Explore the Forest!
There are mountains of opportunities for exploring the Six Rivers National Forest!
The Forest supports diverse ecosystems and landscapes, including extensive stands of coniferous forest and beautiful oak woodlands and grasslands. The forest's ecosystems provide habitat for eight federally classified threatened and endangered species— including the bald eagle and peregrine falcon. In addition, 32 plant, two bird, one fish, and two mammal species found in the Forest are designated as Forest Service Sensitive species.
Spanning four northern California countries, more than one million acres, and ranging in elevation from nearly sea-level to approximately 7,000 feet, the forest offer limitless opportunities for sightseeing, outdoor recreation, historical and cultural excursions, and many other pursuits. Discover for yourself the secrets of this very special place.
The Forest's Namesake
Can you name all Six Rivers?
More than 1,500 miles of waterways run within the Six Rivers Forest’s boundaries, constituting nine percent of California’s total freshwater runoff.
The Smith, Klamath, Trinity, and Eel River watersheds include more than 365 miles of designated Wild and Scenic River, and the Salmon River on the Ukonom Ranger District is also a Wild and Scenic River. The rivers provide many recreational opportunities. While rafting and kayaking are popular water-based recreational activities, the resilient watersheds of the Forest are perhaps best known for providing some of the best anadromous (up-river migrating) fishing opportunities in California
What is a Wild and Scenic River?
We believe that all of our rivers on the Six Rivers National Forest are "wild and scenic," however some of our rivers are officially designated and classified and wild, scenic, or both!
When a river is added to the National System, it is given a classification—wild, scenic, or recreational. These names have little to do with recreation, scenery, or wilderness, but, instead, are measures of the level of development along the river at the time of designation. Different sections of a river might have different classifications.
Wild River Areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America.
Scenic River Areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.
Take a Drive
Incredible journeys through Six Rivers await along our National Forest Scenic Byways. Travelling along these routes combine history, driving, and recreation into an illustrated timeline of people and nature, offering many opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Along the many Scenic Byway routes of Northern California, boomtowns that once hosted prospectors during the Gold Rush now host visitor and tourists.
Explore the Wild
Six Rivers National Forest boasts access to six Wilderness Areas that provide opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. The Forest shares management of four wilderness areas—the Siskiyou, Trinity Alps, Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel, and Marble Mountain Wilderness Areas—with nearby forests, and solely manages the North Fork and Mount Lassic Wilderness Areas
What is Wilderness?
Established by the Wilderness Act of 1964, federally-designated wilderness is the highest level of legal protection for public lands. By law, wilderness is largely free from roads, buildings, and mechanized equipment. It is preserved for its wealth of values: ecological, scientific, recreational, historic, and cultural. These places are meant to be truly wild. A space reserved for wildlife to roam free. For nature to thrive on its own terms. For humans to unplug from civilization and experience solitude and connection to the natural world. Wilderness serves as a refuge to all.
Six Rivers Wilderness Character
Those willing to put in the work and preparation to explore the Six Rivers National Forest's wilderness areas are met with an almost overwhelming experience of solitude. Wilderness experiences on the forest are as varied and diverse as they are awe-inspiring.
One can watch a river crash wildly and free through deep and remote canyons. You can find yourself suddenly surrounded by a staggering diversity of conifers. Some seek to experience deep tranquility on the shores of a sub-alpine lake, well worth the hike. You may even discover specks of vibrant wildflowers scattered across an otherworldly moonscape. Or maybe, you'll simply gaze out from a remote mountain peak, taking in miles and miles of untrammeled beauty.
These and more adventures await you, and often leave visitors understanding why many suspect the legendary Bigfoot could be hiding out in the wild regions of the Six Rivers National Forest. No matter your wilderness experience, we encourage you to come prepared, stay safe, and enjoy your public lands.