About Us
Six Rivers National Forest lies east of Redwood State and
National Parks in northwestern California, and stretches southward from the
Oregon border for about 140 miles. It encompasses 957,590 National Forest acres
and 133,410 acres of other ownership. Smith River National Recreation Area and
Orleans, Lower Trinity, and Mad River Ranger Districts make up the Forest. The
Forest lies in Del Norte County (43%), Humboldt County (35%), Trinity County
(21%), and Siskiyou County (1%). It forms a long, narrow land section, stretching
from the Oregon border on the north to Mendocino County on the south.
How Did Six Rivers Begin?
Six Rivers National Forest was established by President Truman on June 3, 1947, from parts of the Siskiyou, Klamath, and Trinity National Forests. When it became obvious that the growth and development of the coastal area of Humboldt and Del Norte counties would create a demand and a need for the development and use of the natural resources of these lands, the administration of the area was transferred from the inland cities to Eureka. The noted author Peter B. Kyne suggested the name Six Rivers, which refers to the six major waterways which drain or pass through the Forest: the Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Mad, Van Duzen, and Eel Rivers.
Conifers Glades Streams
The Forest incorporates:
- Extensive stands of conifers in rugged, mountainous settings.
- Moderate amounts of grassy glades in the southern half.
- Elevation ranges from near sea level on the west to just under 7,000 feet along the eastern mountain crests.
- About 1,500 miles of permanent streams, supplying about 9% of California's total runoff.
Timber Recreation Fisheries
The Six Rivers is best known for its valued timber, dispersed recreation, and outstanding anadromous fishing. Whitewater rafting on the Klamath and Trinity Rivers along with kayaking on the Smith River are providing visitors exciting water recreation opportunities.
Plants Fish Wildlife
Diverse types of plants, fish, and wildlife are found here:
- Three federally classified endangered species: bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and McDonald's rock cress.
- 37 species classified as sensitive (requires special management): 32 plant, two bird, two mammal, and one fish species.
Wilderness and Rivers
Providing solitude for visitors are four wildernesses that lie within, or partially in, the Six Rivers National Forest: Siskiyou, Trinity Alps, Yolla-Bolly, and North Fork. More than 360 miles of Wild, Scenic, and Recreation Rivers are in the Six Rivers National Forest
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