Canoeing in Del Norte County

Lake Earl Wildlife Area

One of California’s most productive wetlands, this lake is a perfect spot for canoeing and boating to view wildlife. This sensitive habitat is actually an estuarine lagoon.

Klamath River

The westernmost part of the Klamath River is calm, which is suitable for canoeing. A good river access point is along Highway 169 about 23-25 miles south of Crescent City.

Smith River National Recreation Area

The beautiful, wild, jade-green Smith River is one of the last free-flowing river systems in America. In winter, torrential rains create excellent whitewater conditions. All 3 forks of the Smith River provide some Class IV and Class V rapids. When all 3 forks join together, less demanding conditions prevail (mostly Class I and II). Before setting out, always check river conditions at the Gasquet Ranger Station. The phone number is 707-457-3131.

South Fork - 39 miles (Class III – Class V)

This fork is popular for canoeing, kayaking and rafting in winter and spring when water levels are optimum. Along South Fork Road, there are some good canoe put-in spots. Good runs between Cooper’s Flat and Goose Creek.

• Upper Run (Class IV-V) - This 6.5 mile run starts at the put in along South Kelsey Trail and ends at Steven’s Bridge. Many rapids.
• Steven’s Bridge (Class III) - 11.4 miles starting at Steven’s Bridge to Craig’s Beach. This part of the river has many Class II and Class III rapids. Make sure to take out at Craig's Beach unless you plan on running the Class V South Fork Gorge below.
• South Fork Gorge (Class IV -V) - 1.8 miles, put in at Craig’s Beach, take out at South Fork Bridge or Jed Smith). This portion is for kayaks only as high flows are necessary to make slots wide enough for rafts. For inflatable kayaks, attempt this only at low flows. Challenging rapids with steep blind drops in a rocky gorge. Could be potentially dangerous at high water levels.
• Goose Creek (class IV-V) - Saddle Road to South Fork put-in bridge, 5.6 miles. Considered one of the best runs of the drainage.

Middle Fork - (Class III - Class V)

Popular with anglers and swimmers, this fork offers several deep pools, a rocky gorge, and steep rapids.

• Patrick Creek to Gasquet (Class III-IV) - 8.5 miles, put in at Patrick Creek Bridge to take out near the Gasquet store and Laundromat. This run consists of long and swift Class III rapids with one Class IV. One of the more enjoyable runs for rapids. At high flow, this run is inadvisable because of brush along the banks.
• Gasquet Run (Class II) - 5 mile beginners run that puts in at Panther Flat. Take out is at Mary Adams River Access.
• Oregon Hole Gorge (Class IV) - 2.4 miles, put in is at Middle Fork Gorge River access and take out is at the Smith River Boat Launch. Several constricted rapids, cutting through a rocky gorge. The difficulty changes with water level.
• Hardscrabble Creek (Class V) - 4.9 miles, put in south off Wimer Road, take out at Hardscrabble Bridge along Highway 199. With portages.

North Fork - 15 mile (Class IV)

One of the most remote and beautiful whitewater rivers, but can only be run in winter, when torrential rains heighten water level. This area is not visited often. The put-in is at Low Divide Bridge in Six Rivers National Forest to takeout at Gasquet store.   Only the most experienced should attempt this. Crystal clear water gives the sensation of floating on air. The stunning scenery includes impressive gorges, many chutes and rock gardens.

Main Smith - 10 miles (Class II)

The Smith flows placidly through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park to the Pacific Ocean. Accessible from Crescent City by way of Elk Valley and Howland Hill Roads.

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