Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Recreation -
Wild and Scenic North Fork Smith River

Designated Reach: October 28, 1988. From its headwaters to the Oregon-California state line.

Classification/Mileage

• Wild: 8.5 miles
• Scenic: 4.5 miles
• Total: 13.0 miles

There are 13 miles of the North Fork Smith River in Oregon. Designated as wild and scenic in 1988, the two "wild" sections extend from the headwaters to Horse Creek and from Baldface Creek to the Oregon/California state line. The portion between Horse Creek and Baldface Creek is designated "scenic."

The North Fork Smith River is a relatively low-gradient river, dropping approximately 1,800 feet from an elevation of 2,900 feet in its headwaters in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness to 1,100 feet at the Oregon/California border. The North Fork flows south from the flank of Chetco Peak in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness to its confluence with the Smith River in California, creating one of the best protected river systems in the National System.

The North Fork Smith River is influenced by both the moist coastal climate and the dry interior climate. Average annual precipitation is approximately 120 inches. Most of the precipitation falls during the months of October through March, with some precipitation falling as snow primarily in the higher elevations. Temperatures generally range from winter lows in the 20s to summer highs near the 100s.

The river has three outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs), which qualified it for designation into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System: fisheries, water quality, and scenic quality.

Fisheries

The North Fork Smith River's fishery, typical of Pacific coastal systems, is dominated by trout and salmon. Winter steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout are the predominant anadromous species on the North Fork. Some populations of coho, chinook (both fall and spring run), and summer steelhead are found in the lower reaches of the river, primarily in California. The North Fork provides seven miles of near-pristine steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and is a significant source of the high-quality water on which the anadromous fishery of the Smith River depends.

Water Quality

The North Fork Smith River is known for its outstanding water quality and for its ability to clear quickly following storms. Low turbidity and lack of pollutants contribute to the river's excellent habitat and high fisheries value. Some of the North Fork's tributaries, most notably Baldface and Chrome Creeks, flow through, and are heavily influenced by, the area's geology (ultramafic rock bodies which lie both east and west of the river). The contribution of both dissolved minerals and suspended sediments from these streams influences the main stem of the North Fork, seasonally affecting its color, clarity and nutrient supply.

Scenic Quality

The scenic quality in the river corridor is a result of a combination of the color, geology, water, and vegetation features. Factors contributing to site-specific scenic diversity include: large rocks, deep pools, exposed outcrops of peridotite (or serpentinite), a variety of soil types and colors, a variety of plant life (including old growth Douglas-fir), anadromous fisheries, wildlife, and emerald-colored water.

Recreation Opportunities

The primary recreational attractions in the watershed are the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, Sourdough Camp, and several trails. Sourdough Camp offers excellent dispersed camping and is located just outside Kalmiopsis Wilderness. Access to this camp is provided by Forest Service road 4402-206 (dirt), Sourdough Trail, and the North Fork Smith River Trails. This undeveloped campground, provides an opportunity for remote camping that is accessible by high clearance vehicles and motorcycles, as well as hikers and other users. Road and trail routes into Sourdough Camp provide the only access available to this river in Oregon. Recreational activities include swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. Sourdough Camp is sometimes used as a put-in spot by kayakers when water levels are high enough (winter & early spring).

The Sourdough Trail is 3.9 miles long, connecting the trailhead on Forest Service road 1107-220, through the proposed Lemmingsworth Gulch Research Natural Area, to Sourdough Camp. The trail provides access for botanical study of serpentinite associated plant species. A short portion of this trail crosses through a wet boggy area, or fen. Please attempt to minimize your impact if crossing this area by attempting to stay to the drier areas and avoiding the visible wildflowers. Note that fording of the North Fork Smith River is necessary to reach Sourdough Camp and may not be possible until early summer. The North Fork Smith River Trail provides a 12.4 mile access route to Doe Gap at an elevation of 3,700 feet within the Kalmiopsis Wilderness.

Camping

While Sourdough Camp is undeveloped, there are existing sites which should be used to concentrate the impacts of camping. Also, there are a few pit toilets which should be used. If these toilets are not functional, use the "cat hole" method of disposing of your solid human waste. Garbage removal services are not provided, so please pack out whatever you pack in.

Fire

Please use only dead and down fuel wood for you campfires. Never leave a fire unattended, and put out all fires with water. The potential for a wildfire increases dramatically in the hot summer months. Check with either the Illinois Valley Ranger District or the Chetco Ranger District for the latest fire restrictions.

Wilderness Use

Permits are not required for visiting the nearby Kalmiopsis Wilderness. The Forest Service appreciates your filling out the voluntary registration cards at the trailheads. Wilderness and wild and scenic river corridors are sensitive environments which require the practice of the best Leave No Trace ethics in minimizing impacts while still enjoying these natural areas.

In addition, if visiting the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, please follow wilderness restrictions on the Kalmiopsis Wilderness web page.

Six Rivers National Forest Information on Lower Portion of the North Fork Smith River

North Fork Smith Wild and Scenic River Photos