River Adventures what you want and we can make it happen for you!

1-800-231-0769 or Email Us: info@rogueklamath.com

Please Note: All Rogue Klamath River Adventures trips are conducted with the permission, approvals, required permits and licenses, and within the established guidelines of: the Oregon Marine Board; The United States Department of Interior; The Bureau of Land Management - Medford and Vale District Offices, and the Klamath Falls Resource Area; the U.S. Forest Service - Rogue and Klamath National Forests.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY RECREATION SERVICE PROVIDER
ALL TRIPS OPERATED ON A NON-DISCRIMINATORY BASIS

The Smith River