Smith River National Recreation Area

Also known as Gasquet Ranger District or 'NRA', the Smith River National Recreation Area is abound with recreational activities. The Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA) was designated by Congress in 1990 to protect the area’s scenic value, natural diversity, cultural and historical attributes, wilderness, wildlife, fisheries, and the Smith River watershed’s clean waters. The Smith River is the only major undammed, naturally flowing river remaining in California. This allows the Forest to provide recreational opportunities and manage all its natural resources across over 300,000 acres.

The beautiful Smith River offers fishing for steelhead, trout, and salmon. During the summer months, the pure, clean waters of the Smith River are perfect for swimming, rafting, or fishing and the forested mountainsides present occasions for hiking, bird watching, wildflower walks, or perhaps just lounging in the sun.

Winter temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s, with an occasional snow storm. The rainy season normally runs from October through April with an average annual rainfall of 92.55 inches. Summers are dry with highs in the 80-100° F degree range. 

Contact the NRA Headquarters at the Gasquet Ranger Station for current weather conditions.