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Smith River National Recreation Trail

Six Rivers National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
6 mi
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
3 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Smith River, the only major undammed wild river in California
  • Emerald green water over white gravel in the river's characteristic color
  • Adjacent Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park with world's finest old-growth redwoods
  • National Recreation Area designation protecting the entire Smith River watershed
  • Excellent steelhead and salmon fishing in fall and winter

Overview

The Smith River National Recreation Trail follows the world's only major undammed California river through national forest land adjacent to the finest old-growth redwood groves on the continent. The 6-mile out-and-back stays close to the Smith River throughout, passing emerald pools over white gravel, old-growth Douglas fir and redwood fringe forest, and consistent access to one of the best steelhead rivers in the western United States. This is Six Rivers National Forest at its most accessible and most spectacular.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.5: Lower river corridor. The trail begins at the Hiouchi area and follows the north bank of the Smith River upstream. The river's characteristic emerald-green color over white gravel bars is immediately visible. The forest is old-growth Douglas fir and tanoak, with redwood appearing on the shadier slopes adjacent to the state park boundary.

Miles 2.5 to 3.0: Upper section and turnaround. The trail continues upstream through the densest forest section. A large gravel bar near mile 3.0 is the turnaround point, providing a broad river view with the old-growth forest rising on both banks.

When to Hike

May through October for the most accessible conditions. November through March for winter steelhead fishing.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. Flush restrooms and water at the Hiouchi trailhead. Fishing gear for steelhead season.

Trailhead Access

Hiouchi area on US-199, 10 miles east of Crescent City and immediately adjacent to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Flush restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water is available at the trailhead. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

The recommended season for this trail is May through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Six Rivers National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Twin Sisters Trail in the same Del Norte County area provides the wilderness contrast to this accessible river walk. See the Six Rivers National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles along the wild river corridor.

Trailhead Parking

Hiouchi Trailhead parking area near Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, off US-199. Paved lot. No fee. Smith River National Recreation Area information board at the trailhead.

← Back to Six Rivers National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Smith River special?
The Smith River is the only major river system in California that has never been dammed, making it one of the last truly wild river systems remaining in the lower 48 states. The entire watershed is protected within the Smith River National Recreation Area, which encompasses this portion of Six Rivers National Forest. The river's undammed character means it still has natural seasonal flooding patterns, spawning gravel replenishment, and the wild salmon and steelhead runs that dams have eliminated from other California rivers.
Is the Smith River Trail near the redwoods?
Yes. The Smith River trail near Hiouchi is immediately adjacent to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, which protects some of the world's finest old-growth coast redwood groves. The national forest trail follows the river while the state park is accessible via short connector paths. For the full redwood grove experience, enter the state park. For context on the difference between national forests and national parks, see our guide on [national forests vs. national parks](/learn/national-forest-vs-national-park).
When is steelhead fishing best on the Smith River?
The Smith River has one of the finest winter steelhead runs on the California coast, with fish entering the river from November through March. The half-pounder run (juvenile steelhead) occurs in late summer and fall. Check California DFW regulations for current season dates, bag limits, and any special regulations on the Smith River system (as of 2026).