There’s only one problem with taking a vacation in the Redwood National and State Park system.
After a few days of hiking, camping and exploring the world’s tallest trees, there comes a moment when even the most devoted redwood loverwill say something along the lines of … “what’s next?”
If you stare at the Sistine Chapel ceiling nonstop for three days, you’ll likely get bored. And so it goes even within the world’s most beautiful forests.
Luckily, there’s a great way to cleanse the redwood pallet — to add a little adventure and escape the crowds that build up during summer.
It’s with a float through the redwoods, down one of the clearest rivers in the United States.
The “redwood float,” as it’s commonly known, takes you down the Smith River, an emerald-colored stream just south of the Oregon-California state line at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
PODCAST:Explore the best hikes and campgrounds among Oregon and California redwoods
The redwood float offers the chance to dip your feet in the water, lay back, and stare up at trees rising 300 feet overhead. No need to hike or navigate crowded trails. The world is your oyster on a float that offers mellow solitude on a river that seems made of liquid glass.
"A lot of visitors say this was the highlight of their trip," said Adam Spencer, who offers guided trips and rentals from Crescent City-based business Redwood Rides. "They love being able to view and visit the old-growth redwoods from the water where you can see the full profile of the trees."
The float is generally easy, but does have a few rapids that occasionally flip unwary kayakers.
How to make it happen
There are a few different ways to organize a float through the redwoods on the Smith River.
Redwood Rides offers guided options for half- and full-day trips that can include a catered riverside lunch. It costs between $69 and$120 per person.
A do-it-yourself style trip is possible by renting an inflatable kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, which costs from $50 to $90per day and includes a shuttle drop-off and pick-up.
And finally, of course, you can bring your own boat and figure out your own shuttle for free. The trick is knowing where to start and finish.
Redwood Float
If you’ve ever traveled down U.S. Highway 199, across the state line and intoCalifornia's redwood realm, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the Smith River.
It's a river so clear the water reflects greens and blues so rich it has to be seen in person, on a sunny day, toappreciate. Pictures and words fall short.
The place to begin the redwood floatis at Forks River Access and Boat Ramp, just before the boundary of Jed Smithstate park near the small town of Hiouchi.
The length of the float is either3.5 miles if you take out at Society Hole, or 7.5 miles if you take out atRuby Van Deventer County Campground.
The first stretch of river takes you through a silver-green canyon before entering the park, where the redwoods begin to rise overhead.
It can be difficult to appreciate the size of the trees from the river, so it’s nice to pull over from time to time.
Spencer normally takes guests to the Mill Creek grove of giant redwoods on guided trips.
The river is mostly mellow, with long stretches of calm interspersed with a few rapids that can flip unwaryinflatable kayakers.
"People love that it is super accessible — easy enough for families with small kids and beginners," Spencer said.
Views of old-growth redwoods last for about five miles on the river. After they end, keep your eyes peeled for a giant salmon or steelhead.The Smith is California's largest completely un-dammed river system and has one of the state's best native fish runs.
Whether it's giant trees or fish, emerald water or small rapids, there's a lot to love about the redwood float.
More Smith River
If this mellow float inspires you to catch the Smith River bug, I’d encourage you to seek out trips on the river’s upper forks, home to some of the most beautiful and thrilling whitewater boating on earth.
The North Fork of the Smith wilderness run is the most famous — it takes you through a remote canyon home to bizarre geology and insect-eating plants. Another favorite is the South Fork of the Smith, home to beautiful rainforest canyons. Each of those upper river stretches require strong whitewater running experience and knowledge of the river.
MORE:This ‘desert river’ flows through Oregon and California rainforest
Redwood float
In a nutshell: Mellow float down Smith River through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Location: Near Crescent City, Calif., just south of the Oregon-California state line.
Put in:Forks River Access and Boat Ramp
Take out:Ruby van Deventer County Park orSociety Hole withinJedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Length: 3.5 or 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Class I and II
Guided trips / boat rentals: Redwood Rides,(707) 951-6559
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Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter, photographer and videographer in Oregon for 11 years. To support his work,subscribe to the Statesman Journal.Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.
